Associate Director

Job Description:

Associate Director in the Communications and Public Affairs Office

About the Role

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is at a pivotal moment in its history, embarking on an ambitious 10-year strategic plan, Leadership for Impact, with the vision of becoming a world-leading university transforming humanity’s future. The Communications and Public Affairs Office (CPAO) sits at the heart of this mission.

CPAO is seeking a dynamic, reform-minded, results-oriented leader to join us as Associate Director. This senior role will provide leadership across unified marketing/PR/event communications and AI-augmented content operations, ensuring HKU’s vision is translated into compelling narratives for global audiences.

Reporting to the Director of Communications and Public Affairs, the appointee will lead unified communication and engagement strategies that enhance HKU’s reputation, attract world-class talent, engage diverse stakeholders in Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, and internationally, and oversee the day-to-day operation of a modern, high-performance AI-powered HKU news and content service.

Key Responsibilities

The key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Strategy and Leadership
  • Develop and execute unified communication strategies aligned with the Leadership for Impact vision and University leadership priorities;
  • Lead CPAO teams across marketing, public relations, events, and content operations, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
• Integrated Communications and Engagement
  • Drive cohesive storytelling and audience engagement across digital, media, and institutional channels;
  • Strengthen stakeholder engagement and enhance institutional reputation locally and internationally.
• Content and Newsroom Operations
  • Oversee an AI-augmented content newsroom/content service, ensuring quality, consistency, and brand voice;
  • Manage high-volume content production across news, multimedia, social media, and other platforms.
• Innovation, Analytics, and Risk Management
  • Champion the use of AI, data analytics, and emerging media technologies to enhance performance and operational efficiency;
  • Proactively manage reputational risk and support communications crisis responses.
• Institutional Events and Partnerships
  • Oversee high‑profile institutional events as strategic engagement platforms;
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders and media partners.

Qualifications and Qualities

The successful candidate should possess:

• Exceptional trilingual proficiency in English, Cantonese and Putonghua (highly preferred), with strong storytelling ability and news sense;
• Demonstrated experience in AI‑enabled communications, digital media, and data‑driven content workflows;
• In-depth understanding of the media and public affairs landscape in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland; strong international affairs exposure is an advantage;
• A Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related discipline; a Master’s degree is advantageous;
• At least 12 years of progressive experience in public relations, media relations, marketing, journalism, content creation, or corporate communications, including a minimum of 8 years in a senior strategic leadership role;
• A results‑oriented mindset, with a track record of leading change and delivering measurable impact;
• Outstanding leadership, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage diverse teams in a fast-paced environment; and
• Willingness to work outside regular office hours and on duty roster as required.

What We Offer

The appointment will be made on fixed-term full-time contract for two years, to commence as soon as possible with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance. A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, together with contract-end gratuity and University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme, totalling up to 15% of basic salary. Other benefits include annual leave and medical benefits. Housing benefits will be provided as applicable.

How to Apply

The University only accepts online application for the above post. Applicants should apply online at the University’s career site (https://jobs.hku.hk), and upload an up-to-date C.V. Review of applications will commence as soon as possible and continue until June 8, 2026 and continue until the post is filled, whichever is earlier. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to attend an interview.

The University is an equal opportunities employer and

is committed to equality, ethics, inclusivity, diversity and transparency