Institute for Higher Education Research and Development
Deputy Division Head of Digital Transformation
(Ref. 260730017-IE)
Duties
With a mission to promote and drive AI-driven digital transformation for education innovation, the Digital Transformation Division (DTD) of the Institute for Higher Education Research and Development (IHERD) seeks high-caliber professionals who shares our vision of digital innovation. We value a positive, future-focused mindset and a collaborative spirit to join our strong and dynamic team to build collaborative partnerships with internal academic/administrative units and external digital innovators to co-create solutions and keep the Institute at the forefront of digital trends.
The appointee will play a pivotal role in leading the development of DTD and will be expected to take primary leadership responsibility in Strategic Digital and Data Architecture focusing on strategic alignment, modular ecosystems and digital enablement, while providing strategic oversight and support across all areas of the Division. He/She will be required to:
(a) define and evolve the blueprint for the University’s digital ecosystem, mapping business processes from diverse units into a cohesive, agile and scalable digital landscape;
(b) establish strategic data enablement frameworks, defining how data flows across the Institute to ensure secure, accessible data and authoritative “sources of truth” for core business entitles;
(c) champion a modular and component digital principles ensuring that new platforms and tools are designed to connect seamlessly, share data easily and scale without creating system dependencies;
(d) govern technology adoption by establishing evaluation frameworks for third-party solutions, ensuring all vendor acquisitions are modular, integration-friendly and aligned with the long-term digital blueprint (preventing the accumulation of legacy and siloed systems);
(e) lead portfolio and initiative planning, oversee the delivery of multiple business processes and strategic initiatives, including resource prioritisation, risk management and value realisation;
(f) supervise and coach team members, promote a high-performance and learning-focused culture within the DTD, and support university-wide capability building through the design and delivery of targeted training and development activities;
(g) contribute to institution-level and division-level planning and governance, including budgeting, defining KPIs and measuring the business impact of major digital initiatives;
(h) collaborate closely with the Information Technology Services (ITS) Office and other business units to align data standards, streamline business processes and ensure effective coordination for new digital solutions;
(i) represent the DTD at internal and/or external meetings, translating complex digital concepts into clear strategic opportunities for non-technical stakeholders; and
(j) perform any other duties as assigned by the Director of IHERD or his/her delegates.
Qualifications
Applicants should have:
(a) a recognised degree, preferably with a higher degree, in Digital Strategy, Information Management, Enterprise Architecture, Business Administration (with a technology focus) or a related discipline plus at least fifteen years with demonstrable experience in leading major digital transformation initiatives in higher education or comparable complex organisations;
(b) a proven track record of operating at a strategic leadership level and bridging the gap between business vision and digital execution;
(c) strong expertise in strategic technology evaluation, with a proven ability to evaluate and vet vendors and software solutions to ensure architectural alignment, modularity and business fit;
(d) a strong conceptual understanding of modern digital ecosystems, integration patterns and how composable architecture (modular systems) drives organisational agility;
(e) the ability to thrive in dynamic environments, embrace innovation, drive change and foster teamwork;
(f) excellent strategic thinking, analytical problem-solving and influential communication skills; and
(g) an excellent command of both written and spoken English and Chinese, with fluency in Putonghua.
Shortlisted candidates may be invited to sit for a written test and deliver a presentation.
Applicants should submit their applications and CVs together with a personal statement that outlines their approach to designing an enterprise digital blueprint, supported by relevant qualifications and experience.
Conditions of Service
A highly competitive remuneration package will be offered. Initial appointment will be on a fixed-term gratuity-bearing contract. Re-engagement thereafter is subject to mutual agreement.
Consideration of applications will commence on 14 August 2026 until the position is filled.
Posting date: 30 July 2026