Deputy Dean Education - Faculty of Science
Job no: 531998
Work type: Full Time
Location: Sydney, NSW
Categories: Various categories
• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best
At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.
The Faculty of Science teaches approximately 7000 full-time student equivalents, with an academic staff of approximately 600 and general staff of 300. The Faculty operational budget is of the order of $100m annually, excluding business activities and research funds (which also total around $100m annually).
The Faculty is one of the largest and most complex faculties of UNSW Sydney. It comprises the Schools of Aviation, Biological Earth and Environmental Science (BEES), Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences (BABS), Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering (MSE), Mathematics and Statistics, Psychology, and Physics. It also includes several major Research Centres and field stations.
The role of Deputy Dean Education reports to the Dean of Science and has 2 direct reports, Head – Science Education, and Associate Dean – Lifelong Learning, with 2 academic staff having a dotted line report into the role.
This position also leads the Education Team of 15 professional staff,
This position will work closely with Heads of School, Faculty Executive Team, School Teaching Directors, Deputy Vice Chancellor Education, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) Division of External Engagement, and senior academics in the Faculty.
The Deputy Dean Education may also hold an academic position within a School in Science and will report to the Head of School for work performed in this capacity.
About the role
• Level D/E plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 3 to 5 years
• Full-time (35 hours per week)
Leadership and Strategic Development
- Deputise for the Dean in all aspects of Faculty education business, as required.
- Contribute to the strategic and operational leadership of Science as a member of the Dean’s Executive Team.
- Develop and implement, with the Dean, a coherent Program and Curriculum innovation strategy.
- Develop and lead strategy on Faculty student load growth for all coursework programs and the composition of the Faculty’s portfolio of programs.
- Provide strategic advice to the Dean on international, sector-wide and University reforms in education, on education priorities and strategies and mechanisms to achieve these priorities.
Promotion and Advocacy
- Promote the Faculty’s education capability and education profile, both locally and internationally, to position the University as education destination in Science for the leading academics, collaborators and students.
- Advocate for Science academic programs at University level, and externally.
Integration of Research and Teaching
- Integrate Science research strengths into teaching programs and provide opportunities for student involvement in research activities.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of University-wide approaches to general education that are relevant to all current and future students.
Innovation and Excellence in Education
- Strengthen interdisciplinary education activities and drive innovative activities in education to foster a culture of education excellence.
- Lead and support a systematic and coordinated approach to experimentation and innovation across the Faculty, including developing resourcing strategies.
- Develop, coordinate and lead Faculty initiatives that establish a reputation for being entrepreneurial and a leader in innovation in education across the University and globally.
Student and Faculty support
- Ensure mechanisms to identify, assess and monitor the education performance of faculty academics and students of high potential is supported regardless of gender, cultural background, disability or Indigenous origin.
- Ensure students are viewed as partners in education to drive innovation in learning and teaching.
Operational Management
- Provide high level management oversight of the activities undertaken by the education team for the Faculty including student led projects, high quality assurance practices and the management of the degrees.
- Work with the available resources and systems across Science to develop strategies and plans that will ensure the effective implementation of new education focussed initiatives and compliance requirements.
- Provide advice and support to Heads of School and Director’s of Teaching on the effective implementation of new policies and practices.
- Provide strategic advice and support to academic staff regarding the development of learning and teaching practice and the scholarship of teaching.
- Provide strategic advice and support to academic staff on opportunities for the recognition and reward of good teaching, learning and teaching research support opportunities, and Education Focussed appointments.
- Publicise, develop and implement internal awards and incentive schemes that reward teaching quality and innovation.
Relationship building
- Build effective communication systems with key members of the Division of Education, especially the Deputy Vice Chancellor Education, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education), and Vice President External Engagement.
- Build effective communication sustems with members of the Faculty Executive, Heads of School, School teaching directors and other Deputy and Associate Deans Education.
- Work collegially and constructively across the University.
- Build effective relationships with key education leaders (DDE/ADE equivalents) in partner Universities: Australia Council of Deans of Science, GO8 etc.
Governance and Compliance
- Chair Science Teaching and Quality Committee, ensuring that academic proposals are submitted in a timely manner, meet academic standards and comply with Faculty, University and external policies and regulations.
- Represent Science on Academic Governance committees, including: Academic Board Programs Committee and University Academic Quality Committee.
- Regularly monitor performance in learning and teaching against objectives.
- Periodic review of all academic programs, in line with Academic Board requirements.
- Brief the Dean on all education matters before Academic and Faculty Board.
- Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values
- Ensure hazards and risks psychosocial and physical are identified and controlled for tasks, projects, and activities that pose a health and safety risk within your area of responsibility.
About the successful applicant
(Selection Criteria)
To be successful in this role you will have:
- Relevant tertiary qualifications with a strong track record in developing outstanding student experience and delivering entrepreneurial and/or innovative education initiatives in a University context.
- Experience in management and leadership with proven ability to work productively as part of a team.
- Knowledge of, and affinity with, digital technologies, particularly those relating to learning with an understanding of the innovation process and its application in commercial and public sectors.
- Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans and managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders to meet organisational objectives.
- Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and a strong sense of equity, diversity, and inclusion in dealing with diverse colleagues, partners, students and stakeholders.
- Proven superior relationship building skills, including success in cultivating and influencing key relationships with senior stakeholders and academics at all levels.
- Sound political acumen to deal with a wide range of complex and diverse set of needs and stakeholders.
- Outstanding analytical, organisational decision-making skills and the ability to think at a strategic level as well as ability to focus on critical detail.
- Ability to strengthen interdisciplinary education activities and drive innovative activities in education to foster a culture of teaching excellence.
- Superior communication skills, personality integrity and professional manner.
- An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
- Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.
You should systematically address the selection criteria listed within the position description in your application.
For informal queries, please see the below contact details.
Otherwise, please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent directly to the contact listed.
Contact:
Caroline Thierry
E: c.thierry@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: May 21st, 2025
Find out more about working at UNSW at www.unsw.edu.au
UNSW aspires to be the exemplar Australian university and employer of choice for people from diverse backgrounds. UNSW aims to ensure equality in recruitment, development, retention and promotion of staff and that no-one is disadvantaged on the basis of their gender, cultural background, disability, sexual orientation or identity or Indigenous heritage. We encourage everyone who meets the selection criteria to apply.
UNSW partners with Australia’s leading diversity organisations, networks, and campaigns. Please refer to UNSW’s diversity offerings for further information on our flexible work and leave options, and support for carers (childcare, parent rooms, parental leave).
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Application close: AUS Eastern Standard Time
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