Academic Director

The Academic Director provides strategic support and advice to the PVC & CEO on academic, teaching and learning, research, policy, and student matters at Newcastle Australia IHE. Responsible for interaction with the different Colleges and Schools in the University of Newcastle (UON), Australia and Singapore office. The incumbent will also manage the day-to-day academic matters of Newcastle Australia IHE as well as the staff reporting to this position.

Responsibilities

Supervision Management, and Leadership

• Provide academic leadership for Newcastle Australia IHE academic staff and coordinate/manage academic matters with partners, stakeholders, Colleges, and Schools at UON.
• Provide effective governance and management of the academic operations to achieve the Newcastle Australia IHE’s strategic goals.
• Lead the academic team consisting of Program Coordinators/Convenors, Course Co-ordinators, Teaching and Learning Advisor, full-time and sessional academic staff.
• Work collaboratively with the Newcastle Australia IHE Executive Committee and professional staff teams to achieve academic excellence.
• Provide leadership to improve the quality and quantum of research outputs.
• Take responsibility and provide overall leadership to academic staff, Program coordinators, Course Coordinators, and learning support staff.

Strategic and Operational Planning

• Advise and support the PVC & CEO in academic matters, including the development of Newcastle Australia IHE strategic, corporate, and operational plans.
• Provide leadership and drive program and course development, and accreditation processes.
• Manage operational matters consistent with an academic unit, including academic planning, and ensure adequate staffing and resourcing across all programs.
• Lead, promote and evaluate innovative teaching practices that are aligned with Faculty and University strategic directions and contemporary pedagogical approaches in higher education.
• Responsible for improvement of academic standards, and the implementation of continuous quality improvement mechanisms.
• Oversee and ensure PCs and CCs and academic staff fulfil their roles and responsibilities.
• Implement and review, in consultation with the PVC & CEO and the Executive Committee, Newcastle Australia IHE’s Academic Workload model.
• Conduct Newcastle Australia IHE academic staff performance review and development (PRD) and manage academic staff performance.
• Work closely with academic staff, and Student and Academic Services team to devise initiatives to enhance overall student satisfaction and experience.
• Develop appropriate action plans to address teaching and learning evaluations such as SFC, SFT, Graduate surveys; and Focus groups.
• Manage student feedback/complaints in consultation with the PCs, CCs, and the PVC & CEO (Singapore).
• Ensure program compliance with the University’s academic policies and procedures as well as CPE requirements.
• Prepare quarterly and annual reports for Newcastle Australia IHE Executive Committee.

Research and Innovation

• Promote and develop research capacity and performance achieving a good record of publications in quality research journals.
• Actively participate in collaborative research in priority areas mentioned above, funded by competitive grants.
• Responsible for developing research strategies and training for enhancing Newcastle Australia IHE research profile and performance.
• Prepare the annual budget for research and student-centred activities across all programs with input from PCs.
• Effective co-supervision of Honours and PhD students (if applicable).

Service and Engagement

• Create and maintain a team-based management style, fostering an open, consultative environment.
• Develop and continue to improve links between NAIHE and UON Colleges and Schools as well as other University centres and local communities.
• Develop and enhance external networks and strategic partnerships, collaborating with business, industry, government and NAIHE’s community regionally, nationally, and internationally.
• Contribute to decision-making processes and serve on relevant School and University committees.
• Support the PVC & CEO in the development and, upon approval, implementation of policies, processes, and procedures related to undergraduate and postgraduate student services.
• Participate in professional activities (e.g. in-house training, Graduation events, corporate social responsibility initiatives, company functions, etc.).
• Participate in promotional or marketing activities (if requested by Management) such as program previews, education fairs, overseas teaching /recruiting trips, etc.

Other Administration

• Serve as a member of a project committee (if required).
• Undertake any other duties relevant and appropriate to this level or as directed by the PVC & CEO, Newcastle Australia IHE.

Requirements

• Completion of a doctoral qualification in business management or related discipline with at least 6 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated research potential, such as journal publications, books, book chapters, and conference papers.
• Evidence of lecturing and/or tutoring skills and a commitment to the delivery of high-quality teaching and innovation in undergraduate and/or postgraduate teaching and course development, including course co-ordination and curriculum design.
• Demonstrated experience of working on research projects collaboratively across disciplines locally, regionally, and internationally, including the ability to coordinate research projects.
• Demonstrated experience in taking ownership and driving innovation, process improvement and contributing to overall corporate operations.
• Evidence of high-level interpersonal skills including advocacy, multidisciplinary teamwork, leadership, negotiation, mediation and the ability to participate in a team environment demonstrating clear communication and mutual respect for others.
• Ability to make sound decisions within your sphere of responsibility and take responsibility for delivering to plan and on time.
• Ability to build and develop relationships and networks in a consultative and collaboratively manner forming mutually beneficial partnerships resulting in positive outcomes.
• Ability to embrace change in response to new initiatives, strategic direction, or due to external requirements.
• Knowledge of, and experience in adhering to workplace policies and procedures in the areas of work health safety, equity, diversity and promoting a respectful workplace culture.

Desirable requirement

• Knowledge of/experience in ERF and Edutrust accreditation

(Only shortlisted candidates will be notified)