Joint Institute Vice‑Dean – Tianjin University‑University of Reading: Henley International Institute The University of Reading is seeking an outstanding academic leader to serve as Joint Institute Vice‑Dean for the newly established partnership between Tianjin University and the University of Reading. The Joint Institute will open in September 2026 on the island of Hainan and will initially offer three undergraduate and three postgraduate programmes in Business with potential expansion.
Responsibilities Reporting to the PVC International, the appointee will be responsible for getting the joint institute off the ground, recruiting staff, shaping operations and ensuring financial sustainability. They will provide academic leadership, overseeing all aspects of the delivery of the Joint Institute programmes, working closely with Henley Business School and the UoR Global Academy. The Vice‑Dean will cultivate an environment in which high quality teaching, student satisfaction and academic excellence thrive. Additionally, the post-holder will act as Associate‑Pro‑Vice Chancellor, implementing the University’s Internationalisation and Global Engagement strategy in East Asia and serving as the most senior representative of the University of Reading in the region. The role requires liaison with senior stakeholders at Tianjin University, the Chinese Ministry of Education, local authorities in Hainan and other key partners in the region, and participation in the PVCI’s Senior Management team and senior leadership group of Henley Business School and the University. The Vice‑Dean will be based at the Hainan campus for a substantial part of the year and will also be expected to spend time in other parts of China and East Asia.
Qualifications Ideal candidates will be resourceful, innovative and strategic thinkers with an agile approach to leadership. They must have previous leadership experience, particularly in delivering a partnership or major project, and possess strong administrative, planning and organisational skills. A strong personal academic profile, likely in Business and Management, and professorial standing is required. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to lead growth, have superb communication and influencing skills, and possess a good understanding of the Chinese higher education system and market. Fluency in Mandarin is essential.
Opportunity This position offers an opportunity to shape the future of the Joint Institute and drive the University’s presence in China.
#J-18808-Ljbffr