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Dean, School of Science, Technology and Engineering

Job ID: 493065

Applications close: Sunday 2 March 2025

For enquiries: Kristie Husk, Talent Acquisition Manager or Professor Michael Wilmore, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)

Work area: Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)

Location: UniSC Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs

Classification: Senior Staff

Supervisor: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Michael Wilmore

Employment: Full-time, fixed-term appointment for five-years

Position description: Dean, School of Science, Technology and Engineering

Position overview

The Dean is responsible for providing leadership, ensuring the School achieves the University’s strategic priorities and objectives as agreed with the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic). The position is also responsible for the financial management of the budget, academic workforce/workload planning and overall academic development for the School.

The Dean is responsible for building a sustainable and scalable School that is financially viable by maximising opportunities for student growth by ensuring that teaching programs are tailored for academic excellence and innovative delivery to engender long-term student satisfaction and brand loyalty. The Dean is responsible for driving the creation of the operational and program development plans for the School by working collaboratively with relevant stakeholders. This planning activity will also require the Dean to keep abreast of key student experience data and  engage with external stakeholders, such as local communities, industry, local government and other educational bodies. The Dean will also be expected to attend community functions on behalf of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) or other persons acting with the authority of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) or the Vice- Chancellor.

About

Primary objectives of the position

The Dean of Science Technology and Engineering reports to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and will receive broad direction on the strategic priorities and objectives of the university. The Dean will also be a member of the Vice-Chancellor’s extended leadership team. The Dean is responsible for providing strategic leadership to the School, including leading the planning, continuous improvement and innovation in teaching, research and engagement programs.

The Dean is a member of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Portfolio’s leadership team and is responsible for working collaboratively with other School Deans, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) and other Directors and managers in the University. They support the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) in the development and implementation of the University’s strategic priorities and objectives. The Dean is also responsible for leading and managing staff within the School providing support, role clarification, coaching, mentoring, motivation, training and other development opportunities.

Key Accountabilities

Specific accountabilities for this role include:

  1. Strategic leadership
    ·        Provide strong leadership to the academic disciplines within the School and foster a culture of high-quality teaching, educational development and research amongst academic staff of the School.
    ·        Successfully establish the School and lead the development of an appropriate organisational structure and business processes in collaboration with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic).
    ·        Lead the development of the School’s strategic planning processes, ensuring alignment with the strategic objectives and priorities of the Academic Portfolio and University.
    ·        Provide leadership to the Deputy Dean and other senior staff and work collaboratively with them in developing and implementing plans for learning and teaching, student retention and research within the School to ensure the School and University’s strategic priorities and objectives are achieved.
    ·        Contribute to the strategic and operational planning of the academic portfolio by working collaboratively with other Deans, Directors and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and by providing advice and recommendations to inform strategic decision-making.
    ·        Lead the planning and management of the School’s day-to-day operations, ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of quality teaching and research outcomes in collaboration with the Director, Academic Administration Unit.
    ·        Work collaboratively with the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) and theGeneral Manager, C-SALT to ensure the School delivers quality student experiences that contribute to successful student outcomes and retention.
    ·        Ensure liaison with professional bodies to gain and maintain accreditation for relevant teaching programs.
    ·        Develop the School’s research profile by leading and encouraging a culture that fosters high quality research and by working collaboratively with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) and provide leadership in the development of research, research training and research supervision in the School.
  2. Business development and engagement
    ·        Contribute to the growth and future development of the School and University by creating opportunities that raise the academic, education, research and industry/public engagement profile and reputation of the School and University. This includes leading the development of new teaching programs, new teaching delivery methods, successful grant applications and securing commercial opportunities.
    ·        Ensure the achievement of the School’s financial targets by working collaboratively with relevant University directorates and schools to achieve successful student recruitment outcomes.
    ·        Lead the establishment and maintenance of local, regional, national and international relationships and partnerships with industry, government, professional institutions, community organisations and other educational institutions to promote and enhance the University’s profile and to build commercial opportunities for the School.
  3. People management
    ·        Provide leadership and support to management and leadership positions in the School to ensure the achievement of learning and teaching, student retention and research objectives.
    ·        Lead, manage, support and coach staff in achieving their objectives. This includes implementing and continuously reviewing the performance planning process for all staff and ensuring high quality professional development in teaching and research.
    ·        Lead workforce planning and staffing within the School ensuring that the learning, teaching, research and engagement needs are met.
  4. Financial management
    ·        Ensure the financial sustainability of the School by developing, implementing and monitoring a financial and operational plan that increases the School’s profile, income and profitability.
    ·        Develop and manage the School’s budget, ensuring risks are mitigated.
  5. University Policy
    ·        Reflect and embed the University’s Principles, Objectives and Strategic Priorities when exercising the responsibilities of this position.
    ·        Undertake the responsibilities of the position adhering to:
    i.         The Staff Code of Conduct (Governing Policy) and Conflict of Interest Policy and Procedure;
    ii.       Equal Opportunity and anti-discrimination legislation and requirements;
    iii.     the requirements for the inclusion of people with disabilities in work and study;
    iv.     Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) legislation and requirements.

