Head of School. School of Social Sciences

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1 Head of School School of Social Sciences

2 Candidate Information Pack Head of School of Social Sciences 1. Welcome The University of the Sunshine Coast is seeking a person who shares our vision for the growth and development of Australia s newest public university, located in one of the country s fastest growing and most beautiful lifestyle regions. Since opening in 1996 with 500 students the University has sought to make a significant positive impact on the advancement of its region. It has ambitious plans for growth in student numbers and in research. With over 9000 students in 2013, USC intends to reach 12,000 enrolments in The University doubled its research income between 2011 and This document contains a description of the position of Head of School, Social Sciences in the Faculty of Arts and Business, selection criteria, an overview and timeframe of the selection process, contact details and additional information. University of the Sunshine Coast Orginational Chart University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4,MAROOCHYDORE DC QLD 4558 Page 1

3 2. The Faculty of Arts and Business The Faculty of Arts and Business (FAB) is committed to achieving excellence in learning and teaching and in research; to providing a mutually supportive study and work environment; and to creating, identifying and seizing opportunities that benefit students, colleagues, and the communities that we serve. Created in 2012 as the result of a University restructure, the Faculty comprises three Schools the School of Business, the School of Communication and the School of Social Sciences and the Sustainability Research Centre and the Engage Research Cluster. We intend to significantly increase our student enrolments through the introduction of new programs, expanding our geographical reach, and further embedding strategies for student retention and engagement. Those new programs including law from 2014 will build on our already strong reputation for excellence in learning and teaching. The Faculty of Arts and Business also seeks to significantly grow our research the impact of that research on the communities we serve is a key measure of our success, alongside standard measures relating to publications, grant income and higher degree by research completions. FAB values good ideas. Its leadership team is committed to ensuring that staff, students and alumni enjoy high levels of satisfaction from their membership of the Faculty, and have the confidence and capacity to make positive changes within and beyond the Faculty. We aim to be an optimistic Faculty, celebrating our successes and shaping a vibrant future. FAB All Student Enrolments 2012 ALL STUDENTS Census Census Faculty of Arts and Business 3,534 3,375 School of Business 1,349 1,283 School of Communication 1, School of Social Sciences 1,146 1,120 NEW STUDENTS Census Census Faculty of Arts and Business 1, School of Business School of Communication School of Social Sciences University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, MAROOCHYDORE DC QLD 4558 Page 2

4 3. School of Social Sciences Formed in 2006, the School of Social Sciences is known for its enthusiastic students, committed teaching staff including national award-winning teachers, and leading and emergent researchers. We are proud of our involvement through research, teaching and service in major issues that engage our local, national and global communities. The School has more than doubled its staffing and its student enrolments since 2006; much of that growth has come from the introduction of psychology and social work, now the two largest programs in the School. The School offers excellent undergraduate learning experiences through its programs which span psychology, social work, counselling and human services; urban and regional planning; sociology, politics, development studies and futures; and history, geography and Indigenous Studies. We attract students from around the world as well as from our local region and other parts of Australia. Our programs include opportunities for independent research projects, work integrated learning including internships, and overseas study. The School s postgraduate coursework programs provide pathways for students seeking careers in psychology, social work, counselling and regional and urban planning. Our professional programs are externally accredited. The School s Honours programs offer students the opportunity to pursue their research passions. Current major research projects include nationally funded research on human factors analysis, with the aim of saving individuals lives and ensuring more effective responses to emergencies; work that seeks to prevent child sexual abuse; an Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research project improving outcomes for farmers in the Pacific Islands; caring for country and Indigenous community leadership; and use of digital technologies and interactive exhibits to enhance community capacity and solve social problems. There is a vibrant higher degree by research community. Students and Programs As at Census 2, 2012, the School had 1120 students (938 EFTSL). 46 of the Faculty s100 higher degree by research students are based in the School of Social Sciences. Undergraduate Programs: Associate Degree in Arts Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Counselling Bachelor of Human Services Bachelor of International Studies Bachelor of Regional and Urban Planning Bachelor of Social Science Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) Bachelor of Social Work (psychology strand accredited with APAC) (accredited with PACFA and ACA) (accredited with ACWA) (accredited with PIA) (accredited with APAC) (accredited with AASW) The School also contributes to combined programs/double degrees situated within FAB or shared between FAB and the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering. University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, MAROOCHYDORE DC QLD 4558 Page 3

