Deputy Dean, Academy of Future Education

Xi'an Jiaotong - Liverpool University – Academy of Future Education

Contract Type: Fixed-term, renewable. 3rd contract is open-ended

ABOUT XJTLU

In 2006, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) was created by the University of Liverpool, UK, and Xi’an Jiaotong University, China – a C9 university in China. Offering a unique international education experience, XJTLU brings together excellent research practice and expertise from both institutions and gives students the skills and knowledge they need to secure careers in a global marketplace. XJTLU now has over 25,000 enrolled students in both Suzhou China and Liverpool in the UK, with plans to grow to 35,000 students soon. There are currently about 2,500 staff, among which about 1,300 academic staff from more than 60 countries. XJTLU offers our undergraduates and postgraduates over 120 programmes with a diverse spectrum of courses.

XJTLU will be celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026, entering a new and exciting phase of its development for the next ten years. Adopting a new higher education model based on the concept of Syntegrative Education (SE), XJTLU has opened a new Entrepreneurial College (XEC) in a new campus located in Taicang city, which is a part of wider Suzhou. The XEC site is a pioneer of, and educational model for, the future campus in addressing challenges arising from the 4th Industrial Revolution. Other new initiatives include new working partnerships with University of Liverpool and Xi’an Jiaotong University, innovation of teaching and research through XJTLU Education + AI framework, and the continued development of new academies to build an institutional ecosystem.

With a focus on innovative learning and teaching, and research, XJTLU draws on the strengths of its parent universities, and plays a pivotal role in facilitating access to China for UK and other institutional partners. At the same time, XJTLU is exploring future education by blending the educational theory, best practice and culture from West and East.

For detailed information about the university, please visit www.xjtlu.edu.cn.

ABOUT ACADEMY OF FUTURE EDUCATION (AOFE) 

The Academy of Future Education of Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University is an educational innovation ecosystem that focuses on research, exploration, support, and dissemination of philosophy and best practices for future education. The core mission of the Academy is to impact education innovation and reform in China and beyond through a variety of projects and programmes, based on fundamental approaches in educational innovation and systemic development designed to contribute to the future of education. The Academy supports individuals and institutions at all levels, including all the K-15 schools as well as vocational education and higher education institutions.

Five units make up the Academy, namely the Department of Educational Studies (EDS), Institute of Leadership & Education Advanced Development (ILEAD), Educational Development Unit (EDU), Learning Institute for Future Excellence (LIFE), and Operations (OPE). Key projects of the Academy include the following programmes:

• Master’s and doctoral degree programmes in education
• Research projects on future education
• Education innovation community
• Professional development programmes for educational practitioners
• Student learning excellence support programmes
• Online-onsite hybrid learning environment and resources.
• The academy supports individuals and institutions at all levels including all the K-15 schools as well as vocational education and higher education institutions.  

Outreach business for ecosystem development

Academy of Future Education is a leading institute in developing ecosystem of exploring future education nationally in China, and there are a number of outreach project developed for ecosystem development at basic education, vocational education, and higher education levels. These projects include:

At higher education level

• The XIPU National University Teaching Innovation Award, which is the only national level competition recognised widely organized by a university, every year there are thousands of teachers from hundreds of universities participate.
• The Association of Sustainable Faculty Development Centres in Universities, which has 126 university members now
• The Association of Interdisciplinary Social Innovation Course, which has participants from more than 70 universities
• Finding Outstanding Chinese Educators in the New Era, which has more than 30 million online and onsite participants every year
• The ILEAD TALK project, which has been implemented in 25 cities across China
• The Annual Conference of Higher Education Innovation, and Annual Conference of Education Innovation Pioneers
• 15 training programmes for practitioners in higher education institutions, which has thousands of participants every year

At basic education level

• The Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University Affiliated School at Suzhou
• The XJTLU Basic Education Group at Shenzhen
• Six pilot projects of XIPU class in six cities in Shenzhen, Qingdao, Xi’an, Guangzhou, Suzhou, Wuhan
• Training programes and community-based events for professionals working at basic education institutions

At vocational education level

• Two pilot projects of College of Dream-chasers, at Linyi Shandong and Weinan Shanxi
• The Teaching case competition of University-industry integration
• The National Professional Education Cooperation (NPEC)
• Training programmes and community-based events for professionals working at vocational education institutions 

The Academy has an operation team includes business development, marketing, and event support teams to support the outreach business mentioned above.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Applications are invited for Deputy Dean (Professor/Associate Professor in Education) of Academy of Future Education at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University.  

