THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF FASHION AND TEXTILES

[To be upgraded from the current Institute of Textiles and Clothing on 1 July 2022]

Post Specification

Dean of School of Fashion and Textiles (Ref. 22060811)

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) pledges Opening Minds • Shaping the Future as its promise for education and research.  With 85 years of rich heritage, the University has evolved alongside the development of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world, through its educational programmes for the nurturing of professional talents, entrepreneurs and leaders, and impactful research and innovations.  PolyU strives to advance knowledge, address societal challenges and benefit humankind.

Ranked among the top 100 universities globally by both the Times Higher Education (THE) and Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings, PolyU offers a wide range of world-class educational and research programmes in six faculties and three independent schools. PolyU has furthermore achieved remarkable results in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022 - it was placed among the top 20 universities in four disciplines this year, with three of them being ranked 1st in Hong Kong.

For further details about the University, please visit http://www.polyu.edu.hk.

The School of Fashion and Textiles

Our current Institute of Textiles and Clothing (ITC) was first established in 1957 as a pioneer of tertiary education in Hong Kong in the field.  With the University’s identification of fashion and textiles as one of its strategic development areas, the ITC will be renamed and upgraded to the School of Fashion and Textiles (SFT) on 1 July 2022. 

The University’s vision for SFT is for it to be a world-leading centre of excellence in fashion and textiles education, research, and knowledge transfer, playing a pivotal role in developing Hong Kong into a world-renowned fashion hub. The SFT will also contribute to the further advancement of PolyU’s international standing in Art and Design, which was ranked 16th by QS in 2022.

Please visit the website at http://www.polyu.edu.hk/itc (to be updated on 1 July) for more information about SFT.

The Job

The University is now inviting applications and nominations for the post of Dean of School of Fashion and Textiles. The successful candidate will be appointed as Chair Professor/Professor normally on regular terms of appointment, commensurate with his/her qualifications and experience, and hold a concurrent deanship appointment.  The deanship appointment is normally for an aggregate period of six years in two three-year terms of office. Other suitable candidate(s), if deemed appropriate by the University, may be appointed as Chair Professor/Professor.

Responsibilities

The position calls for a visionary academic leader with responsibilities of ensuring the successful operation and sustainable development of SFT. Reporting directly to the Deputy President and Provost, the appointee will be required to:

• provide effective leadership in enhancing the international standing and visibility of SFT and in the development and implementation of long-term strategies and plans in alignment with the University’s strategic directions and goals;
• coach and empower the staff of SFT, both academic and non-academic, to accomplish planned objectives with world-class standards in an effective and efficient manner;
• cultivate a culture of motivating performance with cohesive teamwork and enhancing staff development opportunities for both academic and non-academic staff;
• ensure high-quality teaching as well as the holistic development of students to become future professionals and leaders, and align SFT’s programmes with the needs of the community;
• facilitate the conduct of innovative and original research of high quality and impact, and develop interdisciplinary research intertwining design, technology, business and innovation within and outside the context of fashion and textiles;
• provide leadership in developing a strong network of partnerships with the fashion and textiles industry for collaborative opportunities in education, research and knowledge transfer activities;
• enhance the network of global partnerships with leading academic institutions in high impact research collaborations;
• ensure good governance of SFT and effective internal communication to facilitate fair and transparent decision-making processes;
• ensure optimal deployment of human, financial and other resources in SFT;
• implement an effective mechanism to acquire donations and other forms of sponsorship to support the SFT’s and University’s pursuits and long-term development; and
• undertake other responsibilities and tasks as may be assigned by the Deputy President and Provost, the President or other members of the Central Management Team of the University from time to time.

Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• an advanced degree, preferably a PhD degree, in a relevant academic discipline and/or professional qualifications in fashion design, or a combination of academic and professional accomplishments in fashion design;
• proven track record in partnering with key industry players and community stakeholders to deliver high-impact collaborations in education, research and knowledge transfer of fashion design, business and technology;
• evidence of eminent scholarship, extensive international exposure as well as substantial administrative experience in a leading academic position in a world-class fashion design institution;
• ability to provide visionary leadership with a global perspective in the development of SFT in alignment with the strategic goals of the University;
• ability to recruit, nurture, and motivate a strong team of academics with different research and cultural backgrounds;
• demonstrated success in leading interdisciplinary education and research intertwining design, technology/innovation and entrepreneurship in the context of fashion and textiles;
• a strong international network of partnerships and impactful collaborations with industrial partners and academic institutions;
• effective interpersonal communication, community engagement and resource management skills;
• excellent capacity to manage changes and challenges;
• excellent knowledge of the higher education environment in the global context;
• excellent proficiency in English; and
• preferably significant experience in fund-raising.

Remuneration and Conditions of Service

Terms of appointment and remuneration package are highly competitive and negotiable.  For general information on terms and conditions for appointment of academic staff in the University, please visit the website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/docdrive/careers/doc/Prof.pdf.

Application and Nomination

Please submit applications and nominations to Tom Weinberg, Managing Partner of Perret Laver (Email: dean.sft@perrettlaver.com).  Application shall contain a detailed curriculum vitae of the applicant with nomination of three referees from different institutions with the referees’ names, addresses and relationship with the applicants provided.  Consideration of applications and nominations will commence on 4 July 2022 until the position is filled.  All enquiries, applications and nominations will be treated in strict confidence.  The University reserves the right not to fill the position or to make an appointment by invitation.  The University’s Personal Information Collection Statement for recruitment can be found at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/careers/pics_for_recruitment/.