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. 

Supervision Management, and Leadership

• Lead the academic staff at Newcastle Australia IHE and oversee academic initiatives in collaboration with partners, stakeholders, Colleges, and Schools at the University of Newcastle.
• Oversee academic operations to align with and fulfill the strategic objectives of Newcastle Australia IHE.
• Manage and mentor a diverse academic team, including program coordinators, course coordinators, learning advisors, and both full-time and sessional academic staff.
• Collaborate with the Newcastle Australia IHE Executive Committee and professional staff teams to achieve academic excellence.
• Provide guidance and support to academic staff, program coordinators, course coordinators, and learning support personnel.  
• Prepare and manage the annual budget for academic and research initiatives, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and financial sustainability. 

Strategic and Operational Planning

• Advise and support the PVC & CEO in academic matters, including the development of Newcastle Australia IHE's strategic, corporate, and operational plans.
• Provide leadership and drive program and course development, as well as accreditation processes.
• Manage operational matters consistent with an academic unit, including academic planning, and ensure adequate staffing and resources across all programs.
• Lead, promote, and evaluate innovative teaching practices that align with Faculty and University strategic directions and contemporary pedagogical approaches in higher education.
• Improve academic standards and implement continuous quality improvement mechanisms.
• Implement and review Newcastle Australia IHE’s Academic Workload model in consultation with the PVC & CEO and the Executive Committee.
• Conduct performance reviews and development (PRD) for academic staff and manage their performance.
• Work closely with academic and academic services teams to devise initiatives that enhance overall student satisfaction and experience.
• Manage and develop appropriate action plans to address feedback from teaching and learning evaluations, graduate surveys, and focus groups.
• Ensure program compliance with the University’s academic policies and procedures as well as CPE requirements.

Teaching, Research and Innovation

• Oversee academic programs and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the relevant discipline.
• Promote and develop research capacity and performance, achieving a strong record of publications in quality research journals.
• Provide leadership to enhance the quality and volume of research outputs. Actively participate in collaborative research in priority areas funded by competitive grants.
• Develop research strategies and training to enhance the research profile and performance of Newcastle Australia IHE.
• Provide effective co-supervision of Honours and PhD students as applicable, fostering their academic and research development.

Service and Engagement

• Foster a team-based management style that promotes an open, consultative environment.
• Develop and strengthen links between Newcastle Australia IHE and UON Colleges and Schools, as well as other University centers and local communities.
• Enhance external networks and strategic partnerships, collaborating with businesses, industry, government, and the NAIHE community at regional, national, and international levels.
• Contribute to decision-making processes and serve on relevant School and University committees.
• Support the PVC & CEO in developing, and upon approval, implementing 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.).
• Engage in promotional or marketing activities (as requested by Management), such as program previews, education fairs, and overseas teaching/recruiting trips.  
   

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 of 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 in Singapore.  

(Only shortlisted candidates will be notified)