Selection Criteria

Applicants need to demonstrate they meet the following knowledge, skills and experience:

  1. A doctoral or equivalent qualification with relevant professorial and leadership experience and international recognition as a leader in a relevant discipline through a significant record of achievement in teaching, learning, research and leadership.
  2. Demonstrated leadership capabilities, including the ability to initiate and lead change within a complex and dynamic tertiary education institution inclusive of fostering interdisciplinary, cross-school and cross-campus collaboration.
  3. Demonstrated ability to develop, implement and manage strategic, financial and operational plans to achieve successful outcomes, including the ability to control costs, increase revenue, successfully mitigate risks, and to advise and direct reports and, where relevant, centres in budgetary planning and control.
  4. Proven capacity to build and sustain a high-performance school, including the demonstrated ability to lead the development of teaching, research and engagement and to lead, manage and support staff to achieve strategic and operational objectives.
  5. Demonstrated ability to grow the School regionally, nationally and internationally together with the capacity to promote and enhance the profile and reputation of the School and University, including the capacity to develop and grow the School’s commercial and industry engagement and international partnerships.
  6. Knowledge of the Higher Education sector in Australia and internationally, including the changes and challenges faced by the sector, industry trends and developments and the needs of employers in the employing sectors, and the regulatory and legislative requirements and the impacts of these on the School and University.
  7. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the demonstrated ability to develop and implement innovative and practical solutions to diverse and complex problems, exercise independent judgement and accept accountability for outcomes.
  8. High-level interpersonal, communication, influencing and negotiation skills, including the demonstrated ability to develop and sustain collaborative and mutually beneficial relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
  9. Knowledge and understanding of the needs of a diverse range of students, including those with disabilities.

Recruitment process

How to apply

Your application should include:

  • Resume
  • A cover letter not to exceed one page. This statement should outline your skills, knowledge and qualities that will make you a success at UniSC.
  • A response to key selection criteria within the online application form.

Closing date 

Applications close: 11:55pm (AEDT) Sunday 2 March 2025

Contact 

If you have any questions about the position or for a confidential discussion, please contact:

Kristie Husk, Talent Acquisition Manager or

Professor Michael Wilmore, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)

Candidates may be requested to undergo psychometric testing and give permission for verification of their tertiary qualifications.

Prospective candidates interested in applying for this position must demonstrate eligibility to work full-time in Australia. Employment sponsorship opportunities are available for qualified candidates.

The environment

The University of the Sunshine Coast is structured around its areas of expertise. UniSC has five schools that cover health, business and creative industries, science, technology and engineering, law and society and education. 

We introduced new programs in Engineering and Technology, including those in cyber security and forensics, including a number of embedded industry certifications. We recently began offering Technology programs at our new campus in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD. Looking ahead, we plan to expand our offerings further in 2025 with the introduction of a new programs in postgraduate engineering and undergraduate science.

From our first campus in Sippy Downs which began welcoming students in 1996, UniSC has rapidly expanded its campus footprint to now include five award-winning campuses across South East Queensland, from Moreton Bay to the Fraser Coast and UniSC Adelaide. 

Our online offering has grown dramatically with almost 7,500 students enrolled in 2023 and 58 programs on offer in 2024. Delivery of learning to students is managed through the schools within a common set of principles. 

UniSC has undergone a significant evolution of our learning and teaching to improve the reach and impact of classes. It has offered students access to a range of learning materials that are relevant and more meaningful than the traditional lecture. Examples include podcasts, interviews, simulations, screencasts, recorded discussions and formative quizzes, along with seminars, that are dependent on the learning outcomes of each individual course.

Whilst learning materials are delivered through the universities learning management system, student engagement is achieved either on-campus in a blended mode – with on-campus tutorials, practicals, seminars and laboratories – or through an online experience.

UniSC is home to some of the most advanced facilities in Australia, including simulated nursing and paramedic labs, advanced engineering technologies, and state-of-the-art creative industries’ facilities. Our modern laboratories and equipment replicate real life working environments, so students graduate work-ready.

The School of Science, Technology and Engineering (SSTE) brings together all non-health related STEM disciplines to create a vibrant, multidisciplinary environment that fosters innovative and impactful research and educational outcomes. SSTE is located on three of UniSC’s campuses at Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Fraser Coast. We are excited to be part of UniSC’s growing presence at our Moreton Bay Campus, with SSTE staff and students benefiting from existing facilities as well as three new buildings which opened in 2024.

