Associate Director / Director – Programmes & Projects

Associate Director / Director – Programmes & Projects

About Hong Kong Design Centre

Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) was founded in 2001 as a strategic partner of the HKSAR Government in establishing Hong Kong as centre of design excellence in Asia. We are on a public mission to promote wider and strategic use of design and design thinking to foster innovation, create business value and improve societal well-being.

We now have an exciting opportunity for a high caliber candidate to join our dynamic team. Please visit our website www.hkdesigncentre.org for information of HKDC.

Role Overview

The Associate Director / Director of Programmes & Projects is a strategic leadership role within HKDC, responsible for both the development and successful delivery of impactful programs and initiatives that strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international design and innovation hub. This role plays a vital part in nurturing future design unicorns, building a sustainable creative ecosystem, and fostering long-term relationships with local and global stakeholders.

As a member of the Executive Management Team, the Associate Director / Director leads the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs that empower local design talent, create global connections, and elevate Hong Kong’s creative reputation. The role requires a leader with strong execution capabilities, deep industry insight, a solid marketing/agency background, and a passion for advancing the design community through meaningful partnerships, high-impact initiatives, and future-forward thinking. International exposure and cultural sensitivity are essential, given the global scope of HKDC’s flagship programmes and its diverse stakeholder base.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Industry Advancement – Advise on strategy, shape programmes, and align with policy priorities.
2. Talent Development & Global Exposure – Champion local design talent, provide coaching, and build international pipelines.
3. BODW Program Execution – Lead the end-to-end development and execution of Business of Design Week, ensuring marketing, budgeting, logistics, and evaluation.
4. Stakeholder Engagement – Build strong relationships locally and internationally, demonstrating cultural sensitivity in global contexts.
5. Cross-Disciplinary Leadership – Manage cross-functional teams and cultivate a collaborative culture.
6. Governance & Operational Excellence – Ensure compliance, secure funding, and maintain accountability.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

1. University graduate with 16+ years of relevant experience in design, creative industries, or programme leadership for Director post.
2. University graduate with 14+ years of relevant experience in design, creative industries, or programme leadership for Associate Director post.
3. Expertise in delivering large-scale international programmes.
4. Deep understanding of the creative ecosystem with global connectivity.
5. Proven marketing/agency background with audience engagement expertise.
6. International exposure and cultural sensitivity in stakeholder management.
7. Strong people management, compliance, and governance skills.

More information about HKDC & BODW:

https://www.hkdesigncentre.org/

https://www.bodw.com/ 

Interested parties are invited to apply by sending your resume with full details of education, work experience, current & expected salary, contact telephone number and earliest available date to the Human Resources Office, Hong Kong Design Centre, 4/F, DX design hub, 280 Tung Chau Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon or email to: hr@hkdesigncentre.org on or before 18 September 2025. HKDC reserves the right not to make appointment for the post(s) advertised. Only short-listed candidates will be notified. All information received will be kept in strict confidence for six months and data will only be used for recruitment purpose.