DEAN OF THE SCHOOL OF DANCE

In a city renowned for its international outlook and connectivity, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts plays a unique and influential role in developing future generations of performing artists that include performers, practitioners, designers, and technicians. As a QS global Top 20 ranked institution, the Academy and its Schools of Chinese Opera, Dance, Drama, Film & Television, Music, and Theatre & Entertainment Arts create a vibrant centre of practice, production, teaching and practice-as-research. Its outstanding reputation is reinforced by the quality of its performers and its partnerships with other centres of excellence locally, regionally, and internationally. With international residencies, visiting artists and alumni, including some of the most respected professionals in their disciplines, the Academy is committed to the training of future world-class performers and practitioners.

The School of Dance offers full-time programmes from sub-degree Diploma to MFA level, and a new doctoral degree (expected 2027), together with its part-time Gifted Young Dancer Programme. In keeping with its conservatoire status, the School's philosophy is centred on performance practice and reflects the unique cultural mix of Hong Kong, emphasising both Chinese and Western traditions. Our graduates are versatile and work across genres/styles, media and forms; and the integration of core contextual knowledge and performance practice as theory and practice forms the uniqueness of the School's programmes.

As part of the Academy’s senior management team, the Dean will undertake a broad range of duties at both Academy and School levels.  The Dean of Dance will be a highly experienced dance practitioner and educator who will bring high level discipline-based expertise to the Academy, ensuring that the School maintains its position as a leader in dance education within the higher education sector.

The Dean is expected to lead the development of the School's overall vision and academic direction during a time of significant and exciting change within the Academy and the higher education sector in Hong Kong. The postholder will be required to work collaboratively with colleagues in delivering the Academy’s Strategic Plan 2024-2033.

Although it is subject to negotiation, the anticipated commencement date is January 2026.

Key requirements:
The successful candidate should be a well-established performing arts practitioner with significant experience in his/her respective discipline. He/she should also possess the following:

(a) Strong academic and professional background in dance, preferably with experience of performing arts research.
(b) Strong track record of teaching, scholarly achievement, and curriculum development.
(c) A successful track record of leadership within an educational institution or similar performing arts based organisation, including evidence of innovative approaches to programme management and development.
(d) Solid knowledge of current global trends and developments in performing arts education, as well as a strong vision for the School and understanding of the Academy’s role and future growth in the region. 
(e) High-level interpersonal and communication skills.
(f) Evidence of successful outcomes in building productive partnerships with key stakeholders, including tertiary institutions, industry, and community groups.
(g) A willingness and enthusiasm to embrace, lead, and manage change while being able to adapt to the philosophies and practices of the Academy.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
Appointment will be on a four-year renewable contract, subject to performance and mutual agreement.  A gratuity payment equals up to 15% of the total basic salary earned during the contract period may be granted upon satisfactory completion of the full contract period.  The amount of gratuity payable will be the sum which, when added to the Academy’s contribution to a Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) scheme as required by the MPF Schemes Ordinance, equals 15% of the total basic salary drawn during the contract period.  Fringe benefits include leave, medical, and dental benefits.  Starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.  Non-accountable Cash Allowance will be provided to the eligible appointee.