Position Overview

The Dean, Arts, Society and Education is responsible to the the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Division of Tropical Environments and Societies (DVC DTES) for the strategic leadership, vision, management, and performance of the College of Arts, Society and Education (CASE). The Dean ensures the objectives and activities of the College are integrated and aligned with the Strategic Intent of the University, and that of the Division of Tropical Environments and Societies.

The Dean works collaboratively with other organizational areas in the University, and develops strategic partnerships through engagement with industry, government, professional, and community organisations to promote the goals of the University, and to represent the University at various forums as required.

Accountable for the quality, development and cultivation of Learning and Teaching, Research/Scholarship, Leadership and Service, and Engagement that aligns with JCUs Strategic Intent, and which supports the values of excellence and best practice standards, the Dean ensures the delivery of superior academic outcomes and high impact research, the quality assurance and accreditation of courses (where appropriate), and delivering a positive student experience and outcomes. The development and delivery of degree programs – at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels – is a major accountability of the role. Additionally, a strategy to build aggregate student load is a major responsibility.

The Dean develops and promotes strong, effective, visionary leadership, management, mentoring and professional development of their people. They model a culture of collegiality; transparency and openness; diversity and inclusion in line with the JCU values and beliefs.

Principal Accountabilities

1. Provide strategic academic direction to CASE and be accountable for the effective and efficient planning, management and operation of the College, ensuring the achievement of organisational objectives and growth of programs in accordance with the University Plan.
2. In conjunction with the DVC DTES and other relevant staff: develop, implement, promote and review strategies and activities designed to enhance and grow excellence in Learning and Teaching, Research/Scholarship, and Leadership and Service and Engagement; and ensure that the relevance, viability and quality of research and academic programs and the student experience meet or exceed best practice standards.
3. Identify and promote professional development opportunities in collaboration with other Deans (including, the Dean Graduate Research, Dean Research Infrastructure, Policy and Projects, and Associate Dean Research), so as to ensure the capability and capacity to deliver and maintain quality outcomes and high impact research and research education.
4. Ensure the College complies with all internal and external accreditation, quality, financial, registration and regulatory requirements and procedures, and that recommendations, advice and guidance lead to continuous improvement across all functions of the College.
5. Promote a partnership approach within the College and across Colleges by: providing effective leadership, management, and mentoring including performance management; and establishing a culture of teamwork, shared goals, transparency and openness – all while continuously maintaining strong communication channels so as to inspire, fully engage, and motivate staff.
6. Apply a strong and strategic sense of the future of the disciplines and programs of the College, in the context of the working lives of the graduates; leading edge research and development; and opportunities for academic growth of regional, national and international relevance.
7. Monitor and oversee the development and on-going maintenance of the College budget and be accountable for management of the College’s performance against its objectives and KPIs.
8. Apply technical knowledge, interpersonal skills and creativity to make decisions and resolve a diversity of complex issues which arise, or are delegated from the DVC DTES.
9. Ensure business risks are identified and managed through effective risk management strategies and operations.
10. Identify and promote professional development opportunities in collaboration with the Deputy Vice Chancellor Singapore, Dean Brisbane Campus, Deputy Vice Chancellor Students, Dean, Learning, Teaching and Student Engagement and Associate Deans Learning and Teaching to ensure the capability and capacity to deliver academic programs.
11. In conjunction with other College Deans, facilitate the development of interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary academic programs and research, and actively commit to the provision of quality service and learning environments for students to support and enhance the student experience and student retention.
12. Utilize communication, diplomacy and negotiation skills to establish, maintain, foster and promote collaborative working relationships and strategic partnerships externally (with industry, government, professional and community organisations) to promote the goals of the University.
13. Lead, promote and facilitate the integration of strategies and initiatives that support the University’s commitment to the principles of reconciliation, which exemplify respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and the valuing of justice and equity for all Australians.
14. Demonstrate a commitment to University Values.
15. Lead and promote a culture that ensures that Work Health and Safety (WH&S) legislation is enforced across all areas of the College, and that staff have an understanding of their responsibilities in this area.
16. Lead, support, and promote the inclusion of sustainability initiatives in all aspects of operations, including supporting the principles of the TropEco Program and committing to JCUs sustainability goals and objectives.

Generic Accountabilities

There are generic responsibilities that apply to all James Cook University staff.

1. The Dean, Arts, Society and Education is required to observe the lawful and reasonable directions, policies and decisions of the University Council; and to understand and comply with the Enterprise Agreement; the Statutes and Rules of the University; the policies and decisions of the University Council; and other appropriate University authorities as in force from time to time.
2. The Dean, Arts, Society and Education is required to demonstrate a personal commitment to ensure their own personal safety and the safety of others, and to contribute to the continuous improvement of our WH&S performance. This includes the effective implementation of and compliance with James Cook University’s WH&S policies, procedures and safe systems of work, together with all relevant legislative duties and obligations. The Dean is also expected to contribute to the continuous improvement of JCUs WH&S performance.
3. The Dean, Arts, Society and Education is required to exercise proper discretion in all matters affecting the well-being of the University which involve public writing or speaking in accordance with the University’s Code of Conduct.

Selection Criteria

Selection and appointments will be assessed against selection criteria.

Essential

1. A PhD and significant record of academic and research achievement and publications, materials development, consultancy, research or evaluation grants, awards for teaching and/or similar accomplishments and outcomes. Note that a PhD in Education (or a closely related discipline) may be looked upon favourably, given a large proportion of CASE is comprised of the discipline.
2. Demonstrated superior leadership and management skills and proven experience in leading and managing a geographically dispersed team, including the ability to manage organisational, cultural and systemic change.
3. Demonstrated deep knowledge of the state and federal policy and regulatory settings as they apply to teacher education and demonstrated aptitude in adapting teacher education programs to changing regulatory settings.
4. Expert knowledge and a strong understanding of current issues, challenges and opportunities in higher education and research, particularly in relation to education, social science and humanities disciplines.
5. Demonstrated ability to manage and develop a positive and inclusive workplace culture which supports professional development, team work and collegiality.
6. Demonstrated ability to perform high level strategic planning, program, and managerial functions with clear accountability for performance, quality management and staff and student outcomes.
7. Demonstrated experience in the development of interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary academic programs and research.
8. Demonstrated experience establishing, maintaining, fostering and promoting collaborative working relationships and strategic partnerships externally with industry, government, professional and community organisations