Vice-President for Institutional Advancement

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Vice-President for Institutional Advancement

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) invites applications and nominations for the position of Vice-President for Institutional Advancement of the University.

The University

Founded in 1991, HKUST is an international research university dedicated to the advancement of science, engineering, business & management, and humanities & social science, and the education of the next generation of leaders for the world.  With equal emphasis on undergraduate and postgraduate education as well as close collaboration with industry and business, HKUST is a leading university with significant international impact and strong local commitment. Within a short history of 28 years, HKUST has established a substantial presence in the global higher education scene and received considerable international recognition. Among others, HKUST has been ranked #1 in the World’s Top 300 Young Universities 2019 by Times Higher Education, the 16th worldwide in the Global University Employability Ranking 2018, and the 32nd in the QS World University Rankings in 2020. Its EMBA Program has topped the highly regarded Financial Times Global EMBA Rankings for 9 times in 2007, 2009-2013 and 2016-2018, and it is also ranked #1 in the QS Global Joint EMBA Rankings in 2019. Located on a hillside and waterfront complex overlooking the Clear Water Bay peninsula, HKUST also boasts one of the most scenic campuses in the world.

HKUST comprises around 650 internationally respected and diverse faculty members, with about 10,000 undergraduate and 5,600 postgraduate students. It promotes interdisciplinary studies and a strong entrepreneurial spirit in a diverse learning environment that enhances student development of creativity, innovative thinking and a global outlook. English is the language used in teaching, research and administration.

The Role

HKUST is seeking applications and nominations for the position of Vice-President for Institutional Advancement (VPIA).  Reporting to and working closely with the President, the VPIA is the University’s chief relations and development officer, and a member of the senior management team. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Formulating and executing effective fundraising strategies
• Relationship building with a focus on alumni, donors, and supporters
• International outreach in coordination with academic stakeholders
• Serving as a key member of the University senior management and contributing to the University’s strategic planning and execution
• Oversight of alumni development, public and government relations, community outreach and international and mainland affairs

Specifically, the candidate will be involved in:

• Formulating and executing effective fundraising strategies that align with HKUST’s strategic priorities and direction; broadening the base of support for HKUST; and generating greater levels of giving by increasing the number of donors, strengthening alumni relations, and enhancing giving from individual or institutional donors
• Planning, leading, and executing advancement strategies to enhance HKUST’s brand and international standing
• Providing strategic oversight and coordination of HKUST’s global networking and partnership initiatives
• Providing leadership to functional offices that oversee alumni relations, development, public relations, enterprise relations, government affairs, community outreach, international and mainland affairs, and marketing and communication
• Assisting the President in developing HKUST’s overall strategies, policies and programs

Qualifications

The successful candidate will be a seasoned, visionary, and innovative leader.  Desired attributes include:

• Strong academic and/or professional qualifications
• Identification with HKUST’s mission and values, passion and enthusiasm about the education and academic goals of the University, and strong commitment to building a vibrant base of support for extensive fundraising
• Capacity to engage faculty and articulate their research and educational activities to external audiences in a compelling manner
• Acting as HKUST’s chief relations and development officer with ability to bring the position significant breadth of experience and capacity for leadership in stakeholder relations, corporate communication, crisis management, and brand promotion in both the local and global contexts
• Successful development experience in and demonstrated passion, talent and capacity for effective fundraising across a wide spectrum of donors including alumni, corporates and foundations
• Strong connection with the local, regional, and global communities
• Proven track record at the senior executive level, with skills in organizational management
• Excellent command of spoken and written English and Chinese (including Cantonese and Putonghua)

Candidates with a relevant background, not necessarily from an academic setting, who wish to take on a significant role in the higher education sector are most welcome to explore this opportunity.

Terms & Applications/Nominations

The post is a full-time appointment, normally for an initial term of 5 years, and renewable subject to mutual agreement.  Competitive remuneration and generous fringe benefits, including housing where appropriate, will be provided.

Applications/nominations, together with a full curriculum vitae and the names and addresses of three referees, should be sent to VPIA-HKUST@odgersberndtson.com (Attention: Mr Sherman Chin).  Review of candidates will begin shortly and continue until the position is filled.

HKUST is committed to diversity in recruitment and equal opportunity employment.  Additional information about the University is available on the website <http://www.ust.hk>.

(Information provided by applicants will be used for recruitment and other employment-related purposes.)