Provost

Provost 

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is conducting a worldwide search for the position of Provost. The University Council now invites applications from, and nominations of, persons with relevant qualifications and experience and are interested in being considered for this position. 

Founded in 1963, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (http://www.cuhk.edu.hk) is one of the world’s leading universities in Asia. The University is a vibrant, forward-looking and well-established comprehensive research university which is fully committed to excellence in teaching, research, knowledge transfer and community service in an extensive range of disciplines, thereby serving the needs and enhancing the well-being of the citizens of Hong Kong, Mainland China, and the wider global community. CUHK has attracted a number of distinguished professors and researchers, who are recipients of prestigious international awards including the Nobel Prize, Lasker Award, Turning Award, Fields Medal and Wolf Prize. Graduates worldwide are connected through an extensive alumni network. Today CUHK is home to over 30,000 students and over 8,300 staff members (including a faculty team of nearly 3,600 full-time teaching and research staff members), and over 280,000 alumni. The University offers a broad spectrum of programmes up to the PhD level in various disciplines organized under eight Faculties (namely, Arts, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Science and Social Science). The University values greatly its unique College system and the cultural heritage preserved and promoted by the University and its constituent Colleges. Bilingualism in English and Chinese as well as multiculturalism are also embraced and reflected in our education and scholarly output. 

The Position

The Provost is appointed by the University Council and is accountable to the Council through the Vice-Chancellor and President. As the deputy to the Vice-Chancellor and President, the Provost serves as the chief academic officer of the University. Working closely with the Vice-Chancellor and President, the Provost will lead strategic planning for excellence in education and research, assume overall responsibilities for the academic and research functions of the University, oversee academic budgeting, and direct proactive recruitment and retention of academic staff of the highest international standards. The Provost is also expected to foster collaborations with internal and external stakeholders, manage risks and compliance obligations, supervise subordinate officers and units, and deputize the Vice-Chancellor and President as needed, among other duties as assigned by the Vice-Chancellor and President or University Council. 

Candidates for the Provost position should have a distinguished record of scholarship in their own field of study, demonstrated track record of academic and administrative leadership, acumen for business and financial control, high integrity, proven experience in institution building, and dynamic management abilities. Candidates should also have an international perspective with a solid understanding of the development trends and opportunities in higher education worldwide, coupled with a commitment to higher education in Hong Kong and the region, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills for articulating the University’s mission and vision to diverse University constituencies. 

Applications and Nominations

We welcome applications from, and nominations of, individuals of different backgrounds that will contribute to the diversity in higher education. Applications and nominations should be sent in strict confidence to the Search Committee for the Appointment of the Provost, c/o Ms. Michelle Doo, Partner, Heidrick & Struggles, Suite 3005, One Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong, China and (email: cuhkprovost@heidrick.com). Considerations of applications/nominations will begin in January/February 2025 and will continue until the post is filled. The University reserves the right to fill the post by invitation. 

The Personal Information Collection Statement will be provided upon request. All enquiries, applications and nominations will be treated in strict confidence.