Deputy Dean

Xi'an Jiaotong - Liverpool University – Academy of Film and Creative Technology

Location: Taicang & Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, China

Contract Type: Fixed-term, renewable. 3rd contract is open-ended

ABOUT XJTLU

In 2006 Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) was created by the University of Liverpool and Xi’an Jiaotong University – a top ten university in China. Offering a unique international education experience, XJTLU brings together excellent research practice and expertise from both institutions and gives students the skills and knowledge they need to secure careers in a global marketplace. XJTLU now has over 25,000 enrolled students in both Suzhou and Liverpool in the UK, with plans to grow to about 28,000 students by 2025. There are currently about 2,000 staff, among which about 1,000 academic staff, with an almost even split between citizens of the People’s Republic of China and international passport holders. XJTLU offers our undergraduates and postgraduates over 100 programmes with a diverse spectrum of courses.

With a focus on innovative learning and teaching, and research, XJTLU draws on the strengths of its parent universities, and plays a pivotal role in facilitating access to China for UK and other institutional partners. At same time, XJTLU is exploring future education by blending the educational theory, best practice and culture from west and east.

For detailed information about the university, please visit www.xjtlu.edu.cn. 

ABOUT THE ACADEMY OF FILM AND CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY

Vision:

Reshape the landscape of employment, creating an escalating demand for rich cultural, artistic, and entertainment experiences. Recognizing the vast potential in digital content creation and production, the academy is positioned to be at the forefront of this transformation, offering a plethora of opportunities for the next generation of creative professionals. The strategic planning for future development in this domain is approached with a promise of innovation and a commitment to purposeful evolution.

Mission:

Committed to reshaping the standards of creative technology and entrepreneurship education, the academy is dedicated to delivering exceptional educational experiences and training in creative arts and technology. With a focus on digital technology and driven by arts and culture, the academy is refocusing its efforts on the creation and production of digital content across various formats. This includes film/TV arts, gaming, entertainment, cultural tourism, digital performances, digital exhibitions, and internet media. The academy aims to equip students with the professional skills and readiness necessary for their future careers and success. It aspires to serve as a comprehensive ecosystem for content creation, production, and training, extending its services to the XJTLU campus communities and to all entrepreneurial collaboration partners associated with XJTLU, thereby repositioning itself as a global leader in the field.

Objectives:

• Equip students with professional skills and readiness for their future careers and success.
• Serve as a comprehensive ecosystem for content creation, production, and training.
• Extend our services to the XJTLU campus communities and entrepreneurial collaboration partners.
• Reposition AFCT as a global leader in the field of film and creative technology.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement innovative educational programs in creative technology.
• Lead the academy in the creation and production of digital content.
• Collaborate with XJTLU campus communities and partners to enhance the academy's ecosystem.
• Drive the academy's global presence and leadership in film and creative technology education.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership Support:

• Assist the Dean in providing leadership and oversight to the Academy, including support in chairing the Academy’s Senior Management Team committee (SSMT) when required.
• Support the Dean in their full membership of the HoD Advisory Group, Dean's Advisory Group, and Academic Board.
• Aid the Dean in leading the Academy's strategic planning process, ensuring alignment with the university's rolling three-year plans.
• Help ensure that the Academy's teaching, research, and professional engagement activities are in line with the Academy's mission, vision, and international accreditation standards.
• Support the Dean in developing the Academy’s external engagement strategies and representing the Academy in both domestic and international forums.
• Assist the Dean in fostering synergistic collaboration between the Academy and the rest of the University.

Administrative Support:

• Assist in overseeing all activities within the Academy, including the administration of departments and functional activities.
• Support the Dean in carrying out specific administrative tasks assigned by the university, such as committee service, chairing review panels, and other duties.
• Help the Dean in their direct responsibilities within the Academy, such as strategic and annual planning, budget development, financial approvals, and ensuring quality and standards are upheld.

