Job Summary

The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen seeks an inspirational and visionary Dean for its School of Music. The Dean will lead an international team of educators and administrators to provide the highest level of teaching and professional practices in the disciplines of music. The Dean is expected to develop the School as one of the top music institutes internationally while creating strong impact in China, in particular the Greater Bay Area.

Who We Are?

The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK-Shenzhen) was established in 2014 in accordance with the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Chinese-foreign Cooperation in Running Schools upon approval of the Ministry of Education. It inherits the educational philosophy and academic systems of The Chinese University of Hong Kong and is committed to nurturing high-end talent with global perspective, Chinese tradition, and social responsibility. Currently, more than 12,000 students are studying at CUHK-Shenzhen. Over the past 10 years since its inception, the University has established eight schools, namely the School of Management and Economics, the School of Science and Engineering, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, the School of Data Science, the School of Music, the School of Medicine, the School of Public Policy, and the School of Artificial Intelligence. These eight schools, together with the Graduate School, offer 29 undergraduate programmes and 57 postgraduate programmes.

The School of Music is situated in the International University Park of Longgang District, Shenzhen, in close proximity to The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen’s main campus. Spanning a site area of approximately 73,800 square meters with a total construction area of around 129,700 square meters, the project represents a total investment of about 1.63 billion yuan. Officially opening its new campus in August 2025, the School of Music has ushered in a new phase of development for the University. Construction commenced in October 2022, and following a nearly three-year build, the main structures have been completed and are now operational. All the 6 primary buildings, other than the Performing Arts Centre (which is expected to be completed by the end of 2025), were successfully handed over in August 2025, marking the conclusion of the School’s four-year transitional campus period.

To date, all faculty and students of the School of Music and the Eighth College have relocated to the new campus, embarking on an exciting new chapter of academic and campus life.

Currently, the School of Music offers undergraduate programs in Music Performance, Musicology, and Music Composition & Theory; graduate programs in Music Performance, Music Composition & Theory, and Musicology.

Rooted in the University’s core values—global engagement, collegiate tradition, holistic education, and student-centered philosophy—the School will further broaden students’ global perspectives through a modern university governance system, internationally recognized academic standards, and innovative teaching models.

Where is Shenzhen?

Located on the southern coast of China, Shenzhen borders Hong Kong to the south, separated by the Shenzhen River. Established as China’s first Special Economic Zone in 1980, the city has evolved into a global technology and innovation hub, often dubbed "China’s Silicon Valley," fueled by decades of rapid development and a steady influx of talent. Economically and globally influential, Shenzhen continues to strengthen its position as a leading global financial and logistics hub. In 2024, Shenzhen’s GDP reached 3.68 trillion yuan, marking a 5.8% year-on-year growth and solidifying its status as one of China’s top economic powerhouses. As a pivotal node in global trade, the city maintains its standing among the world’s busiest container ports, with long-term infrastructure plans targeting 33 million TEUs by 2025.

With an administrative population of nearly 20 million spread across nine districts, Shenzhen remains one of China’s most populous and dynamic metropolises. Culturally, its 2019 recognition as the second-best city to visit by Lonely Planet—a milestone that highlighted its blend of innovation, cultural diversity, and scenic landscapes—continues to resonate as it evolves into a global tourism destination.

Qualifications

As the academic and executive head of the School, the Dean is expected to have:

• Academic credibility in music, with qualifications appropriate for appointment as a senior professor, and broad respect within the professional and academic community.

• High international standing with global vision and academic connections.

• Strong administrative competence, including experience improving institutional processes, strengthening internal controls, and ensuring compliance with university policies and external regulations.

• Experience with curriculum development, ideally in institutions balancing conservatory and university models; ability to lead a fundamental review of curriculum structure, pedagogy, assessment, and programme sustainability.

• Demonstrated ability to build inclusive, participatory, and internationalised academic cultures.

• Student‑centred leadership, with awareness of student needs, communication mechanisms, and the role of residential colleges and student advising in a comprehensive university.

The Dean will be concurrently appointed as a tenured professor.

Salary & Benefits

Commensurate with personal qualifications, internationally competitive, with university benefits.

To Apply

Please submit the following materials:

A current CV and a cover letter that specifically addresses how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position, addressed to search-hr-2@cuhk.edu.cn.

The position will remain open until filled.