Joint Institute Vice-Dean

The University of Reading seeks to appoint an outstanding academic leader as Joint Institute Vice-Dean for its Tianjin University-University of Reading: Henley International Institute. The Joint Institute is a partnership established by Tianjin University in collaboration with the University of Reading, and is due to open its doors to students in September 2026. Located on the island of Hainan off the south coast of China, the Joint Institute will offer three UG and three PGT programmes in Business, with the potential to expand further.

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. They will cultivate an environment where high quality teaching, student satisfaction, and academic excellence thrive. The post-holder will also act as Associate-Pro-Vice Chancellor (APVC), with responsibility for implementing the University’s Internationalisation and Global Engagement strategy in East Asia. They will be the most senior representative of the University of Reading in the region, and academic lead for East Asia. They will bring together the University’s many established partnerships and other activities in China into a thriving hub. The postholder will liaise with senior stakeholders from Tianjin University, the Chinese Ministry of Education, local authorities in Hainan, as well as other key partners in the region. They will be part of the PVCI’s Senior Management team, and will sit on the 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 some time in other parts of China and East Asia.

Ideal candidates will be resourceful, innovative, and strategic thinkers with an agile approach to leadership. They will bring previous leadership experience, which may have been gained in the context of delivering a partnership or major project. Strong administrative, planning and organisational skills will be critical. The successful candidate will need to hit the ground running and operate within a fast-paced environment. They will bring a strong personal academic profile, likely in Business and Management, and will be of professorial standing. They will demonstrate an ability to lead growth, and will bring superb communication and influencing skills. Candidates must have a good understanding of the Chinese higher education system and market, and speak Mandarin.

This is an opportunity to shape the future of the Joint Institute, and drive the University’s presence in China.

To find out more, see: https://www.minervasearch.com/current-opportunities/reading/

To apply for this vacancy, please send a covering letter and CV to reading@minervasearch.com. The closing date for this role is midday on 3rd July 2026.