Head – Department of International Studies

Position description

In 2006 Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) was created by the University of Liverpool and Xi’an Jiaotong University – a top ten 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 and Liverpool in the UK, with plans to grow to about 28,000 students by 2025. There are currently about 2,000 staff, among which about 1,000 academic staff, with an almost even split between citizens of the People’s Republic of China and international passport holders. XJTLU offers our undergraduates and postgraduates over 100 programmes with a diverse spectrum of courses.

XJTLU is entering a new and exciting phase of its development as part of its strategic priorities for the next ten years. Adopting a new higher education model based on the concept of Syntegrative Education (SE), XJTLU is currently opening a new Entrepreneurial Education site in Taicang, part of wider Suzhou, where the Entrepreneur College (Taicang) is located. The Taicang site will be 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 Xi’an Jiaotong University, the continued development of the four new Academies, and exploration of further potential locations to develop the SE model.

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 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 THE SCHOOL AND THE DEPARTMENT

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences was established in September 2020 to research and educate across different disciplines in humanities and social sciences. The school, supported by over 100 academic staff from more than 15 countries, consists of five academic departments: International Studies, China Studies, Media and Communication, Applied Linguistics, and Literary and Translation Studies.

The school offers a wide range of degree programmes including undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD, as well as international visiting and exchange student programmes. The school hosts the Year in China programme of the University of Liverpool. 

The Department of International Studies at XJTLU was established in 2018. Sitting in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, it aims to be a leading provider of international studies education and research. Our growing department is staffed by research active scholars from all over the world, including South Korea, Australia, Cameroon, Canada, China, Sweden, Croatia, Italy, Greece, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The department offers a BA and an MA in International Relations, and an MA in International Business and Global Affairs, and welcomes students from all over the world. Please read further about our research, teaching, and programmes by exploring the department’s website.

· BA International Relations

· MA International Relations

· MA International Business and Global Affairs

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION

The position of Head of Department [HoD] is crucial to the effective operation of the SIP Campus at XJTLU. Departments are the fundamental building blocks of the SIP Campus of the university, and the HoD is the most important communication link between the university and the individual member of academic staff. The HoD reports to the Dean of their School and the Vice President for Academic Affairs for the entire operation of the department and the professional behaviour of each individual member of staff. The HoD is a key leader, manager, and administrator without which the university cannot function. The term of appointment is three years.

Leadership

1. The HoD provides leadership, academic direction and oversight to the department.

2. The HoD leads the departmental strategic planning process. The Departmental Strategy is the fundamental guideline for the operation and development of the department. The university has a system of rolling three year plans to identify annual operational objectives and resource planning.

3. It is the responsibility of the HoD to work with the Dean and Associate Dean for Learning and Teaching of their School to ensure that teaching programmes maximise the market opportunity for the presentation of their discipline or field of study.

4. It is the responsibility of the HoD to ensure that the content of modules is kept up to date; and that new advances in teaching technology and academic discussions are accommodated.

5. The HoD is responsible for the regular assessment of teaching and research outcomes, and works with relevant administrative departments for the improvement of teaching and research outcomes.

6. The HoD works with the Dean and Associate Dean for Research to oversee the research direction and performance – collectively and individually – of the department.

7. The HoD oversees the development of the Department’s external engagement with other units within the University and external organisations.

Administration and Management

1. The HoD is responsible for the organization and administration of the department.

2. The HoD is responsible to the university for the implementation of all its academic and operational policies, rules and regulations. Of particular importance in this regard is the conduct of examinations and marking and moderation regimes; implementation of the staff attendance and absence policy; observance of the staff code of conduct; and observance of quality assurance processes.

3. The HoD delegates tasks to members of the department, who through their involvement will feel greater engagement with the work of the department. 

4. A HoD may be asked to take on specific administrative tasks by the university. These include service on committees or working parties; chair of review panels; and other more specific duties.

5. The HoD is directly responsible within the Department for:

– Strategic and annual planning

– Individual staff work allocation 

– Budget development and expenditure 

– Financial approvals for expenditure from departmental budget

– Ensuring teaching and research quality and standards are upheld

– Staff appointments; identifying need, defining the specification and justification, organizing recruitment, overseeing interview panel arrangements, and recommending appointment

– Staff mentoring and staff Professional Development Reviews

– Staff disciplinary issues

– Student disciplinary issues and complaints

– Assignments of administrative duties to other staff

– Implementation of staff attendance and absence policy

– Dissemination of information regarding the development of the university, especially changes to policy, university regulations, and issues discussed at the HoD Group.

– Ensuring that the requirements of PRC legislation and XJTLU regulation on Health and Safety are all met.

Key relationships

1. The HoD reports directly to the Dean of the School.

2. The HoD works closely with the Associate Dean for Learning and Teaching and Associate Dean for Research, to ensure the development of an appropriate learning and teaching, and research environment.

3. The HoD works closely with the Programme Directors to ensure the effective presentation and delivery of programmes of learning and teaching.

4. The HoD works closely with the School Learning and Committee and the School Research Committee to ensure the highest standards of quality assurance in teaching planning and delivery, as well as research are met.

5. The HoD is a member of School Senior Management Team and plays a leading role with other HoDs in the School.

Evaluation

1. HoDs will complete an annual Professional Development Review that will allow for the evaluation and monitoring by the Head of School of growth and development of the areas outlined in this document.

2. Additionally, the annual planning process will be used to review the effectiveness and efficiencies of resource and budget management at the departmental level.

3. 360-degree reviews will be conducted for the purpose of providing beneficial feedback with regard to effectiveness in the areas of leadership, administration, and management.

4. Areas where the need for improvement is identified will be discussed and a plan for development agreed to between a HoD and the Dean of School.

5. Instances where a HoD is unable to fulfil the responsibilities of the role may result in an invitation for the HoD to stepdown.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE 

We are looking for someone with the ambition, creativity and organizational skills to succeed in an exciting environment of continued growth and significant change. Applicants should:

· Be educated to PhD degree level in one of the academic disciplines of the Department of International Studies.

· Have at least five years of teaching experience at university level.

· Successful record of higher education administrative and managerial experience, including effective line management and team building, as well as strategic planning and budget management.

· Substantial experience with programme development and curriculum design.

· PhD supervision experience.

· Exceptional publication record for discipline.

· Outstanding record of external grant applications.

· Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (e.g. HEA Fellow status) or equivalent.

· A demonstrated commitment to education excellence.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

· Significant experience in international higher education.

· Cross-cultural sensitivity.

· Familiarity with China and Chinese higher education.

· Familiarity with the British system of higher education.

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.

COPENSATION & BENEFITS

SALARY: Competitive salary in the market

BENEFITS

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

o Housing allowance

o Travel allowance

o Relocation allowance

o Children’s education allowance

o Etc.

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

3. Paid holidays:

o Statutory Holidays (11 days)

o Annual Leave (36 days)

o Family Matters Leave

o Paid Sick Leave

o Marriage Leave

o Paternity Leave

o Parental leave

o Etc.

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

 

Application instructions

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