Associate Director of School - Curriculum and Quality

LOCATION: Xiamen University, Zhangzhou Campus, China

Full Time: 36.25 hours per week

Are you passionate about creating an exceptional student experience through organization, curriculum development, and effectively implemented quality assurance procedures? If so, we are looking for a uniquely qualified educator to join us at the Institute of Creativity and Innovation (ICI), a dual-degree institute founded by the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) and Xiamen University (XMU) in 2020.

ICI is establishing a distinctive approach to design education. We emphasize active models of teaching and learning that build students’ communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity skills. Most of our units are taught as project and problem-based studio learning, supported by research, while developing students as independent learners. You will help us shape and drive forward the ICI vision.

As Associate Director, you will actively support and ensure innovative curriculum development, quality assurance and enhancement, and the professional development of our staff. You will support the Director of the School in further developing the relationship with Xiamen University, staff recruiting, and industry engagement. You will also participate in growing the scholarly profile at ICI by either contributing to ICI’s creativity and innovation research portfolio, ongoing professional practice output, or actively enhancing creative education at ICI and beyond. Further, you will prepare and deliver lectures, workshops, and tutorials, as appropriate to your professional background.

You will be based at Xiamen University’s Zhangzhou campus, which boasts a park-like environment, with mountains to the west, Amoy Bay to the north, and the South China Sea to the east. It is a short commute to Xiamen, the multicultural centre of South-East China.

A terminal degree in an appropriate discipline is required, as are a minimum of five year’s teaching experience, a teaching certification or equivalent, and several years of leadership experience in higher education. Most importantly, you will be a natural leader with the ability to bring individuals from many cultural and disciplinary backgrounds together to build an effective team. The role requires someone who can demonstrate resilience and initiative when faced with challenges. Problem-solving is an essential skill and a reflective, adaptable approach to teaching and teaching support is necessary.

This will be a permanent contract. UCA also offers a competitive compensation package that includes:

• 25 days of personal holiday
• Enrolment in the Local Government pension scheme
• Medical Insurance coverage in China for self and family
• Visa application expenses for self and family
• Flight cost
• Settling-In Allowance
• Annual repatriation (home visit) allowance
• Free accommodation in China for self and family
• School or Nursery/ Pre-school allowance
• Tax advice

If you would welcome an informal chat about the role before applying, or any aspect of living and working in China, please contact Philip Lambert by email (philip.lambert@uca.ac.uk) providing your contact details. 

Come and join a growing community of design professionals in a location that inspires creativity – you won’t be disappointed.

HOW TO APPLY?

Please click on the apply button above and apply with your updated CV and a cover letter stating your suitability for the role. You can also upload your portfolio and any supporting documents, which would be desirable. 

Priority will be given to applicants with experience working in the UK, or other countries where courses are taught in English.

Candidates must be able to meet the Chinese visa requirements. UCA will assist with obtaining a visa.

Interviews will be ongoing; this role will remain open until filled.

At UCA, creativity and innovation are at the heart of what we do. Our legacy of educating eager and passionate artists, makers, and thinkers runs back almost 160 years, and today we’re helping shape a global future that supports and nourishes talent worldwide.

The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) aims to be a welcoming and inclusive University that is truly representative of all the diversity in society. We particularly encourage applications from people from minoritized ethnic groups and people with disabilities who are currently under-represented within the University.