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 2,000 staff with a large number appointed internationally. XJTLU offers our undergraduates and postgraduates over 100 programmes with a diverse spectrum of courses.

XJTLU is entering a new and exciting phase of its development as part of its strategic priorities for the next ten years. Adopting a new higher education model based on the concept of Syntegrative Education (SE), XJTLU is currently opening a new Entrepreneurial Education site in Taicang, part of wider Suzhou, where the Entrepreneur College (Taicang) is located. The Taicang site will be a pioneer of, and educational model for, the future campus in addressing challenges arising from the 4th Industrial Revolution. Other new initiatives include new working partnerships with Xi’an Jiaotong University, the continued development of the four new Academies, and exploration of further potential locations to develop the SE model.

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.

As XJTLU continues to grow and go from strength to strength, we are now looking to appoint a new Vice-President of Academic Affairs. You will sit on the Senior Management Team at XJTLU and take leadership in all aspects of academic operation and activities, including academic strategy, academic standard and quality assurance, academic administration, academic related engagement. You will be responsible for the liaison with the University of Liverpool.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

The post of VPAA is a full-time appointment, normally for an initial term of 3 years, and renewable subject to mutual agreement, with a continuing professorial position within the relevant faculty permanently. Competitive remuneration and generous fringe benefits, including housing where appropriate, will be provided.

• Higher degree, PhD or professional doctorate.
• Successful leadership of a large-scale, internationally-recognised and knowledge-led organisation or a major component of such an organisation.
• A track record of providing strategic direction and maximising performance in a large, complex organisation.
• Exceptional senior management skills including high level interpersonal, negotiation, influencing and communication skills.
• Demonstrated capacity to think strategically, as well as deliver operationally, manage risk and evaluate outcomes.
• Demonstrated capacity for leadership of academic performance including previous experience in leading academic initiatives that have led to quality improvement in a complex higher education setting.
• Demonstrated excellence in academic management and leadership, evidenced by significant achievements when leading large teams.
• Ability to handle complexity, respond to uncertainty, and initiate and implement strategic change.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP

• To provide inspirational and visionary academic leadership in the creation and development of academic strategy, including education, research and internationalisation, and ensure the successful implementation of the long-term objectives.
• To oversee the direction and support provided to the academic community to ensure learning and teaching that is inspirational and meets the university vision and mission with regard to student-centred learning, research-led teaching and technology-enhanced teaching.
• To translate strategic vision into reality, designing frameworks to turn strategy into actions.
• To actively encourage multi-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary working to achieve shared objectives.
• To provide leadership and direction to create and maintain a sustainable research environment and community to encourage the development of researchers, including postgraduate students.
• To supervise Associate Vice- Presidents, Deans of School/Academy and Director of Centre for Academic Affairs to deliver exceptional performance in ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency of the academic operation and management.
• To lead XJTLU’s academic initiatives to develop innovative strategic education and research opportunities with Xi’an Jiaotong University.
• To be responsible for academic staff recruitment, retention, evaluation and development by coordination with the Human Resource Department in the University.
• To promote the University’s educational philosophy and success at all levels; locally, provincially, nationally and internationally, developing and promoting appropriate sector networks and partnerships.
• To be a member of XJTLU Senior Management Team and (by attendance) of the Board of Directors.

GOVERNANCE AND PERFORMANCE

• To provide leadership in creating, delivering and maintaining academic policies, strategies and plans to ensure successful learning and teaching outcomes.
• To provide oversight and effective review procedures of an inspirational curriculum which maximises the resources of the university, develops innovative academic programmes, encourages collaboration, is sustainable and meets market demand.
• To ensure an effective academic interface between the XJTLU SIP campus and other XJTLU educational initiatives, including but not limited to the Entrepreneur College (Taicang).
• To be the Strategic lead and Chair (Or Deputy Chair) of XJTLU’s Learning and Teaching, Research and Academic Staff Promotion committees, the Academic Board and other Academic leadership groups.
• To ensure, as chair of key academic committees, sustained high standards to deliver university strategic objectives, vision and mission.
• To oversee the highest standards of research governance.
• To liaise regularly with colleagues at the University of Liverpool, especially the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and the Dean for XJTLU and ensure compliance with and delivery of academic standards.

Confirmation of the appointment will be made by the XJTLU Board on the recommendation of the University of Liverpool following interviews and subsequent consultation with the Executive President of XJTLU.

CANDIDATE PACK

Informal enquiries can be directed to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education at the University of Liverpool, Professor Gavin Brown, +44 (0)151 794 2220.

HOW TO APPLY

The closing date for all applications, which should be in the form of a CV and cover letter and addressed to vpxjtlu@minervasearch.com is Friday 14 October 2022.

Interviews will take place on Wednesday 23 November 2022.

For more information about XJTLU, visit www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en