Assistant Director of School- CHINA

Are you passionate about creating an exceptional student experience through organization, curriculum development, and effectively implemented quality assurance procedures? If so, we are looking for a uniquely qualified educator to join us at the Institute of Creativity and Innovation (ICI), a dual-degree institute founded by the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) and Xiamen University (XMU) in 2020.

ICI is establishing a distinctive approach to design education. We emphasise active models of teaching and learning that build students’ communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity skills. Most of our units are taught as project and problem-based studio learning, supported with research, while developing students as independent learners. You will help us shape and drive forward the ICI vision.

As Assistant Director, you will:

• Be part of a small UCA admin team located in China, coordinating with UCA academic and professional services in the UK (IT, People & Culture, Research and Innovation, Student Records, Quality & Standards, and more).
• Lead several functional areas depending on your background.
• Support the Director of School in developing partnerships with Xiamen University, staff recruitment, and industry engagement.
• Contribute to ICI’s scholarly profile through research, professional practice, or creative education development.
• Prepare and deliver lectures, workshops, and tutorials where appropriate.

You will be based at Xiamen University’s Zhangzhou campus, featuring a park-like environment with mountains, Amoy Bay, and proximity to the South China Sea, and a short commute to the vibrant city of Xiamen.

Requirements include:

• A terminal degree in a relevant discipline.
• At least five years of teaching experience.
• A teaching qualification or equivalent.
• Several years of leadership experience in higher education.
• Strong intercultural leadership, resilience, initiative, and problem-solving skills.

UCA offers:

• Competitive salary package
• Visa and relocation allowances
• Health and accident insurance
• Annual repatriation allowance
• Accommodation support

For an informal discussion about the role or living in China, please contact Philip Lambert at [email protected].

HOW TO APPLY

Please click the “Apply Online” button and upload:

• Your updated CV
• A cover letter addressing your suitability for the role
• Your portfolio and/or other supporting documents (optional)

Priority will be given to candidates with experience teaching in English-medium environments. Applicants must meet Chinese visa requirements; UCA will assist with the process.

At UCA, creativity and innovation are central to our mission. With nearly 160 years of history, we educate artists, designers, and thinkers who shape the global creative future. Our campuses in Surrey and Kent and our internationally recognised research centres provide a vibrant, forward-looking academic environment.

Are you ready to inspire the next generation of innovators? We look forward to hearing from you.

The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) aims to be a welcoming and inclusive University that is truly representative of all of the diversity in society. We particularly encourage applications from people from minoritised ethnic groups and people with disabilities who are currently under-represented within the University.