Appendix 6
UTS POSITION DESCRIPTION
UTS:HUMAN RESOURCES
POSITION TITLE
ASSOCIATE DEAN, TEACHING & LEARNING
FACULTY
< insert Faculty name>
POSITION PURPOSE
The Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) supports the Dean through the provision of creative
leadership in the development and implementation of innovative University teaching and learning
policies and strategies within the Faculty, the effective strategic management of teaching and
learning within the Faculty and for quality assurance in the Faculty’s Teaching and Learning
portfolio. This position is also responsible for representing and promoting the Faculty both within
and outside the University
The role assumes responsibility, at a Faculty level, for the strategic development, delivery,
maintenance and evaluation of all teaching and learning programs (including short courses). In
particular, this position provides leadership in the effective design and development of programs
that interface teaching with research. To achieve this, this position is responsible for the
introduction of new teaching courses and subjects that meet the future and current learning needs
of students and industry.
This role ensures continuous improvement of courses that enhance the Faculty’s academic
standards, the quality of its teaching, its community services and its interaction with the domestic
and international community. It is a responsibility of this position to ensure that the welfare of
coursework students is adequately monitored.
DIMENSIONS
Students:
Courses:
2007
(Undergraduate)
xxx
2007
(Postgraduate – Coursework)
xxx
(Postgraduate – Research)
xxx
<insert no’s only>
Staff:
Full time and fractional academic staff
xx FTE
Part-time/ Causal academic staff
xx FTE
Support staff
xx FTE
Research strengths:
Research income:
Total Faculty Budget: $xx million
Location(s):
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RELATIONSHIPS
Supervision
The Associate Dean Teaching and Learning is supervised by the Dean and reports to the Dean
with respect to the major accountabilities of the role. The role has a matrix relationship with the
DVC (TLE).
This position is one of (insert number) positions reporting directly to the Dean; the others being
(list other direct reports to the Dean) .
Accountable to this position are:

Insert direct reports here
Collaboration and Communication
Internal
This position works closely with the Senior DVC, Faculty Heads of School/Department and/or
Program Directors, etc, Associate Dean (Research) and Student Administration Managers. This
position also works closely with the Faculty Manager, especially in relation to student issues.
This position collaborates and interacts with colleague Associate Deans T&L, the senior
management team of the University, Directors and managers of the central administration’s
divisions and units. Other working relationships involve IML, ELSSA, Faculty Librarian, Student
Administration/Fees/Services, Academic Programs Office, other Faculty Boards, Academic Board,
EDU and student ombud.
External
This position liaises with senior representatives of the community, government and professionals
at state, federal and international levels and with academics and administrators from other tertiary
institutions as well as being an active participant with the Faculty Advisory Committee.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Provide creative academic leadership in the development and implementation of innovative
University teaching and learning policies and Faculty strategies in the area of undergraduate
and post graduate course work by:

Establishing, maintaining and enhancing a teaching and learning culture within the
Faculty;

Displaying and encouraging a creative approach to the development and implementation
of innovative teaching and learning strategies;

Managing within the Faculty the processes for curriculum development and course work
programs, validating course content and teaching programs by developing, promulgating,
monitoring and reviewing University policies and Faculty procedures;

Promoting flexibility, innovation and excellence in the design and delivery of the Faculty’s
course work programs;

Implementing and monitoring University policies and Faculty procedures in relation to the
student experience including student admissions, selection, fees, load targets as well as
student progression, exclusions, RPL, appeals and misconduct;
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
Exerting influence in the teaching and learning community, within the Faculty and with
colleagues;

Actively engaging in and supporting the University’s Strategic Direction in all teaching and
learning-related activities both within and outside the University.
2. Provide effective management of teaching and learning within the Faculty by:

Developing, in consultation with [Department Heads or insert equivalent/relevant titles] and
relevant staff, quality assurance mechanisms and strategies for continuous improvement
of the quality of teaching/learning;

Ensuring innovation and the continuous development of teaching and learning capability
within the Faculty;

Influencing teaching practice, course design and mode of delivery to maximise student
learning;

Managing risk in the conduct of T&L activities, especially the Faculty's programs and
courses, labs and workspaces, fieldwork and professional/industry placements within the
overarching goal of enhancing student experience.

Promoting a culture and climate which supports continuous improvement in the quality of
teaching and learning;

Engaging staff in effective change and delivering, rewarding and embedding new
approaches to teaching, programs and structures, within a collegiate framework.

