Executive Director

Applications are invited for appointment as Executive Director (at the rank of Senior Assistant Registrar) in the HKU Institute for Climate and Carbon Neutrality (ICCN) (Ref.: 536649), to commence as soon as possible, on a two- to three-year fixed-term basis, with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability.

About the Institute and the Role

The HKU Institute for Climate and Carbon Neutrality (ICCN) is a premier transdisciplinary research, educational, and stakeholder-engagement hub dedicated to inspiring solutions for climate change and leading the global transition to net zero.

Backed by significant upcoming institutional funding streams and an expanding global footprint, the Institute is seeking a top-tier administrative executive and strategist. Serving as the Institute's primary development policy architect and research funds custodian, the appointee will govern ICCN’s macro-level funding strategy, drive non-governmental fundraising, oversee the central administrative machinery, and map out the Institute’s long-term institutional growth roadmap.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting directly to the Founding Director of ICCN, the appointee will serve as the senior administrative pillar of the Institute. Key responsibilities include:

• Grant Strategy & Oversight: Spearhead the Institute’s macro-level grant capture strategy; identify, architect, and coordinate major multi-institutional research grant proposals (e.g., RGC Theme-based Research Schemes, Green Tech Fund, Innovation and Technology Fund, and international multilateral climate funds).
• Fund Custodianship & Fiscal Governance: Act as the chief financial controller for incoming institutional funds; design robust fiscal compliance frameworks, manage complex multi-year budget allocations, guarantee strict adherence to University, government, and donor audit standards, and optimize the internal deployment of research capital.
• Strategic Fundraising & Philanthropy: Formulate and execute ICCN’s private fundraising roadmap; actively cultivate strategic partnerships with family offices, corporate ESG foundations, philanthropic trusts, and global green finance institutions.
• Development Policy & Roadmap: Partner with Institute leadership to draft mid- to long-term institutional development policies; translate global climate governance trends into actionable institutional growth strategies to elevate ICCN’s international standing.
• Executive Administrative Supervision: Direct the core administrative, operational, and research-support machinery of the Institute; streamline grant pre-award and post-award compliance workflows, supervise professional administrative staff, and ensure seamless coordination across ICCN research teams, educational programmes, and external stakeholders.

Qualifications and Qualities

Applicants should possess the following key attributes:

• Education and Specialized Experience: A recognized University degree, preferably with a strong postgraduate qualification (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Public Administration, Business/Finance, Environmental Governance, Management, or a related discipline, with 10-15 years specialized experience.
• Senior Management Experience: At least 8 to 10 years of substantial, proven senior administrative and management experience within the higher education sector, a major scientific research institute, a quasi-governmental body, or a corporate sustainability/C-suite environment.
• Track Record in Funding: Demonstrated success in managing 8-figure institutional budgets, overseeing complex research grant cycles, or driving high-value philanthropic/corporate fundraising campaigns.
• Ecosystem Knowledge: Deep working familiarity with the public and private research funding landscapes, statutory compliance codes, and higher education governance frameworks in Hong Kong and Mainland China.
• Leadership & Communication: An authoritative executive presence with outstanding interpersonal, negotiation, and team-building skills. Excellent written and spoken English is required; native or near-native fluency in Putonghua and Cantonese is highly preferred to support cross-border Greater Bay Area initiatives.

What We Offer

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 at 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 applications for the above post. Applicants should apply online and upload an up-to-date C.V. Review of applications will start as soon as possible and continue until August 15, 2026, or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier.