Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation
Senior Manager / Programme Manager (Temporary Appointment)
(Ref. 260211001)
[Appointment period: twelve months initially, with possibility of further appointment]
The Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation (JC D.I.S.I) is a pivotal platform at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) for interdisciplinary projects that apply innovative methodologies to solve complex social challenges. JC D.I.S.I plays a crucial role in policy advocacy, bridging academic research with real-world applications, and strengthening PolyU’s connections with the community and society at large. We leverage the University’s research expertise, collaborate with the government, external partners in the business sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and leading international universities in social innovation.
JC D.I.S.I’s work is instrumental in translating PolyU’s academic excellence into tangible societal impact, fostering a culture of innovation and social responsibility that resonates throughout the University and beyond. Our projects serve as living laboratories for the social innovation, providing unique opportunities for hands-on learning, proof of concepts and community engagement.
Duties
The appointee will lead and manage strategic projects within the Institute’s three-year to potentially six-year strategic planning, focusing on community-making initiatives in the Northern Metropolis, social innovation initiatives addressing community issues and enhancing the Institute’s role in policy advocacy. In addition, the appointee will take a leading role in designing and delivering training programmes that support these strategic objectives. He/She will be required to:
(a) prepare and deliver Artificial Intelligence (AI) x Design Thinking training courses, tailored for diverse sectors including schools, government agencies, NGOs and professional sectors;
(b) develop and implement research and project strategies aligned with the Institute’s vision for the Northern Metropolis and PolyU’s commitment to societal impact;
(c) lead multidisciplinary teams in executing complex, large-scale social innovation projects that demonstrate PolyU’s expertise and community engagement;
(d) design and deliver impactful training programmes that build capacity for community engagement, social innovation, policy advocacy and AI-enabling skills for service re-engineering and digital transformation for sectoral practitioners;
(e) apply and integrate design thinking methodologies in project planning and execution, showcasing innovative approaches to urban challenges;
(f) coordinate with internal departments, external stakeholders, and community members to ensure project success and strengthen PolyU’s community ties;
(g) manage project budgets, timelines and resources effectively;
(h) develop and maintain partnerships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, corporate and community organisations for enhancing PolyU’s and the Institute’s network;
(i) oversee the creation of prototypes and pilot projects to test innovative solutions and inform policy recommendations;
(j) analyse project outcomes, social impact assessment and prepare comprehensive reports for senior management, stakeholders and policymakers;
(k) facilitate knowledge transfer and capacity building within the team, with partners and across PolyU;
(l) contribute to the Institute’s overall strategic planning and engagement, particularly in areas of policy advocacy and community engagement;
(m) represent PolyU and the Institute in public forums, conferences, and policy discussion related to social innovation and community development; and
(n) perform any other duties as assigned by the Interim Director of Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation or his/her delegates.
Qualifications
Applicants for the Senior Manager post should have a recognised master’s degree in Design, Architecture, Social Sciences, Public Policy and Research or other related disciplines. They should also have at least ten years of post-qualification work experience at a supervisory level, with a minimum of five years in managing large-scale social innovation or community engagement projects.
Applicants for the Programme Manager post should have a recognised degree in one of the above-mentioned disciplines. They should also have at least seven years of post-qualification work experience at a supervisory level, with a minimum of five years in managing large-scale social innovation or community engagement projects.
Applicants should also:
(a) demonstrate proven experience in conducting design thinking workshops and sectoral training programmes, experience in integrating AI into training programmes will be considered an advantage;
(b) possess knowledge in technology integration for social innovation, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), AI, big data analysis, or AI-enabled teaching, to enhance project outcomes and training content; such expertise will be considered a definite advantage;
(c) demonstrate strong expertise in design thinking methodologies and their application to complex social challenges and policy development;
(d) have a proven track record of successful fund pitching, project management, stakeholder engagement and policy influence in multifaceted environments;
(e) demonstrate a deep understanding of social innovation principles, their application in multi-dimensional contexts and their relevance to policy-making;
(f) show proficiency in programme evaluation, social impact assessment, project management tools and methodologies;
(g) have a strong network within relevant government departments, NGOs and community organisations in Hong Kong;
(h) possess a robust research background, demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals or significant research contributions in areas related to social innovation, community development or public policy;
(i) possess excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills;
(j) exhibit strong leadership abilities and experience in managing diverse teams and cross-sector collaborations;
(k) have outstanding communication skills in both written and spoken English and Chinese, with experience in public speaking, policy presentations and policy recommendation writing; and
(l) be adaptable, innovative, and capable of working effectively in a dynamic environment that bridges academic, community and policy spheres.
Applicants with experience in translating research findings into actionable policy recommendations are highly desirable.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to sit for a written test and present a portfolio of their relevant project experience, including examples of policy impact.
Conditions of Service
A highly competitive remuneration package will be offered.
Consideration of applications will commence on 20 February 2026 until the position is filled.
Posting date: 11 February 2026