5 Honours programs: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) Honours (accredited with APAC) Postgraduate coursework programs: Graduate Certificate in Futures Studies Master of Counselling (accredited with PACFA and ACA) Master of Counselling Practice (final intake of students 2013) Master of Psychology (Clinical) (accredited with APAC) Master of Regional and Urban Planning (accredited with PIA) Master of Social Work (Qualifying) (accredited with AASW) HDR programs: Master of Arts Master of Regional Planning by Research Master of Social Work by Research PhD Staffing and School Structure There are currently 43 staff in the School: 32 academics with ongoing appointments, seven academics on fixed-term appointments, three professional staff, and one administrative colleague in addition to sessional teaching colleagues. Five academics hold research-only positions. Thirty-four of the School s academics are doctorally qualified and three are undertaking HDR studies. Core teaching disciplines and their ongoing and contract academic and professional staff Psychology 11 Social Work / Human Services 6 Counselling 4 Regional & Urban Planning 3 Sociology 6 Politics 3 Geography 2 History 2 Members of the School are actively engaged in service to the University, the professions and the community. Staff from the School currently occupy two faculty-level positions (Associate Dean Research and Associate Dean International and Engagement) and two executive committee positions in the Sustainability Research Centre, as well as making valuable contributions to faculty and university committees and working groups. University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, MAROOCHYDORE DC QLD 4558 Page 4

6 With the exception of the personal assistant to the Head of School, administrative support is centrally managed within the Faculty. There is a dedicated administrative position for psychology, and the School draws on support from all three administrative teams in FAB: the Student Centre; Academic Services; and Finance, Budget and Operations. The University has recently finalised role descriptions for Deputy Heads of Schools. Research Beginning from a low base, the School has improved the quality and quantity of its research. Whereas in 2006, just one staff member held an external research grant, by 2013, 16 of the School s academics had recently held or currently hold external research grants. Recent research-only appointments, notably in the field of human factors, have significantly increased research capacity. Research outputs: 2012 Income: $390, HERDC points: HDR students: 46 The research interests of the academic staff and postgraduate students in the School of Social Sciences are diverse. The School of Social Sciences is aligned with the following USC Research Centre, Cluster and Theme: Sustainability Research Centre led by Professor Tim Smith The research focus of the Sustainability Research Centre (SRC) is on sustainable communities and environments, with major projects on coastal management, climate change and water management. The Centre seeks to understand the social dimensions of regional environmental change. The disciplinary focus is on the social sciences. Engage Research Cluster led by Associate Professor Christian Jones The Engage Research Cluster comprises a team of multi-discipline experts who find collaborative solutions to challenging social problems through innovative digital technologies. They partner with major national and international organisations to develop educational solutions around social issues and create real programs for use by real people. The team uses technology to engage the community around social issues and to provide the community with a voice and opportunities for learning. Indigenous Theme led by Associate Professor Jen Carter Established at the beginning of 2013, the Indigenous Theme is based within the SRC with a commitment to interdisciplinary research proposed focus on land/territory; social, historical and place-based aspects of identity; and socio-cultural practices and knowledges and institutional systems that advance the aspirations of Indigenous peoples. University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, MAROOCHYDORE DC QLD 4558 Page 5

7 Engagement and Industry Partners Engagement with the broader community and professions includes provision of expertise to government, professional and community bodies, and work with local schools. The School s Psychology Clinic provides mental health services to the community and also functions as an advanced teaching, training and research facility for postgraduate students. Plans are underway to establish an on-campus counselling clinic. In addition to research interests which engage with both our local and wider community, the School of Social Sciences receives broad support from industry partners, in particular through the opportunities offered for our students field education and internship placements (which are a feature in both required and elective courses in programs offered by the School). More than 200 agencies have provided placements for students. Strong relationships have been forged with key organisations and individuals through Faculty Advisory Committees, notably for regional and urban planning, social work and counselling. The School has recently entered a collaboration with an external body to explore the viability of graduate diplomas in mental health. Both the Faculty and School of Social Sciences enjoy the support of industry through the sponsorship of prizes for students who have achieved outstanding results in a selection of individual courses and programs 4. Priorities for the Head of the School of Social Sciences in the first months Develop and implement a vision for the School s future that aligns with the University s and Faculty s aspirations and inspires School staff. Achieve growth in student numbers through attracting new students to the School and improving student retention. Increase the quantity and quality of research outputs, with a particular focus on grant income and publications. Further enhance the quality of learning and teaching in the School, with a focus on enriching the blended learning environment and extending work integrated learning. Maintain and develop a culture/values system that ensures a safe environment for everyone, maximises opportunities and staff satisfaction and achievement, and celebrates success. University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, MAROOCHYDORE DC QLD 4558 Page 6

