(Senior) Marketing & Communications Specialist
--The University of Hong Kong (HKU) - Vietnam--
Job Title: (Senior) Marketing & Communications Specialist
Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Employment type: Full time
Reports to: Head of Marketing & Admission, HKUVN
Posted: September 2025
Closed: Until filled
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
The University of Hong Kong (HKU), established in 1911, is the oldest institution of higher education in Hong Kong. As a leading public research university, it has earned a global reputation for excellence. Known as "Asia's Global University," HKU consistently ranks among the world's best, recently placing 11th in the QS World University Rankings.
With ten faculties offering a comprehensive range of programs, the university uses English as its primary medium of instruction, attracting top scholars and students from around the world. This fosters a vibrant and international academic environment. HKU is committed to making a significant global impact through pioneering research and interdisciplinary collaboration. It has educated numerous notable alumni and continues to be a key contributor to innovation and knowledge exchange in Asia and beyond, living up to its motto, "Sapientia et Virtus" (Wisdom and Virtue).
ABOUT HKUVN
The University of Hong Kong Representative Office in Vietnam (HKUVN), located in Ho Chi Minh City, serves as a strategic hub to strengthen ties between Vietnam, Hong Kong, and the global community. Established on July 27, 2022, the office operates on three foundational pillars: Education, Research, and Impact, aiming to foster cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange. A key focus is providing "glocal" (global + local) educational opportunities. The office facilitates prestigious, fully-funded scholarships for talented Vietnamese students to pursue master's degrees at the renowned HKU Business School. It also organizes immersion programs for HKU students in Vietnam and hosts various research workshops and seminars on current business and technology trends. By connecting with local universities and businesses, the HKU office is dedicated to nurturing talent and making a positive impact on Vietnam's growing economy and society.
Building on this strong foundation, the next strategic evolution is to transform the representative office into a regional training and policy Gateway for South East Asia and Greater China. This new Gateway will expand upon the current mission by directly delivering world-class executive education and establishing a formal think-tank for applied research. Most significantly, it will assume a new, vital role as a strategic bridge, actively fostering economic and academic collaboration between the dynamic economies of South East Asia and the Greater China market. This transformation will establish a permanent, high-impact hub for thought leadership, elite education, and cross-regional dialogue, cementing HKU's leadership in the region.
POSITION SUMMARY
We are looking for a proactive and multi-talented (Senior) Marketing & Growth Specialist to drive our brand visibility, stakeholder engagement, and market positioning. This is a cross-functional role that goes beyond traditional marketing, blending brand storytelling with audience insights, partnership development, and growth execution. You’ll work at the intersection of marketing, partnerships, and community engagement—ideal for a creative, analytical, and hands-on individual who thrives in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
● Marketing & Branding:
○ Execute integrated marketing campaigns across digital and offline channels to promote our programs and events.
○ Manage content production (social media, email, website, brochures, videos) and ensure brand consistency.
○ Support the development of pitch decks, program brochures for recruitment activities.
● Lead Generation & Digital Marketing:
○ Run paid ad campaigns (Facebook, LinkedIn, Google) and track ROI.
○ Manage CRM workflows to nurture leads and support application conversion.
○ Optimize website and campaign content for SEO.
● Events & Community Engagement:
○ Support the planning and execution of recruitment and branding events (info sessions, workshops, sample classes, alumni gatherings).
○ Coordinate with partners, alumni, and corporate stakeholders to expand HKU’s presence.
○ Assist in post-event communications and reporting.
● Stakeholder Communication:
○ Maintain relationships with students, alumni, partners, and media contacts.
○ Contribute to PR activities and outreach campaigns under the direction of the Head of Marketing.
○ Support internal communications to strengthen HKU Vietnam’s brand awareness within the university network.
● Research & Insights:
○ Conduct basic market research, including trend analysis, competitor assessment, student behavior, market benchmarking.
○ Provide feedback and insights to refine marketing strategies.
QUALIFICATIONS
● 2–4 years of experience in marketing, growth, or communications roles (experience in a startup or new venture is a plus).
● Strong verbal and written communication skills in both English and Vietnamese.
● Hands-on experience with social media management tools, email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp), SEO principles, and analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics).
● Bonus: Familiarity with design tools (Canva, Figma) or marketing automation platforms (e.g., HubSpot).
● A strong sense of ownership, creative problem-solving skills, and a "no-task-too-small" mentality.
● Excellent interpersonal skills, with a high sense of diplomacy and the ability to collaborate across teams.
PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES
● Comfortable in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
● A storyteller who can translate academic insights into compelling brand narratives.
● Curious about how marketing integrates with program development and stakeholder experience.
● Data-driven but people-oriented.
● Exposure to or experience in the educational field.
● Strong time management and task management abilities.
● Strong project management skills.
● Exceptional attention to detail.
WHY JOIN US
● Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
● High visibility and influence in a growing, prestigious international organization.
● Room to experiment, learn, and help shape the marketing function from the ground up.
● Dynamic team, hybrid flexibility, and strong alignment with impact-driven work.
● State-of-the-art workplace right in the city centre.
● Healthy and proactive working environment.
● Annual leave, social insurance and health insurance as regulated by the local law and other welfare benefits.