Assistant Director of School - China

University for the Creative Arts – ICI Academic Support

Are you passionate about creating an exceptional student experience through organization, curriculum development, and effectively implemented quality assurance procedures? If so, we are looking for a uniquely qualified educator to join us at the Institute of Creativity and Innovation (ICI), a dual-degree institute founded by the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) and Xiamen University (XMU) in 2020.

ICI is establishing a distinctive approach to design education. We emphasise active models of teaching and learning that build students’ communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity skills. Most of our units are taught as project and problem-based studio learning, supported with research, while developing students as independent learners. You will help us shape and drive forward the ICI vision.

As Assistant Director, you will be part of a small UCA admin team located in China, responsible for coordinating with UCA academic and professional services departments in the UK, from IT support to People and Culture, Research and Innovation, Student Records, Quality & Standards, and more. Depending on the background of the successful candidate, you may take the lead for several of these areas. You will support the Director of School in further developing the relationship with Xiamen University, staff recruiting, and industry engagement. You will also participate in growing the scholarly profile at ICI by either contributing to ICI’s creativity and innovation research portfolio, ongoing professional practice output, or actively enhancing creative education at ICI and beyond. Further, you will prepare and deliver lectures, workshops, and tutorials, as appropriate to your professional background.

You will be based at Xiamen University’s Zhangzhou campus, which boasts a park-like environment, with mountains to the west, Amoy Bay to the north, and the South China Sea to the east. It is a short commute to Xiamen, the multicultural centre of South-East China.

A terminal degree in an appropriate discipline is required, as are a minimum of five year’s teaching experience, a teaching certification or equivalent, and several years of leadership experience in higher education. Most importantly, you will be a natural leader with an ability to bring individuals from many cultural and disciplinary backgrounds together to build an effective team. The role requires someone who can demonstrate resilience and initiative when faced with challenges. Problem solving is an essential skill and a reflective, adaptable approach to teaching and teaching support is necessary.

UCA offers a competitive compensation package including visa application expense allowance, relocation allowance, health and accident insurance, annual repatriation allowance, and accommodation. If you would welcome an informal chat about the role before applying, or any aspect of living and working in China, please contact Philip Lambert by email (Philip.lambert@uca.ac.uk) providing your contact details.

HOW TO APPLY?

Please click on the link below. You will need to upload the following documents to complete the application process:

• Your updated CV.
• A cover letter addressing your suitability for the role (Please view the attached role profile/job description for reference)
• Your portfolio and/or any other supporting documents that you believe would be beneficial (Optional)

Priority will be given to applicants with experience of working in the UK, or other countries where courses are taught in English.

Candidates must be able to meet the Chinese visa requirements. UCA will assist with obtaining a visa.

At UCA, creativity and innovation are at the heart of what we do. Our legacy of educating eager and passionate artists, makers and thinkers runs back almost 160 years, and today we’re helping shape a global future that supports and nourishes talent worldwide.

Our campuses across Surrey and Kent are vibrant communities, each specialising in different areas of the creative industries. We are also home to a thriving research hub, with academic experts and fellows leading the way in research on sustainability, design, textiles, animation, history and culture, and more.

Are you ready to share your passion for creativity with the next generation of innovators? If so, we want to hear from you.

Location:	Zhangzhou - China
Salary:	£56,535 per annum
Hours:	Full Time
Contract Type:	Permanent
Placed On:	20th January 2026
Closes:	25th February 2026
Job Ref:	26-AAAA1535R-002-2