"Dean of the School of Dance"

In a city renowned for its international outlook and connectivity, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts plays a unique and influential role in nurturing future generations of performing artists, including performers, practitioners, designers, and technicians. As a QS global Top 20 ranked institution, the Academy and its Schools of Chinese Opera, Dance, Drama, Film & Television, Music, and Theatre & Entertainment Arts form a vibrant centre of practice, production, teaching, and practice-as-research. Its outstanding reputation is reinforced by the quality of its performers and its partnerships with other centres of excellence locally, regionally, and internationally. Through international residencies, visiting artists, and alumni - including some of the most respected professionals in their disciplines, the Academy is committed to training future world-class performers and practitioners.

The School of Dance offers full-time programmes from sub-degree Diploma to postgraduate level (with a new doctoral degree expected to commence in 2027), together with its part-time Gifted Young Dancer Programme. In keeping with its conservatoire status, the School's philosophy is centred around performance practice and reflects the unique cultural mix of Hong Kong, emphasising both Chinese and Western traditions. Our graduates are versatile and work across genres/styles, media and forms; and the integration of core contextual knowledge and performance practice as theory and practice forms the uniqueness of the School's programmes.

As part of the Academy’s senior management team, the Dean will undertake a broad range of duties at Academy and School levels. The Dean of Dance will be a highly experienced performing arts practitioner and educator who will bring high level discipline-based expertise to the Academy to ensure that the School maintains its place as a leader in dance education within the higher education sector. The Dean will be responsible to the Deputy Director (Academic) for the academic, artistic and operational management of the School.

The Dean is expected to lead and shape the overall vision and academic development of the School during a period of significant and exciting development within the Academy and the higher education sector in Hong Kong. The postholder will be required to work collaboratively with colleagues in delivering the Academy’s Strategic Plan 2024-2033.

The Dean will work closely with senior staff to promote innovative developments in the delivery of performing arts education, with a particular focus on the Academy’s unique strengths, including its location in a dynamic and diverse cultural metropolis, and its focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, arts technology and original creativity. The Dean will also play an important role in the development of local, regional and international partnerships in the field of dance education, building upon existing strengths and developing new areas that support the overall growth and positioning of the School.

Although subject to negotiation, the expected commencement date is 1 August 2026.

Key requirements:

The eligible candidate should have a strong track record as a leading expert in the field of Dance, including the following attributes:

• Strong academic and/or professional background in dance.
• Strong track record of teaching, scholarly achievement and curriculum development.
• Demonstrated record of successful artistic, academic and administrative accomplishment in leading an academic community with diversified interests.
• A successful track record of leadership within an educational institution or similar performing arts based organisation.
• Solid knowledge of trends and developments in performing arts education, as well as an in-depth understanding of the Academy’s role and future development in the region.
• A strong vision for the School and its future development, alongside the Academy’s other schools and in line with the Academy’s strategic vision.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Evidence of successful outcomes in building productive partnerships with tertiary institutions, industry, and community groups.
• A willingness and enthusiasm to embrace, lead and manage change.
• Fluent in written and spoken English and preferably fluent in written and spoken Chinese/Cantonese.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

Appointment will be on a four-year renewable contract, subject to performance and mutual agreement. A gratuity payment equals up to 15% of the total basic salary earned during the contract period, may be granted upon satisfactory completion of the full contract. The amount of gratuity payable will be the sum which, when added to the Academy’s contribution to a Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) scheme as required by the MPF Schemes Ordinance, that equals 15% of the total basic salary drawn during the contract period. Fringe benefits include leave, medical, and dental benefits. The starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. A non-accountable Cash Allowance will be provided to the eligible appointee.

APPLICATIONS

Odgers Berndtson has been appointed as the search consultant for this post. To apply, please submit a completed Application Form (https://www.hkapa.edu/job-opportunity/dean-of-the-school-of_dance), together with a cover letter, curriculum vitae and copies of academic qualifications by email to HKAPA-D_Dance@odgers.com on or before 16 January 2026.Please quote reference code 'Dn(D)' on the Application Form.

HKAPA is an equal-opportunity employer

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