Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) seeks a visionary and dynamic academic leader to serve as its next Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (“Provost”).
The University
Founded in 1911, the University of Hong Kong has attained its pre-eminence as a research-led comprehensive university through upholding the highest international standards of excellence in its research pursuits, scholarship, teaching and learning, and service to the community. The University is consistently ranked amongst the world’s top universities: 11th in QS World University Rankings 2026, 1st in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026 and 33rd in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. In recent years, the University was ranked multiple times as the most international University in the world.
Home to ten disciplinary Faculties (Architecture, Arts, Business and Economics, Dentistry, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Science, and Social Sciences), the University is committed to fostering interdisciplinary exchange with an outlook for transformative breakthroughs, innovations and global impact. There are 42,330 undergraduate and postgraduate students from 97 countries, and more than 9,600 academic, academic-related and administrative staff. The University has embarked on a number of ambitious infrastructure and facilities projects for future expansion in the Northern Metropolis, Beijing, Shanghai and Europe.
The Position
Reporting to the President & Vice Chancellor (“the President”), the Provost will:
- act as the President’s most senior partner in moving forward the strategic planning and development of the University;
- supervise and work closely with the relevant Vice Presidents/ Pro-Vice-Chancellors and the Deans of the Faculties to realise the University’s development plans and transformation initiatives;
- empower student and faculty achievements through leadership, strategic planning, policy development and oversight of the academic enterprise;
- oversee the ten Faculties and academic support/student affairs functions, aligning and integrating unit-specific priorities and plans with the strategic direction of the University at large;
- provide leadership and vision in planning, developing and implementing academic programs and ensure quality and growth of educational offerings;
- formulate policies to attract, retain, and develop outstanding academic talents and to recruit quality students;
- play a major role in the budgeting and allocation of University resources for the University’s academic programs and related operations, stewarding the management of academic resources;
- nurture creativity, innovation, collaboration and excellence in teaching and learning, scholarship, research and knowledge exchange;
- cultivate productive partnerships and professional networking with broader stakeholders locally, regionally and internationally;
- solidify a commitment to inclusion, diversity and well-being of the academic community; and
- act as the officer in charge when the President is unavailable.
The Person
The ideal candidate should possess:
- a record of building academic excellence and proven leadership across different academic levels;
- a distinguished record of academic achievements;
- ability to undertake strategic planning and resource management, including budgetary, human resources and infrastructural matters;
- experience in managing complex changes and reforms in an academic environment;
- vision and global outlook, and ability to amass and align support for one’s vision;
- a good understanding of the local, regional and global environments where the University positions itself and brings impact; local exposure is an advantage but not essential;
- creative, analytical, and pragmatic ability to translate principles and ideas into action;
- excellent interpersonal and communication skills: can communicate effectively with all stakeholders, including staff, students, alumni, the community, etc.;
- highest standards of integrity: a person of high ideals and principles; and
- a collegial, consultative, yet decisive management style.
Nominations and Applications
The position will be filled on a full-time, five-year contract basis with the possibility of renewal. HKU has retained Perrett Laver, an executive search firm, to assist with this important search. For more information, to submit a nomination, or to apply for this role, please visit the link below. Review of nominations and applications will continue until the post is filled.
Bin HAN, Managing Partner
Gary TANG, Senior Consultant
Perrett Laver
https://plusportal.perrettlaver.com/VacancyDetail/0303afcc-a362-fe75-6fcf-3a1dd62c0905
The University is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to equality, ethics, inclusivity, diversity and transparency.