8 5. Position Description Position Overview The Faculty is seeking an innovative and capable leader with a significant record of excellence in teaching and research. Responsible to the Executive Dean, the Head of School allocates and manages people and other resources to achieve University, Faculty and School objectives in keeping with the University s Strategic and High Level Plans and the Faculty s Operational Plan. There is an expectation that the Head of School will be active in Research and /or Learning & Teaching. Substantial involvement in University development is also an expectation. Duties can include: 1. Management of Financial, Human and Physical Resources: Effectively and strategically manage financial, human and physical resources; Allocate academic workloads in consultation with the Executive Dean; Integrate research requirements into academic workload planning and staff planning; Proactively engage with external professional and community groups to access sponsorships and support for programs and internships, work experience and placements of students; Efficiently manage financial and other resources to ensure the objectives of the School, as aligned with the Faculty s Operational Plan, are met; Recruit appropriate staff to ensure the staffing profile is fit for purpose; Foster a positive working environment for all staff; Establish and maintain appropriate consultative and/or decision making forums within the School; Manage staff performance, including the management of PPR and career development. 2. Strategic and Policy Leadership: Manage and promote teaching excellence in academic programs, in conjunction with the Associate Dean Learning & Teaching; Through a collegial process and in collaboration with the Associate Dean Learning & Teaching, develop and implement effective learning and teaching strategies and practices; Oversee the development and introduction of new academic programs to cater for growth; In conjunction with Associate Dean Research, create and maintain an environment that stimulates, fosters and supports excellence in research; Contribute to the development of the Faculty s Operational Plans in keeping with the University s Strategic and High Level Plans; Effectively and appropriately communicate University and Faculty Strategic and Operational Plans, and quality assurance processes to all staff within the School; Represent the School in appropriate forums; In conjunction with the Associate Dean (International and Engagement) liaise with industry and community bodies to promote the work of the School, Faculty and University; University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, MAROOCHYDORE DC QLD 4558 Page 7

9 Assist the Executive Dean and other relevant senior staff to develop links with professionals, other institutions, industry groups, businesses and other communities; Maintain substantial involvement in community service as a scholarly practice through which discipline knowledge and skills are applied to consequential problems in the world beyond the University, both in a remunerated capacity as consultancy, or without remuneration; Provide service to the University by contributing to the definition and achievement of its goals that enable it to be a healthy organisation. 3. Quality Assurance: Develop, manage and audit the quality of the School s academic programs; Ensure compliance with University policy in conducting course and teaching evaluations; Manage program evaluation and review within/of the School; Track and report school level indicators on quantum and quality of research; Liaise with relevant bodies in the accreditation of School programs; Ensure compliance with the principles of quality in the operation of the School; Contribute to the development and deployment of the University s Quality strategies. 4. Other duties within the range of skills associated with this role, as required by the Executive Dean. Selection Criteria Applicants must demonstrate: Essential 1. Completion of a doctoral qualification in a relevant discipline area. 2. Advanced leadership skills and the ability to manage staff, financial and physical resources effectively. 3. A strong track record of research leadership and activity in a discipline relevant to the School of Social Sciences including: refereed publications; external grants; numbers of, and timely completions by, candidates for higher degrees by research; impact of research; and successful management of research projects and mentoring other researchers. 4. Excellence as a teacher in a discipline relevant to the School of Social Sciences evidenced by: student feedback on teaching using valid instruments; diverse contributions to student learning; innovation in curriculum design, delivery and evaluation. 5. A commitment to interdisciplinary approaches to teaching, learning and research. 6. Strong personal qualities and collegial approaches that contribute to the development and maintenance of a positive academic environment which is conducive to high levels of engagement and standards of achievement for both staff and students. 7. Evidence of regular participation in, and contributions to, staff development activities and the desire to continue to learn and improve as an effective academic. University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, MAROOCHYDORE DC QLD 4558 Page 8

10 Desirable 8. Evidence of significant involvement in the development of his/her discipline/field and having made a clear and formative impact, which is recognised and acknowledged as significant by leaders in the discipline/field. 6. Appointment and Remuneration Appointment will be for a term of five years with an attractive remuneration package, including a University vehicle, to be negotiated with the successful candidate. 7. Location and useful links The main University of the Sunshine Coast campus is located at Sippy Downs In Queensland, Australia. The Sippy Downs campus is approximately 100kms north of Brisbane, the state capital. The campus is a 100-hectare flora and fauna reserve, and borders the Mooloolah River National Park. The Sippy Downs site was a former sugar cane farm located at the geographical heart of the Sunshine Coast and its shires, in close proximity to the Bruce Highway and other major transport routes. The buildings on campus have received 30 awards for planning, architecture and construction. All buildings on campus focus on environmentally sustainable design to suit the subtropical climate of the Sunshine Coast. Buildings have been designed with strategies for passive lighting and natural ventilation to minimise the use of non-renewable energy. Current infrastructure projects have a focus on flexible learning and teaching spaces for formal and informal learning and simulation-based learning. Useful links Sunshine Coast Regional Council Sunshine Coast Tourism Information: Queensland Tourism Information: University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, MAROOCHYDORE DC QLD 4558 Page 9

11 8. Application process and contact details Position Closes 22 April 2013 (12 midnight) Applications should include a full curriculum vitae and a statement systematically addressing the selection criteria and how the requirements outlined in the position description will be met. Applicants should provide the names and contact details of at least three referees. These referees will not be contacted without the prior consent of the applicant. The University reserves the right to fill the position by invitation. To learn more about these roles, please contact our advising consultant: Mr Alun Parry Director and Head of Higher Education Practice Crown & Marks aparry@crownmarks.com Applications should be sent by in Word format to: apply@cmexecutive.com University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, MAROOCHYDORE DC QLD 4558 Page 10