Guangzhou College of Commerce

Location: Guangzhou or Hong Kong

Overview

Guangzhou College of Commerce (GCC), formerly known as the Zengcheng Campus of South China Normal University, is a leading private university in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) of China. Established in 1999, GCC currently enrolls over 28,000 full-time students. In 2021, the college was approved as a doctoral workstation in Guangdong Province and as a master's degree preparatory institution. In 2023, it was designated as a host institution for the National Natural Science Foundation, with its research competitiveness ranking among the top 10 private universities in China.

GCC comprises 13 colleges with a highly interdisciplinary strategic focus on "New Business + Pan-ICT Integration." It has created a robust academic framework where disciplines such as management, economics, literature, law, engineering, and the arts are closely integrated and supported. The college currently owns three provincial-level experimental teaching demonstration centers, 182 on-campus experimental and training centers, 303 off-campus practice teaching bases, and multiple collaborative education platforms established in partnership with governments and enterprises. GCC graduates are widely recognized by society and employers, with the employment rate consistently exceeding 95%.

To accelerate its globalization efforts, the college has entrusted Korn Ferry to recruit a highly capable and visionary Vice President for International Education to lead the development of its international education strategy.

The Ideal Candidate

Educational Background

• A degree from a globally recognized university, with a master’s or doctoral degree in education, international affairs, global strategy, or related fields preferred.

Work Experience

• At least 15 years of experience in international education, with rich experience in international strategy, cross-cultural collaboration, and building global educational networks.
• Experience in senior management at overseas universities, international educational institutions, or multinational education platforms, with familiarity with international education policies, trends, and challenges.
• Successful leadership in the formulation and implementation of a college’s internationalization strategy, with operational experience in transnational education projects, international collaborations, and international recruitment.

Strategic Thinking and Leadership

• Excellent strategic thinking abilities, capable of formulating and advancing internationalization roadmaps, navigating complex international educational environments, and working across diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to effectively motivate cross-cultural teams to work collaboratively toward internationalization goals.

Global Network and Connections

• A broad network of international educational partners and contacts within the global education field, with the ability to bring valuable international collaboration opportunities to the college.
• In-depth knowledge of the international higher education market and the ability to expand the college’s global cooperation network.

Cross-Cultural Communication and Negotiation Skills

• Excellent cross-cultural communication skills, with the ability to establish strong working relationships with individuals from various countries and cultural backgrounds.
• Outstanding negotiation and public relations abilities, capable of efficiently representing the college in communications with international partners, governments, and other key stakeholders.

Language Skills

• Proficiency in English and Chinese, both spoken and written, is required.

Other Qualities

• A high sense of responsibility, innovative thinking, and the ability to solve complex problems.
• A passion for the future development of the education industry, with sharp market insights and the adaptability to respond to changes in the international education landscape.

Key Responsibilities

The Vice President for International Education will report directly to the Board and will be responsible for driving and implementing the college’s internationalization strategy. The role involves leading the formulation and execution of international strategies and roadmaps, enhancing the college’s global educational influence and reputation, expanding international partnerships, developing international student enrollment, and assisting in the identification and evaluation of potential overseas acquisition targets. In addition, the Vice President will be dedicated to improving the educational quality of the International College and ensuring the long-term competitiveness of the college.

Develop and Implement Internationalization Strategy

• Assist the Chairman in formulating a comprehensive internationalization strategy and designing a specific international roadmap.
• Assess the current state of internationalization at the college, identify opportunities and challenges, and propose innovative strategies and implementation plans.

Enhance the College’s International Reputation

• Actively promote the college’s brand globally to enhance its visibility and prestige in the international academic and industry communities.
• Lead and drive the college’s participation in international educational evaluations and rankings to improve its competitiveness and influence in the global education market.

Expand International Partnerships

• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with top universities, research institutions, and industry partners worldwide, promoting joint research, academic exchanges, dual-degree programs, and other collaborative opportunities.
• Build effective communication and cooperation with governments, educational organizations, and international education platforms to enhance the college’s international influence.
• Design and implement strategies to increase international student enrollment, attracting outstanding students from different countries.
• Establish and improve a support system for international students to enhance their admission experience and academic outcomes.

Identify Potential Overseas Acquisition Targets

• Conduct market research and analysis on overseas universities and educational institutions, identify potential acquisition targets or cooperation opportunities, and participate in detailed due diligence.
• Provide recommendations on acquisition or merger proposals and lead the integration and collaborative development after mergers and acquisitions.

Improve the Education Quality of the International College

• Lead efforts to enhance the quality of education in the International College (or international education department), ensuring that the curriculum, teaching staff, academic support, and other aspects meet international standards.
• Promote the development of international courses, facilitate cross-cultural education, and improve academic achievement and educational experience for global students.

Lead and Manage the Team

• Lead and motivate the international affairs team, ensuring the efficient implementation of internationalization tasks.
• Work closely with other internal departments to foster a shared commitment to and collaborative development of the college’s international strategy.

Seniority Level

• Executive

Employment Type

• Full-time

Job Function

• Education
• Industries
• Higher Education