HEAD OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

In a city renowned for its international outlook and connectivity, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) plays a unique and influential role in nurturing future generations of performing artists, including performers, practitioners, designers, and technicians. Ranked 10th in the 2026 QS World University Rankings for Performing Arts and 1st in Asia, the Academy and its Schools of Chinese Opera, Dance, Drama, Film & Television, Music, and Theatre & Entertainment Arts form a vibrant centre of practice, production, teaching, and practice-as-research. Its outstanding reputation is reinforced by the quality of its graduates and its partnerships with centres of excellence locally, regionally, and internationally. Through international residencies, visiting artists, and a distinguished alumni network—including some of the most respected professionals in their disciplines—the Academy is committed to training future world-class performers and practitioners.

The Student Affairs Office aims to enhance students’ learning experience and wellbeing through a comprehensive range of services supporting their academic, personal, social, and professional development. The Office delivers key functions including careers service, counselling service, health service, student financial assistance, and student accommodation, and collaborates closely with Schools to support mentoring, guidance, orientation, and induction.

Reporting to the Registrar & Principal Head (Student Experience), the Head of Student Affairs provides strategic leadership for all Student Affairs functions. The role leads and develops Student Affairs strategies aligned with the Academy’s institutional priorities, and drives student wellbeing, engagement, and success through the effective delivery and continuous enhancement of student support services.

Applicants should have:
(a) A recognised degree or equivalent qualification, preferably in counselling, social work, education, or a discipline relevant  to student development and support services.
(b) Substantial relevant experience in higher education, with a strong track record in student affairs leadership, including the planning, management, and enhancement of student support and wellbeing services.
(c) Excellent command of spoken and written English and Chinese; proficiency in Putonghua will be an advantage.
(d) Proven leadership and management capabilities, with strong communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to lead and develop team effectively, and a demonstrated capacity to build collaborative partnerships with both internal and external stakeholders.
(e) Strong organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with a proactive and service-oriented mindset, and solid experience in programme development and project management.
(f) An appreciation of, and sensitivity to, the needs of students in a performing arts or creative education environment will be an advantage.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT 
Appointment will be on a two-year renewable contract, subject to performance and mutual agreement.  A gratuity payment may be granted upon satisfactory completion of the full contract.  Fringe benefits include leave, medical, and dental benefits. The starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. A non-accountable Cash Allowance may be provided to the eligible appointee.