Ensuring that mentoring, coaching and support is available for the development of
permanent and casual teaching staff in the Faculty;

Exercising appropriate delegation within the Faculty;

Developing and maintaining mechanisms to ensure the health and safety of staff and
students;

Dealing with staff and students in a fair and equitable manner;
3. Represent and promote the Faculty and the University both inside and outside the University,
at the national and international level, by:

Actively identifying and seeking out opportunities for the University to be engaged in
external fora;

Participating in Faculty and University forums;

Marketing and promoting Faculty courses through the development of appropriate relevant
material and participating in activities to promote the University and its programs;

Encouraging and supporting links with industry, professional, government and community
bodies, student representatives, and academic and administrative staff of the University to
ensure the Faculty’s course work programs are based on sound input and feedback.
4. Any other responsibilities in line with the level of the role as assigned by the Dean.
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ENVIRONMENT AND POSITION CHALLENGES

To influence and lead academics and support staff from a range of disciplines in the
absence of a direct line of reporting, respecting the supervisory structure of the Faculty
and the competing needs of other portfolios on staff time.

To influence the strategic agenda of the University in the area of teaching and learning.

To think and act across the entire University, not be limited to the Faculty alone.

To promote and engage in effective and cooperative working relationships between the
Faculty and central administrative units and staff.

To maintain involvement as an academic in the range of teaching, learning and community
activities of the Faculty.
 To ensure that teaching and course development are valued by all academic staff and that
senior and experienced staff exercise practical leadership ini academic programs.

To take leadership in developing an international profile for the Faculty disciplines in a
highly competitive market.

To respond in a timely manner to a dynamic environment and discipline.
 To achieve outcomes through influence in circumstances where direct authority is held
elsewhere.
 To balance the tensions between responding to the requirements of the University and the
need to instigate strategic and innovative initiatives in teaching and learning.
AUTHORITY TO ACT
Within the parameters laid down in University policy and delegations and by Faculty Board, the
Associate Dean, Teaching and Learning, has wide discretion in the development and
implementation of practices within the Faculty.
The Associate Dean, Teaching and Learning, may approve budget expenditure for the Faculty
consistent with the position’s delegated financial authority.
Safety & Wellbeing responsibilities
All staff must:

Take reasonable care of, and cooperate with actions taken to protect, the health and
safety of both themselves and others

report all accidents, incidents and hazards to their supervisor as soon as is practicable
Supervisors and managers of staff and facilities must do whatever is reasonably practical to
ensure that both the workplace and the work itself are safe, in consultation with staff affected.
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ORGANISATION CHART
Attach an organisation chart that shows in relationship to this position; the position it reports to,
direct reports and peers (where appropriate).
KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED
Academic Standing
 High level academic and professional qualifications in the relevant discipline area or
equivalent accreditation standing [as defined by the relevant Faculty].
 Interest in and commitment to the range of areas taught and researched within the
Faculty.
 A vision and direction for the development of teaching and learning within the Faculty.
 Strong record of academic achievement in the chosen discipline.
Leadership and management experience
 Strong strategic, organisational and management skills and ability to lead in a
demanding and changing environment.
 Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategies which promote excellence
and continuous improvement in teaching and learning.
 Extensive experience in leading and managing curriculum development.
 Experience in the development, implementation and monitoring of quality assurance
processes in an educational organisation.
 The capacity to contribute to the management of the Faculty and to the broader strategic
direction of the University.
 Demonstrated capacity to provide effective academic leadership in the Faculty.
 Demonstrated capacity to identify new opportunities and build collaborative relationships
within the Faculty, across UTS and externally.
 Experience in managing and leading staff and in addressing teaching and learning
issues experienced by Faculty staff.
 Demonstrated experience in dealing with student-related issues.
Personal abilities/skills/knowledge
 Ability to build industry relationships and to engage the Faculty productively with its
service teaching clients.
 Excellent communication and negotiation skills with the ability to interact effectively with
a range of academic, administrative and/or technical staff in a complex environment.
 A sound understanding of teaching and learning activities including the development of
curriculum and teaching and learning capability.
 Knowledge of contemporary flexible learning approaches in higher education settings,
including the use of information and computer-based technologies in teaching and
learning.
 Knowledge of contemporary developments in assessment in higher education settings.
 Knowledge of professional and industry issues and trends relevant to the Faculty.
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APPROVALS
Incumbent
(if currently occupied)
Supervisor
Manager
(minimum level Dean/Director)
Name:
Title:
Signature:
Date:
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