Dean of Academic Programs

The University of Divinity seeks to recruit a Dean of Academic Programs for immediate commencement. This position is full-time ongoing and is located at the University’s main campus in Box Hill, Victoria.

About the University

The University of Divinity delivers education and research in theology, philosophy and spirituality and for over one hundred years has prepared its graduates for ministry, leadership and community service.

The University is regularly ranked by students as the top University in Australia for student satisfaction and learner engagement, reflecting the high quality of its curriculum and the dedication of staff to working with small classes.

Based in Melbourne, the University operates across Australia and works in partnership with its Colleges, over thirty churches, religious orders and associated organisations in a unique ecumenical enterprise.

The University’s Vision is that

Together we empower our learning community to address the issues of the contemporary world through critical engagement with Christian theological traditions.

For more information, please see www.divinity.edu.au.

About the Dean of Academic Programs

The Dean of Academic Programs is an executive role within the University, reporting to the Vice- Chancellor and accountable to the Academic Board, with responsibility for leadership and management of academic programs and academic quality assurance. The Dean works with academic staff across the Colleges to ensure that the University’s awards, courses and units (other than research training) deliver high quality outcomes for students and end-users. The Dean leads a diverse team with responsibilities for professional development of academic staff, academic reporting, and student services. The Dean has delegated responsibility from the Academic Board in a wide range of areas, including student admissions, teaching staff accreditation, and approval of new or revised units.

The Dean is expected to maintain research active status and, as opportunity allows, to contribute to the academic programs of the University as a teacher, supervisor and researcher.

Position Description

The Dean of Academic Programs is responsible for the strategic development of the University’s academic programs. The Dean plays a leading role in academic quality assurance, including the management of accreditation and approval processes for courses, units and staff as directed by the Academic Board, and oversees professional development relating to learning and teaching for staff throughout the University.

Key responsibilities

• Drive and deliver the Education Pillar of the University’s Strategic Plan, with the ultimate performance indicators of success being enrolment growth, engagement with new markets and program development which responds to student and end-user needs.
• Lead the work of the Academic Board in academic quality assurance and the management of academic risk relating to coursework awards and units, through measures including:
  • supporting understanding and application of the Higher Education Standards Framework
  • communicating and applying developments in educational innovation and academic quality assurance in the higher education sector within the University
  • analysis and interpretation of data to improve outcomes for students
  • initiating and managing benchmarking activities internally and externally
• Engage with the implementation of the Course Policy and Procedures in relation to the University’s coursework awards to achieve outcomes that support the Strategic Plan.
• Ensure consistency in compliance with University Regulations and Academic Board Policies governing academic programs across the University’s Colleges.
• Build and foster strategic relationships with the Academic Deans of the University and its Colleges, to ensure consistency in standards of academic programs
• Adhere to and drive the Academic Delegations assigned to the Dean of Academic Programs, including:
  • Academic staff accreditation, in relation to unit delivery and teaching activity
  • Admissions
  • Course modifications
  • Credit and RPL
  • Leave of absence
  • Results release
  • Unit record approval
• Maintain research active status as defined by the Academic Staff Policy and participate in the academic life of the University.
• Other duties as reasonably required by the Vice-Chancellor.

Key working relationships

The Dean of Academic Programs:

• Reports to the Vice-Chancellor
• Is a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the University Executive and the Academic Board, and their committees or working groups as determined from time to time
• Works closely with the Academic Deans of the University and its Colleges
• Supervises the Senior Lecturer in Higher Education, the Academic Compliance Manager and the Student Services Manager

Key selection criteria

• PhD (or equivalent) in theology or an allied discipline
• Strong track record in peer-reviewed research publication
• Senior experience in the effective management of academic programs, including delivery of academic quality assurance and educational innovation
• Experience in the effective leadership of a team of employees, preferably in a University environment
• Capacity for creative and imaginative leadership demonstrated in the ability to develop and implement strategic objectives and to inspire others
• Outstanding interpersonal skills demonstrated in the ability to work well with a diverse range of people
• Excellent organisational and time management skills demonstrated in the ability to set priorities, work collaboratively and perform well under pressure
• Ability to exercise academic and professional judgment
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills with a high level of attention to detail

Terms and conditions

The position of Dean of Academic Programs is a full-time ongoing appointment subject to completion of a six-month probationary period and satisfactory performance. The position will be remunerated under a fixed executive salary of $141,217, plus 10% superannuation and 17.5% annual leave loading.