The Deputy Dean will assist the Academy’s Executive Dean in providing leadership and strategic direction for the Academy’s outreach and operational activities. This is a senior academic leadership position, requiring a dynamic individual who will support the Executive Dean in advancing the Academy’s mission of education eco-system development and innovative solutions to real-world challenges, while maintaining strong ties with both academic and industry partners.  The major responsibility of the Deputy Dean is to lead the outreach business at Academy of Future Education at all levels including basic education, new professional education, and higher education, and business development and marketing. 

The Deputy Dean is a key member of the senior management team in the Academy of Future Education, working alongside the Executive Dean, Director of Learning and Teaching, Director of Research, and five department heads. They oversee executive functions such as policy development, strategic planning, and the coordination of Academy operations with administrative staff. 

The role holder reports to the Executive Dean of Academy of Future Education. 

Overall Responsibilities:

Leadership Support:

• Assist the Executive Dean in providing leadership and oversight to the Academy, including support in chairing the Academy’s Senior Management Team committee when required.
• Support the Executive Dean in their full membership of the HoD Advisory Group, Dean's Advisory Group, and Academic Board.
• Aid the Executive Dean in leading the Academy's strategic planning process, ensuring alignment with the university's rolling three-year plans.
• Support the Executive Dean in developing the Academy’s external engagement strategies and representing the Academy in both domestic and international forums.
• Assist the Executive Dean in fostering synergistic collaboration between the Academy and the rest of the University.

Administrative Support:

• Support the Executive Dean in carrying out specific administrative tasks assigned by the university, such as committee service, chairing review panels, and other duties.
• Help the Executive Dean in their direct responsibilities within the Academy, such as strategic and annual planning, budget development, financial approvals, and ensuring quality and standards are upheld.

Management Support:

• Support the Executive Dean in ensuring that staff carry out their duties professionally and effectively, providing direction and feedback.
• Assist the Executive Dean in the in-line supervision and management of some individual staff members.
• Help the Executive Dean with the effective management of the Annual Performance Management system at the Academy level. 

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:

• PhD degree in Education and related area, or ideally ten years of experience in senior leadership position in educational institutions.
• A proven ability to enhance and implement a strategic vision for the Academy that aligns with University strategies;
• A strong record of accomplishment in all forms of education management with an emphasis on developing outreach business in support educational institutions and practitioners.
•  An established track record of success in leading or providing consultancy in education innovation, or running education community, or developing and delivering training programms in higher education, or vocational education, or basic education;
•  A strong commitment to innovation in education with special reference to XJTLU education philosophy, research-led teaching, and syntegrative education; 
• Experience managing and planning budgets as well as networking an academic unit internally and externally to build brand and profile;
•  Experience working within a thriving multicultural environment;
• An ability to lead, uplift and inspire young staff.  
• Applicants are expected to speak both Chinese and English fluently.
• Applicants are expected to have knowledge about education in the Chinese context.
• Applicants are expected to have knowledge about and practice of business development and marketing. 

CITIZENSHIP AND VISA REGULATIONS

Employment at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University is regulated by Chinese Labour Laws, and must comply with the regulations of the provincial government. These regulations stipulate who is eligible for legal employment with regard to obtaining work permits and visas. Please be advised candidates over 65 may be not eligible for a work visa in the P.R. China. 

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

1. Clear career development path with annual review.
2. Professional development trainings are provided. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

SALARY: Competitive salary in the market

BENEFITS

1. Allowance: XJTLU provide various month/annual/one-off allowances as

• Housing allowance
• Travel allowance
• Kids’ education allowance
• Relocation allowance 

2. Commercial insurance: international insurance plans customized for XJTLU staff and family members. (details refer to the University Policy)

 3. Paid holidays:

• Statutory Holidays (13 days)
• Annual Leave (34 days)
• Family Matters Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Marriage Leave
• Paternity Leave
• Parental Leave 

4. Working visa and residence permit in China: XJTLU sponsors working visa and residence permit in China for the staff.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your application on our university website. Applications must be submitted in a single pdf file that includes 3 parts in the order of:

• A cover letter
• A current CV, including country of citizenship, and highest degree level
• Contact Details for Three References

For specific enquiries relating to the position, please email Executive Dean, Prof. Xiaojun Zhang at xiaojun.zhang@xjtlu.edu.cn.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to HR at zhi.yang@xjtlu.edu.cn