Our research has been independently rated as above or well-above world standard in Biology, Environmental Sciences, Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Materials Engineering, and Technology. We have research and funding agreements with local, national and international funding agencies, as well as a number of industries. Along with UniSC colleagues from other Schools, we are founding partners with the Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN), and also members of the Advanced Robotics in Manufacturing Hub (ARM-Hub), a number of Collaborative Research Centres (SmartSat, Honey Bee Products, Marine Bioproducts), Galapagos Science Centre and the Queensland Defence Science Alliance. We are extremely proud of our success in the recent Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022 with UniSC placing first in Queensland and equal 31st in the world overall, with specific SDG results of 5th for Clean Water and Sanitation, equal 18th for Life on Land, 19th for Life Below Water, and 22nd for Climate Action.

We offer a number of qualifications at both under- and post-graduate levels including bachelor’s degrees in Animal Ecology; Computer Science; Environmental Science; Environmental Management; Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Electrical & Electronic); Information and Communication Technology; and Science, as well as Masters and Doctoral degrees. We also work closely with Future Learn to deliver online short courses. We pride ourselves on the practical nature of the education we deliver, right from the first semester of a degree.

School of Science, Technology and Engineering at UniSC

UniSC is a place where lifelong friends are made, and opportunities are earned. Our diverse community is made up of many people, with many stories, from different backgrounds, ages, cultures and geographical locations.

No matter your background, we know you’ll feel at home at UniSC. From the moment our students walk onto campus to the day they graduate, they're surrounded by encouragement and support.

We are rated as one of Australia's best for overall student experience. We invite you to experience life at UniSC with us, and find out why.

Student life at UniSC

At UniSC, our goal is to provide quality learning experiences that challenge and engage our students and prepare them to live and work in a changing world.

To do this, the curriculum is designed to be:

  • Learning-centred; 
  • Standards based; 
  • Constructively aligned; and 
  • Career and future focused.

These principles are evidenced in innovative and authentic learning experiences that meet sector standards and industry expectations. In addition, UniSC has Graduate Attributes which are embedded and frame all learning outcomes in courses and programs at UniSC.

Learning and teaching at UniSC

Spanning multiple disciplines, our teams pursue and share new knowledge, collective understanding, and bold solutions that bring about real impact and positive change that helps move everyone forward. Across our campuses, the next generation of researchers are answering some of today’s most pressing issues, focused on ensuring healthier people and a healthier planet.

The School of Science, Technology and Engineering undertakes research aimed at addressing some of the most pressing global challenges, including climate change, biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and technological innovation.

Research within the School spans a wide range of fields, such as environmental science, advanced materials, biotechnology, geospatial analytics, and coastal ecosystem management. The work is grounded in collaboration with industry, government, and community partners, ensuring practical and impactful outcomes.

Through its research, the School advances knowledge and develops solutions that promote sustainability, bolster environmental resilience, and drive innovation in science, technology, and engineering, with a focus on making a meaningful impact on both local and global challenges.

Sustainable UniSC

Welcome to the University of the Sunshine Coast, UniSC for short. A young, fresh university driven by an unwavering belief that community and culture is just as important as a world-class education, delivered by world-class educators. 

We may not be the biggest university, but we’re growing fast, and doing big things. Like ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, producing gold-winning athletes and award-winning alumni. 

Our first campus, on the Sunshine Coast, opened its doors in 1996. Today, our award-winning facilities span five campuses across South East Queensland, an area of unique geographical importance. In fact, UniSC is the world’s only university with campuses on three connecting UNESCO biosphere reserves and the World Heritage Listed K’gari.  

While we acknowledge and learn from the past, as a young university, we aren’t confined by the red tape found inside sandstone institutions. So you’re never going to be bombarded by stale traditions or hear phrases like “That’s the way we’ve always done it”. 

Our job is to empower fresh thinkers and ambitious minds to create positive change and ways of thinking that moves everyone forward. And our students, staff and researchers work hard every day to do just that. 

Together with our people, community and partners, we’re building a safe, sustainable, supportive, future-focused and fun learning environment, where lifelong friends are made, and opportunities are earned. 

We invite you to learn, experience and gain the tools you need to not just create a better tomorrow for yourself, but for the communities and planet you live on.  

We can’t wait to meet you.

The Organisation

UniSC’s organisational structure supports its ambitious agenda. Strong portfolios and flat, clear reporting lines facilitate accountability, flexibility and responsiveness.

Key statistics

A young university at the epicentre of progress. We’re a growing, comprehensive university focused on excellent teaching, ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, and producing award-winning alumni.

Our rankings

We’re a growing, comprehensive university focused on excellent teaching, ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, and producing award-winning alumni. 

Annual Report

View our achievements, challenges and performance against key indicators in our Annual Report.

Strategic Plan 

Our aspiration over the next ten years is to adopt a challenger mindset and be globally recognised in the following domains: Student success by design; World-class research at scale; Sustainability leadership; and Expanding global footprint.

Locations

UniSC stands as the world's sole university with campuses situated within three interconnected UNESCO biosphere reserves and the UNESCO World Heritage Listed K’gari.

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UniSC Strategic Plan 2025 - 2028