Head, Learning Institute for Future Excellence

School: Academy of Future Education

Department: Learning Institute for FutureExcellence

Position: Head

Location: Suzhou, China

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

ABOUT XJTLU

In 2006 Xi’anJiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) was created by the University of Liverpool and Xi’an Jiaotong University – a top tenuniversity in China. Offering a unique international education experience, XJTLU brings together excellent research practice and expertisefrom both institutions and gives students the skills and knowledge they need to secure careers in a global marketplace. XJTLU now has over25,000 enrolled students in both Suzhou and Liverpool in the UK, with plans to grow to about 28,000 students by 2025. There are currentlyabout 2,000 staff, among which about 1,000 academic staff, with an almost even split between citizens of the People’s Republic ofChina and international passport holders. XJTLU offers our undergraduates and postgraduates over 100 programmes with a diverse spectrum ofcourses.

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 EntrepreneurialEducation 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 initiativesinclude new working partnerships with Xi’an Jiaotong University, the continued development of the four new Academies, and explorationof further potential locations to develop the SE model.

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

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

ABOUT ACADEMY OF FUTURE EDUCATION (AOFE)

The Academy of Future Education of Xi’an Jiaotong-LiverpoolUniversity is an educational innovation ecosystem that focuses on research, exploration, support, and dissemination of philosophy and bestpractices for future education. The core mission of the Academy is to impact education innovation and reform in China and beyond through avariety of projects and programmes, based on fundamental approaches in educational innovation and systemic development designed tocontribute to the future of education. The Academy supports individuals and institutions at all levels, including all the K-15 schools aswell as vocational education and higher education institutions.

Four units make up the Academy, namely the Department of EducationalStudies (EDS), Institute of Leadership & Education Advanced Development (ILEAD), and Educational Development Unit (EDU), LearningInstitute for Future Excellence (LIFE). Key projects of the Academy include the following programmes:

• Master‚Äôs anddoctoral degree programmes in education
• Research projects on future education
• Education innovation community
• Professional development programmes for educational practitioners
• Student learning excellence support programmes
• Online-onsite hybrid learning environment and resources.

Learning Institute for Future Excellence (LIFE) is dedicated tothe promotion and development of lifelong learning at XJTLU and in the wider student community to respond to the opportunities andchallenges of future society. To achieve this, LIFE first aims to transform students’ experience from exam-oriented learning to thelearner-centred and research-led approach. Through the transformation of the learning model, LIFE also aims to promote students’awareness and skills as Global Citizens with capacities in digital literacy, sustainable development, entrepreneurship, and socialresponsibility.

LIFE provides a range of programmes covering students’ university journey from registration to becoming alumni,and includes degree years and careers. LIFE connects all contributions to lifelong learning in systematic ways, including IBSSemployability, Taicang entrepreneurialism, the Extended Education System, English continuing support, modern languages, Think Tankinitiatives on research-led teaching and teaching-led research, Centre for Student Affairs projects, and networks of all advisors tostudents.

ROLE OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Executive Dean of the Academy of Future Education, the Headof LIFE will be responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and operations of the department, as well as managing the department'sstaff and resources. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in education fields in particular learning science, as well asexperience managing teams and developing effective strategies.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Leadership

1. To ensure the vision for the university and the Academy is clearly articulated, shared,understood, and acted upon effectively by department members.
2. To lead the departmental strategic planning process to ensure thedepartment is well-resourced. The Departmental Strategy is the fundamental guideline for the operation and development of the department.The University has a system of rolling three-year plans to identify annual operational objectives and resource planning.
3. To workwith the Executive Dean and Director for Learning and Teaching to ensure that teaching programmes maximise the market opportunity forpresenting their discipline or field of study.
4. To ensure that the content of modules is up to date; and that new advances inteaching technology and academic discussions are accommodated, constantly reflecting on one’s lessons and amending schemes oflearning, lesson plans and teaching/learning materials.
5. To oversee the department's research directions and performance –collectively and individually.
6. To oversee the development of the Department’s external engagement. Such outreach activitiesaim to help the department integrate into the University and appeal to the broader community. Outreach includes areas such as engagementwith other departments within the University and external organisations.

Administration

1. Beresponsible for the organization and administration of the department. 
2. Be responsible to the University for implementing allits academic and operational policies, rules, and regulations. Of particular importance in this regard is the conduct of examinations andmarking and moderation regimes; implementation of the staff attendance and absence policy; observance of the staff code of conduct;observance of quality assurance processes and procedures.
3. To chair department meetings focusing on learning and teaching andresearch, ensuring a detailed agenda and minutes are produced and distributed in a timely manner.
4. To provide regular progressupdates to the school management team to ensure they are fully aware of all subject areas' successes, issues, and concerns.
5. The HoDis directly responsible within the Department for duties including: 

* Strategic and annual planning

* Individualstaff work allocation to allow for an appropriate work/life balance

* Budget development and expenditure

* Financial approvalsfor expenditure from the departmental budget

* Ensuring quality and standards are upheld

* Staff appointments; identifyingneeds, defining the specification and justification, organizing recruitment, overseeing interview panel arrangements, and recommendingappointments.

* Formal staff Professional Development Reviews and processes 

* Staff disciplinary issues

* Studentdisciplinary issues and complaints

* Assignments of administrative duties to other staff

* Implementation of staff attendanceand absence policy 

* Leave of absence approvals

* Dissemination of information regarding the development of theUniversity, especially changes to policy, university regulations, and issues discussed at the Academic 

* Leadership Group.

* Maintenance of record of staff authorised and unauthorised absences

* Ensuring that the requirements of PRC legislation andXJTLU regulation on Health and Safety are all met.

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:

The successfulcandidate should be able to demonstrate:

* Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to workeffectively with diverse groups of people;

* A passion for teaching and research and a commitment to academic excellence;

* Anability to think strategically and develop and implement plans to achieve goals;

* A willingness to work collaboratively with otherdepartments and stakeholders within the School and the University.

* Self-motivated and able to motivate others;

* Proactiveand flexible

We seek someone with the ambition, creativity, and organizational skills to succeed in an exciting environmentof continued growth and significant change. Applicants should:

* A PhD in Education or a related field;

* At leastthree years of experience in research and teaching, with a proven track record of academic excellence and leadership;

* Experiencemanaging and leading a team of faculty and staff;

* Experience working with industry partners and stakeholders, and a commitment topromoting industry engagement and innovation. 

CITIZENSHIP AND VISA REGULATIONS

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

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

1. Clear career development path with annual review.
2. Professional development trainings are provided.

COPENSATION & BENEFITS

SALARY: Competitive salary in the market

BENEFITS

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

o Housingallowance

o Travel allowance

o Kids’ education allowance

o Relocation allowance

o Etc.

1. Commercial insurance: international insurance plans customized for XJTLU staff and family members. (details refer to the UniversityPolicy)

1. Paid holidays:

o Statutory Holidays (13 days)

o Annual Leave (34 days)

o FamilyMatters Leave

o Paid Sick Leave

o Marriage Leave

o Paternity Leave

o Parental Leave

o Etc.

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

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your application on our university website https://career15.sapsf.cn/sfcareer/jobreqcareer?jobId=3793&company=xjtlu . Applications must be submitted in asingle pdf file that includes 3 parts in the order of:

* A cover letter

* A current CV, including date of birth,country of citizenship, and highest degree level

* Contact Details for Three References

For specific enquiries relatingto the position, please email the Executive Dean of the Academy, Dr. Xiaojun Zhang at xiaojun.zhang@xjtlu.edu.cn. Informal enquiries may be addressed to HR at zhi.yang@xjtlu.edu.cn