POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title:
[insert title]
Classification:
Establishment No.:
Reporting to title &
establishment / position No.:
This position’s line manager
School/Office:
Division:
Employment Type:
On-going or fixed-term
FTE: full-time (1.0 FTE) or part-time (0.X FTE)
T
Context (context of the division and office/school in which the position operates):
Describes the hierarchical role of the organisational work unit, how it fits within the wider University, its strategic
outcomes etc.
 University
 Division
 School/Office
 Organisational work unit
The following introductory paragraphs are to be included in all Western Sydney University position descriptions:
The Western Sydney University is a major urban university spread over six campuses in Greater Western
Sydney, a region of great opportunity, diversity, challenge and growth. The University has a strong connection to
Greater Western Sydney, working with its communities and businesses to contribute to the region’s growth. The
University is culturally diverse, with 2,500 staff and 40,000 students drawn from Australia and around the world.
The University strategic plan, Securing Success: 2015-2020 Strategic Plan, articulates the University’s values
and commitments of being:
1) A Distinctively Student-Centred University;
2) A Research-Led University with Regional, National and Global Impact;
3) A Unique Learning Experience that is Innovative, Flexible and Responsive;
4) An Expanding International Reach and Reputation;
5) A Leading Advocate and Champion for the Greater Western Sydney Region and its People;
6) A Dynamic and Innovative Culture that Secures Success.
Position Purpose (brief statement outlining why the role exists):
Summarise the overall purpose of the role – including the position’s overall importance to the University
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Western Sydney University
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Dimensions (these relate to the scope of the role):
Number of direct reports:
Titles of direct reports:
Positions reporting to this position
Number of indirect reports:
Number of positions under control of this position not reporting directly to it
:
:
Accountabilities
(ways to measure success of major responsibilities)
Major Responsibilities

Summarises the overall objectives of the
position

The major objectives of the position and what
methods are used to achieve these objectives

Degree of importance of each major
responsibility in relation to the position

Expected major work outcomes expected
Work Health &
Safety
Requirements
All staff are required to:
University
Expectations
All staff are expected to:
For each major responsibility, state the way in
which the position’s manager/the University will
measure success – see guidelines on how these
should be represented. Need to ensure that they
are not worded as responsibilities but have some
form of measure or tracking.
Insert applicable WH&S statements from table provided in the University’s ‘Guidelines for
Writing Position Descriptions’.
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Contribute to the efficient and effective functioning of their team or work unit in
order to meet University objectives. This includes demonstrating appropriate and
professional workplace behaviours in accordance with the Code of Conduct,
providing assistance to team members if required and undertaking other key
responsibilities or activities as directed by one’s supervisors;
Participate in the cyclical Career Planning Development Process, which includes
Western Sydney University
POSITION DESCRIPTION
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an annual review of their performance against agreed operational and
performance objectives set in COMPASS;
Perform their responsibilities in a manner which reflects and responds to
continuous improvement;
Read, understand and comply with all University policies and procedures;
Undertake risk management and actively support and participate in the risk
management processes adopted by the University which include identifying,
analysing and evaluating risk that may impact on the University;
Work at and travel between other University campuses from time to time as may
be required during the course of employment;
Complete all mandatory training such as WHS and equity and diversity online
training modules within the first six weeks of commencement with the University.
Your supervisor will check to ensure compliance with this mandatory requirement;
and
Demonstrate understanding of the principles of anti-discrimination, staff and
student equity, work health and safety and other relevant legislation, and show
the willingness and capacity to implement equal employment opportunity and
work health and safety plans, policies and programs.
Key Relationships to Position
(can include Committees and organisations)
Internal (within the University):

The positions this position is expected to give
work directions, and what is the nature of this
direction

Positions that review/receive this position’s
work output

Positions required to share information,
consult, motivate, counsel, train/develop, coordinate, provide or seek advice, provide
support services etc
External (outside the University):

Key stakeholders this position is expected to
consult, liaise, seek advice, provide/receive
input to, or negotiate services with etc
Purpose of Relationship
(e.g. to provide direction or advice; to share
information; to receive direction or advice etc)

The nature/purpose of that relationship

The nature/purpose of that relationship
Key Challenges of the Position:
Describe the key challenges, which may include:

Major issues that the position must confront in achieving the specified work output (e.g. need to
prioritise, changing stakeholder demands, limited resources, need to devise new procedures or
implement change)

Type and complexity of the problems that the position will typically face, and how are these best
addressed
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Western Sydney University
POSITION DESCRIPTION
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Variety of problems and level of solutions already available to the position holder (e.g. whether the
position has readily available assistance from a supervisor or other staff, documented procedures/
guidelines, precedents, legislation etc)
Creative thinking required to undertake responsibilities
Where the impetus for change originates in relation to the position (e.g. legislation, technology,
strategic/business plans, client expectations)
Need to continually keep up-to-date with knowledge and or skills
Level of supervision/autonomy the position requires
Delegations Exercised
(i.e. decisions within position’s authority, including
formal delegations)

Formal delegations the position possesses
for example HR delegations equivalent to
Category 6: Finance delegations equivalent
to Category 6 responsibilities.
Recommendations Expected
(i.e. where the position does not have authority to make
decision but is to provide input or recommendations)

Recommendations for decisions or actions the
position is expected to make for example
recommend policy amendments, recommend
payment of accounts/invoices that are then
referred to the Officer with Financial delegation
for approval.
Mandatory Training Requirements: (training courses that must be completed to meet the inherent requirement
of the job or the University’s expectations)
List Mandatory Training which may include:

WHS Online Modules: 1, 2 & 3 (Module 4 for Hazardous Chemicals – need to check name)
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Recruitment and Selection
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TM1
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TRIM
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Alesco
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FULT – Foundations of University Learning and Teaching
Selection Criteria (including required knowledge, skills and experience for position):
1. List the various essential requirements needed to undertake the effective performance of the position.
These requirements will define the qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to be
applied when undertaking the position from an objective basis on which to assess and applicant’s
suitability and performance capability
2. Selection criteria are to be defined, not only in terms of the competency itself, but also the specific level
of competence required
3. Selection criteria should describe the requirements of the position itself and not the attributes of the
current / recent occupant
4. Selection criteria should be limited to a maximum of 8
Organisational Chart (required):
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Western Sydney University
POSITION DESCRIPTION
(cut and paste diagram here)
Position description approved by:
Date position description last reviewed:
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Western Sydney University