Management Support:

• Assist the Dean in managing all academic and professional support staff through their respective reporting lines.
• Support the Dean in ensuring that staff carry out their duties professionally and effectively, providing direction and feedback.
• Assist the Dean in the in-line supervision and management of some individual staff members.
• Help the Dean with the effective management of the Annual Performance Management system at the Academy level.

Key Relationships Support:

• Work closely with the Dean in reporting to the VP Academic Affairs and support the Dean in their interactions with other key university figures.
• Assist the Dean in working with Associate Vice-Presidents, the Director of the Centre for Academic Affairs, and Heads of Departments (HoDs) to develop research synergies and administrative services.
• Support the Dean in their collaboration with other Deans and HoDs across the University, particularly through the Academic Management Group and the Academic Leadership Group.
• Help the Dean maintain regular meetings with direct reports, all staff in the Academy, and act as a leader and mentor to Academy staff.

Responsibilities Support:

• Assist the Dean in their responsibilities to the Vice-President Academic Affairs for the academic development of the Academy, including research performance, teaching delivery, and outreach activities.
• Help the Dean with the regular assessment of teaching and research outcomes and work with administrative departments to improve these outcomes.
• Support the Dean in ensuring the application of university policies and regulations and adherence to the laws and directives of the People’s Republic of China by staff in the Academy.

Evaluation Support:

• Assist the Dean in completing the annual Professional Development Review and support the evaluation and monitoring by the VPAA.
• Help the Dean in the annual planning process to review the effectiveness and efficiencies of resource and budget management at the Academy level.
• The Deputy Dean's role is to provide support and assistance to the Dean in the execution of their duties, ensuring the smooth operation of the Academy and contributing to its strategic development and academic success.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCES

• Candidates must be a Ph.D. holder in a relevant subject from a world renowned university, or be able to demonstrate an equivalent professional practice and engagement.
• Candidates must demonstrate a strong academic background, preferably with knowledge of practice-as-research.
• Candidates must demonstrate a willingness and enthusiasm to embrace and manage change, and actively engage with new educational models such as Syntegrative Education (SE).
• Candidates shall become familiar with and observe Chinese and UK rules and regulations of higher education.
• Candidates shall have management experience with good people skills.
• Candidates must have rich experience in research, academic leadership, strategic planning, people management, as well as academic management experience in a university, research institution or similar functions/areas.
• Candidates must demonstrate a good track record of engagement with students and industry.
• Candidates must have a high level of communicative competence in English; an equivalent knowledge of Chinese would be an advantage.
• Candidates with administration and management experience in international universities or Sino-foreign joint universities are preferred.
• Some experience of working in a relevant industry would be an advantage.

CITIZENSHIP AND VISA REGULATIONS

Employment at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University is regulated by Chinese Labour Laws, and must comply with the regulations of the provincial government. These regulations stipulate who is eligible for legal employment with regard to obtaining work permits and visas. Please be advised candidates over 65 may be not eligible for a work visa in the P.R. China.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

SALARY: Competitive salary in the market

BENEFITS

1. Allowance: XJTLU provide various month/annual/one-off allowances as

• Housing allowance
• Travel allowance
• Kids’ education allowance
• Relocation allowance
• Etc.

2. Commercial insurance: international insurance plans customized for XJTLU staff and family members. (details refer to the University Policy)

3. Paid holidays:

• Statutory Holidays (11 days)
• Annual Leave (36 days, including University closing days)
• Family Matters Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Marriage Leave
• Paternity Leave
• Parental Leave
• Etc.

4. Working visa and residence permit in China: XJTLU sponsors working visa and residence permit in China for the staff.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications must be submitted in a single pdf file that includes 3 parts in the order of:

• A cover letter
• A current CV, including country of citizenship, and highest degree level
• Contact Details for Three References

For specific enquiries relating to the position, please email to Professor Qian Liu, Dean of Academy by email on Qian.Liu@xjtlu.edu.cn or to HRBP on Mengyi. Wang@xjtlu.edu.cn.