Executive Officer - Job Opportunity at The University of Hong Kong

Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: July 27, 2025
On-site
HKD 480,000 - 600,000 per year (USD 61,500 - 76,900). This estimate reflects the mid-level executive nature of the role, the requirement for 4+ years experience, the competitive academic market in Hong Kong, and the comprehensive benefits package including retirement contributions up to 10% of salary.

Benefits

Comprehensive two-year fixed-term contract providing employment security and clear career planning horizon
Contract-end gratuity offering substantial financial reward upon successful completion of contract term
University contribution to retirement benefits scheme totaling up to 10% of basic salary, providing superior long-term financial security compared to standard market offerings
Annual leave entitlement ensuring work-life balance and personal time for professional development
Medical benefits coverage providing healthcare security and reducing personal medical expenses
Competitive salary structure positioned above market standards for similar executive positions
Contract renewal possibility based on performance, offering potential for career continuity and advancement

Key Responsibilities

Lead and oversee comprehensive administration of academic programmes, directly impacting student success and institutional academic excellence
Drive strategic project management initiatives that shape departmental operations and contribute to university-wide academic objectives
Execute high-level ad-hoc and non-routine assignments requiring executive judgment and strategic thinking to support senior leadership decisions
Manage complex administrative frameworks that ensure smooth operation of social work and social administration academic programs
Coordinate cross-functional activities that bridge academic and administrative functions, enhancing institutional effectiveness

Requirements

Education

good Bachelor's or Master's degree

Experience

at least 4 years of work experience

Required Skills

good command of written and spoken English and Chinese (preferably with fluency in Putonghua) ability to manage multiple tasks and work independently good communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills proficiency in IT fast learners good team players attentive to details self-motivated with a strong sense of responsibility
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Higher education institutions are increasingly emphasizing operational excellence and administrative efficiency, creating growing demand for experienced executive officers who can bridge academic and business operations. This trend reflects universities' need to optimize resources while maintaining academic quality in an increasingly competitive educational landscape. Digital transformation in higher education is driving demand for administratively skilled professionals who can implement technology solutions for academic program management, student services, and institutional operations. Universities are seeking professionals who can navigate both traditional academic structures and modern digital workflows. The growing emphasis on international education and cross-cultural competency, particularly in Asia-Pacific regions, is creating premium demand for multilingual administrative professionals who can support diverse student populations and international academic partnerships.

Role Significance

Typically manages or coordinates with 3-8 administrative and support staff members, while serving as a key liaison between academic faculty, senior administration, and external stakeholders. The role involves matrix management responsibilities across multiple academic programs and initiatives.
This is a mid-level executive position with significant operational responsibility within the academic hierarchy. The role sits between senior administrative leadership and departmental staff, requiring independent decision-making authority while supporting higher-level strategic initiatives. The position carries executive-level accountability for program administration and project outcomes.

Key Projects

Implementation and oversight of new academic program launches, including curriculum administration, regulatory compliance, and student services coordination Digital transformation initiatives for academic administration, including implementation of new student information systems, online program management platforms, and data analytics tools Cross-departmental collaboration projects that enhance institutional effectiveness, such as inter-disciplinary program development, international partnership administration, and quality assurance initiatives

Success Factors

Exceptional cultural and linguistic adaptability to navigate Hong Kong's unique East-West business environment while serving diverse international academic communities Strong project management capabilities with proven ability to handle multiple complex initiatives simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and meeting critical deadlines Strategic thinking combined with operational excellence to translate high-level academic objectives into practical administrative solutions that enhance student and faculty experiences Relationship management skills to build effective partnerships across academic departments, administrative units, and external stakeholders including government agencies and international educational institutions

Market Demand

High demand driven by Hong Kong's position as a major international education hub and the specialized nature of academic administration roles requiring both English and Chinese language proficiency.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Multilingual communication capabilities (English, Chinese, Putonghua) are absolutely essential for success in Hong Kong's international academic environment, enabling effective communication with diverse stakeholders including international students, local communities, government officials, and academic partners across Greater China Advanced organizational and project management skills are crucial for managing the complex, interconnected nature of academic program administration, where multiple deadlines, stakeholder groups, and regulatory requirements must be coordinated simultaneously while maintaining high standards of accuracy and compliance Independent problem-solving and decision-making abilities are vital for handling the varied, non-routine challenges that arise in academic administration, particularly when serving as a bridge between academic faculty expectations and institutional administrative requirements

Unique Aspects

Fixed-term contract structure with built-in gratuity and renewal possibility offers unique combination of job security and performance-based career progression rare in many academic administrative roles
Bilingual operational environment requiring fluency in English, Chinese, and preferably Putonghua provides exceptional professional development in cross-cultural business communication and international academic administration
Department of Social Work and Social Administration context offers exposure to cutting-edge research and practice in social policy, community development, and public service, providing valuable knowledge applicable across multiple career paths

Career Growth

Career progression typically occurs within 3-5 years with strong performance, particularly given the specialized nature of Hong Kong's academic market and the valuable bilingual administrative experience gained in this role.

Potential Next Roles

Assistant Registrar or Deputy Registrar positions within university administration, typically involving broader institutional responsibilities and higher-level policy implementation Academic Program Director roles with profit and loss responsibility for specific degree programs or academic initiatives Senior Administrative Manager positions in international education organizations, consulting firms, or government agencies focused on education policy and program development

Company Overview

The University of Hong Kong

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) stands as Hong Kong's oldest tertiary institution and one of Asia's most prestigious universities, consistently ranking among the top universities globally. Established in 1911, HKU has built a distinguished reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and international collaboration, serving as a bridge between Eastern and Western educational traditions.

HKU maintains elite status as one of Hong Kong's top three universities and ranks consistently within the global top 30 universities in major international rankings. The institution commands significant respect in academic circles and holds substantial influence in shaping Hong Kong's educational and research landscape.
HKU serves as a major regional education hub with strong connections throughout Asia-Pacific, extensive alumni networks in major business centers, and significant research collaborations with leading institutions across China, Southeast Asia, and internationally. The university plays a crucial role in Hong Kong's position as an international education destination.
HKU maintains a collegial academic environment that values intellectual rigor, international perspective, and collaborative excellence. The work culture combines traditional academic values with modern professional practices, emphasizing both individual achievement and institutional service within a diverse, multilingual community.
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