Academic Dean

POST DETAILS

Full-time and fixed-term, renewable by mutual consent

THE POST

The Chengdu University of Technology (CDUT) - Oxford Brookes University (OBU) Joint Institute (JI) is looking for an inspiring, dynamic and experienced senior academic in higher education (HE) with a track record in undergraduate and postgraduate programme development, delivery and management to lead the JI into its next phase of growth and development.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in leading and developing highly professional and motivated academic staff and professional support staff to ensure the compliance of JI provision with the academic standards of OBU and the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) in collaboration with senior colleagues of OBU.

THE JOINT INSTITUTE

The CDUT-OBU JI is a transnational education (TNE) partnership between CDUT and OBU founded in 2019, following approval by the Chinese Ministry of Education. With a supportive and collegial culture, the JI applies rigorous academic standards of OBU to deliver the best possible student experience.

The CDUT-OBU provision is a thriving TNE institution offering undergraduate programmes in BA (Hons) Business and Management, BSc (Hons) Accountancy, BSc (Hons) Computer Science and BSc (Hons) Software Engineering, as well as postgraduate programmes in MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and MSc Management and Business Analytics. There are over 2,000 students currently enrolled on these programmes delivered by a diverse team of 100 staff members from 20 different countries.

With an international culture built on equality, diversity and inclusion, the JI welcomes suitably qualified staff from diverse backgrounds. The JI prides itself in supporting the professional and personal growth of its staff with CPD sessions, peer observations, and individually tailored career plans provided to support staff to grow with their roles and beyond. We also offer Chinese culture classes to help new staff integrate into local social and cultural environment, enriching their life on and off campus.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

High-level Engagement & Partnership Building

• Serve as the primary academic liaison between CDUT and OBU
• Build strong relationships with the OBU academic community, local Chinese staff and students
• Champion international collaboration and contribute to the JI’s strategic growth

Academic Leadership & Quality Enhancement

• Lead with authority to ensure that all programmes adhere to the academic standards of OBU and the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) framework
• Maintain and manage an effective quality assurance system for all aspects of academic provision, including curriculum design, delivery and assessment
• Proactively identify areas for enhancement and address them in collaboration with senior colleagues of OBU

Staff Development & Operational Oversight

• Mentor and manage a diverse team of academic staff, fostering a collegiate culture
• Oversee academic operations including timetabling, performance review, and staff development
• Coordinate effectively with CDUT academic leads to ensure seamless integration and optimisation of the programmes of both institutions

Curriculum Innovation & Industry Alignment

• Ensure programmes remain relevant, future-focused, aligning with OBU’s academic standards and evolving industry needs across business, accountancy, computing, data science and artificial intelligence
• Integrate up to date industry practice into academic contents to enhance graduate employability
• Lead periodic curriculum reviews and enhancement initiatives

The appointed candidate is expected to contribute to academic delivery in their areas of expertise.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• A doctoral degree in a discipline related to artificial intelligence or computer science
• A minimum of 5-year academic delivery and/or mid-to-senior management experience in a HE institution with a sound working knowledge of effective governance in the HE context
• Proven track record in HE academic quality assurance and enhancement policies and procedures including curriculum design, delivery and assessment, as well as assessment moderation
• Wide-ranging experience in implementing innovative pedagogy and driving continuous improvement in learning, teaching and assessment
• Strong operational insight into HE-level academic delivery, including scheduling, resource planning, and performance management
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor faculty teams, fostering professional development and collaboration
• Demonstrable track record in aligning academic programmes with industry trends to enhance graduate employability
• Solid evidence of success in leading HE programme reviews and curriculum enhancement initiatives
• Effective cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills and styles, with the ability to work in diverse international teams
• Keen willingness to reside in Chengdu for a minimum of 9 months per year, and spend time at OBU in the UK
• Non-native English-speaking candidates should be able to evidence possession of IELTS 7.5 or equivalent

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Experience in transnational education, international programme delivery, or cross-border academic partnerships
• Strong interpersonal, intercultural, and strategic communication capabilities
• Passion for student success, academic innovation, and global higher education

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Salary & Benefits

The position is a full-time academic leadership role based in Chengdu with a competitive salary, full visa and work permit support, relocation assistance, an annual flight allowance and an apartment or apartment allowance for non-Chinese nationals. In addition, the JI provides health insurance cover and supports enrolment in China’s social security scheme.

About the City

Chengdu is considered one of the most livable cities in China. Home to the Giant Pandas and renowned for its delicious and varied cuisines, vibrant nightlife, and a wealth of cultural heritage, the city is served by an extensive, clean and efficient metro system. Daily life is made simple through mobile payment and delivery apps, while the cost of living remains competitive compared with many global cities. The university has a large, well-established campus in eastern Chengdu, with excellent transport links and convenient metro access to the city centre. See more information about Chengdu at: https://www.gochengdu.cn/en

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV to jobs@zy.cdut.edu.cn

Candidates are encouraged to submit applications at their earliest convenience. Due to the large number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.