"Director of Language Centre (at the rank of Principal Lecturer) (25260419)"

HONG KONG BAPTIST UNIVERSITY (HKBU)

Founded in 1956, HKBU strives to become a world-class research-led University in Asia for the world delivering academic and research excellence in a caring, creative, and global culture. The University's ambitious Institutional Strategic Plan 2018-2028 sets the research direction to transform HKBU into a reputable international powerhouse for research and teaching excellence. The University currently has an academic and teaching staff strength of about 1,000, with a total workforce of around 3,200, and a student population of over 13,000. We offer a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes through the Faculties/Schools of Arts and Social Sciences, Business, Chinese Medicine, Communication, Creative Arts, Science, and Continuing Education.

In Chinese Mainland, the University has successfully pioneered the establishment of a modern liberal arts university, Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University (BNBU), jointly with Beijing Normal University. To further strengthen research collaborations with universities in Chinese Mainland, the University has set up a number of research centres/institutes such as the Institute of Research and Continuing Education in Shenzhen.

LANGUAGE CENTRE

The Language Centre is a university teaching unit with the aim to empower HKBU students with competencies in academic, professional, intercultural, and digital communication, preparing them not only for intellectual growth but also for global engagement and career success. The Centre provides diverse learning opportunities in English, Chinese and other languages, including credit-bearing and supplementary courses and activities, and enhancement services. It houses four sections: Chinese, English, Putonghua and Foreign Languages, with a total of about 50 full-time teaching staff and a small team of research/project staff, supported by an administrative team. Part-time teachers are also engaged. The annual student enrolment in the Centre’s courses and activities is close to 15,000.

We are now looking for a visionary, resourceful and dynamic individual who has extensive relevant teaching, research and administrative experience in language education to lead the Language Centre.

Director of Language Centre (at the rank of Principal Lecturer) (25260419)

Reporting directly to the Vice-President (Teaching and Learning), the Director will lead the Language Centre to achieve its mission.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and supervise the development and operations of the Language Centre, ensuring alignment with the Centre’s mission and University’s vision and strategic priorities;
• Oversee the design, development and delivery of the language curriculum and education activities; and collaborate with academic and administrative units in the University, as well as external partners to promote students’ language, communication and intercultural competencies;
• Drive innovative pedagogic practices in language education, with reference to the latest development in language education research and relevant educational technologies; and collaborate with local, regional and international partners to undertake relevant projects;
• Monitor students’ language performance and feedback, and use such data to inform the design and delivery of the language curriculum and activities;
• Supervise all staff in the Centre and oversee its administration; and
• Engage in university committees.

Requirements:

• A visionary outlook and strong commitment to the holistic development of university students in general; and insights, experience and knowledge in language education in particular;
• A doctoral degree in a relevant field (e.g., language education and applied linguistics) and at least 15 years of experience including leadership and management roles in language education in the tertiary sector;
• Excellent leadership, strategic thinking, agility, management and organisational skills, with the ability to work independently and proactively;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for working with people at different levels, and highly proficient in both written and spoken English, fluency in Chinese (Cantonese and Putonghua) an advantage; and
• Creativity and openness to integrating innovative pedagogies and technologies into language education initiatives.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to prepare a presentation and a written assessment.

The initial appointment will be offered on a fixed-term contract for three years. Re-appointment thereafter will be subject to mutual agreement and availability of funding.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application procedures:

Applicants are invited to submit their applications at the HKBU e-Recruitment System. Those who are not invited for interview 8 weeks after submission of application may consider their application unsuccessful. Details of the University’s Personal Information Collection Statement can be found at https://hro.hkbu.edu.hk/en/worklife-at-hkbu/employee-favourable-environment.html#privacy-policy.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment for the post advertised, and the appointment will be made according to the terms and conditions applicable at the time of offer.

Review of applications is ongoing until the position is filled.