Head (Administration) - Office of Knowledge Transfer

Job Posting Details

The key role of the Office of Knowledge Transfer (OKT) is to encourage, support and engage HKUST research community and industry partners to create impact through innovation and entrepreneurship development. OKT manages the inventions and Intellectual Properties (IP) of HKUST, formulates commercialization strategy, identifies potential collaborators, and establishes commercialization projects with industry partners. OKT also incubates and supports HKUST start-up teams and companies and provides internal funding to realize the disruptive potential of the technology and ideas. The OKT is inviting competent and passionate professionals to join the knowledge transfer team:

Head (Administration)

Reporting to the Associate Vice-President for Research and Development (Knowledge Transfer) or his/her delegate, the appointee will serve as a key member of the Office’s senior management team. The role provides strategic leadership in planning, governance, reporting, resource management, and operational excellence to support the University’s knowledge transfer (KT) agenda and innovation ecosystem. The incumbent will oversee administrative and governance frameworks and drive continuous improvement through system enhancement and process innovation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Institutional Strategy, Reporting and Strategic Communications

• Lead the development and oversight of institutional reports and strategic submissions, including KT Annual Reports, Innovation Technology Commission Technology Transfer Office (TTO) reports, and major planning documents.

• Shape report frameworks, synthesize complex inputs, and ensure alignment with institutional priorities and external requirements.

• Conduct benchmarking and performance analysis against peer institutions to inform strategy and positioning.

• Oversee the preparation of strategic plans, operational plans, risk assessments, and high-level institutional narratives.

2. Performance Management, Data Governance and Institutional Reporting

• Provide strategic leadership in the design and implementation of KT performance frameworks, including KPI development and refinement.

• Oversee University-wide data governance, including KPI data collection, validation, analysis, and reporting.

• Lead major institutional reporting exercises such as the University Accountability Agreement (UAA) and Planning Exercise Proposal (PEP) in the KT areas.

• Ensure data integrity, consistency, and compliance with institutional policies and external requirements.

3. Financial Stewardship and Resource Management

• Lead strategic budget planning and resource allocation to support KT initiatives and operational priorities.

• Oversee multiple funding streams and project accounts, including government funding schemes and institutional budgets.

• Establish robust financial monitoring, reporting, and review mechanisms to ensure optimal utilization of resources.

• Provide oversight on staffing strategies, recruitment, and resource planning to support organizational growth and new initiatives.

4. Governance, Committee Leadership and Secretariat Oversight

• Lead the governance and secretariat functions for the Knowledge Transfer Committee (KTC) and related bodies.

• Provide strategic direction on agenda setting, work planning, and meeting management to support effective decision-making.

• Oversee the preparation and clearance of committee and Council papers, ensuring quality and timeliness.

• Serve as a key liaison with senior administration and governance offices to ensure seamless coordination and follow-through.

5. Organizational Capability and Talent Development

• Drive capability building and professional development initiatives to strengthen KT competencies across the Office.

• Oversee the development of policies, guidelines, knowledge resources, and onboarding programs.

• Foster a culture of continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and operational excellence.

6. Digital and AI Transformation and Operational Excellence

• Coordinate digital and AI transformation initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, including the development and implementation of KT-related systems and workflows.

• Oversee process re-engineering and automation efforts to improve service delivery and data management.

• Manage engagement with IT teams, vendors, and stakeholders to ensure successful system implementation and adoption.

• Ensure compliance with IT governance, data security, and system integration standards.

Requirements and Preferred Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree with a postgraduate qualification (e.g. MBA or related disciplines) preferred.

• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in university administration, knowledge transfer, or related fields, with a strong track record at a senior leadership level.

• Demonstrated leadership in driving institution-wide initiatives, including strategic planning, KPI frameworks, and large-scale reporting exercises.

• Extensive experience in preparing and overseeing high-level institutional reports, committee papers, and strategic submissions for senior management and governance bodies.

• Proven expertise in governance and committee support at a senior level, including agenda planning, stakeholder management, and decision tracking.

• Strong financial acumen with substantial experience in budget planning, resource allocation, and oversight of multiple funding sources.

• Track record in driving operational excellence through process enhancement, digital transformation, and systems implementation.

• Strong people leadership and organizational management capabilities, with experience in leading teams and driving cross-functional collaboration.

• Excellent strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with a proactive and results-oriented mindset.

• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders and external partners.

• Excellent command of written and spoken English and Chinese.

In support of a green work environment, we accept applications submitted online only.  To apply, please complete an online application form with Cover Letter and CV through the HKUST Careers website (https://hkustcareers.ust.hk) and return it online to the Human Resources Office on or before Friday, 3 July 2026. Applicants will receive an acknowledgement by email upon successful submission. We thank applicants for their interest, but advise that only shortlisted candidates will be notified of the result of the application.

(Information provided by applicants will be used for recruitment and other employment-related purposes.  Applicants should read the Personal Information Collection Statement before submission of application.)

HKUST is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to our core values of inclusiveness, diversity, and respect.