Head of Public Affairs (Ref: 08-HPA-86-J) Public Affairs Unit

The Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) invites nominations and applications for the position of Head of Public Affairs.

Founded by the Hong Kong Government in 1989, the University has become a thriving student-centered institution, focused on providing learning opportunities primarily for adults through open access and distance education.  In recent years the University has expanded to offer local full-time degree programmes.  It has also made its endeavours to offer programmes in mainland China for some years.  Over the last two decades more than 140,000 Hong Kong public have studied with the University to gain new skills, knowledge and qualifications that help them succeed in careers and life.  Currently, the University has a student population of 17,000, including 3,000 undergraduates taking full-time courses on campus.

The University will soon open a new extension on its main campus.  Since last year it has embarked on a Centre for Innovation project, established a Centre for e-learning and is making transition to becoming a more flexible and multi-modal institution catering for the needs of more diverse groups in Hong Kong and abroad.

While it prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary, the University seeks a high-calibre professional to lead, develop and implement an integrated communication, marketing and other necessary endeavours to help the University fulfil its mission and strategic objectives.

The Head of Public Affairs shall be responsible to the President for the overall management of the Public Affairs Unit.  The incumbent shall see to the effective functioning of the Public Affairs Unit, including undertaking strategic analysis and planning, handling public relations, enhancing the image of the University, mounting effective marketing campaigns for recruitment of students, fostering alumni relations, soliciting donations, sponsorship and collaboration partners, publishing newsletters and the University annual report and running the Information Centre as an efficient hub for enquiries and information dissemination.

The incumbent should have broad relevant experience and proven records of success in relevant fields; a creative mind and sound judgement; excellent inter-personal skills; interest in and passion for education and ability to motivate and mobilise teams for high achievement and continuous improvement.  Applicants are expected to have at least an honours degree and ten years' relevant post-qualification experience.

Remuneration Package

An excellent remuneration package will be offered, including basic monthly salary, monthly composite cash allowance, annual leave, medical & dental schemes, life insurance and contract-end gratuity (inclusive of such statutory benefits as Mandatory Provident Fund).  Appointment will normally be made on a 4-year contract, renewable subject to mutual consent.

Application/Nomination

Persons interested in being considered for the position or wishing to nominate suitable candidates for consideration are invited to write in strict confidence to Head of Human Resources, The Open University of Hong Kong, Room A1019, 30 Good Shepherd Street, Homantin, Kowloon [Fax No.: 2392 9132, E-mail Address: hruwww@ouhk.edu.hk]

Please enclose a detailed curriculum vitae along with names and addresses of 3 referees with the application.  The closing date for applications/nominations is 18 July 2008.

Guide to Appointment

Nominees/applicants who are not approached by the end of October 2008 may consider their applications unsuccessful.