Overview
The Director of Academic & Career Development is responsible for overall strategic leadership and management of the College’s Academic and Careers Portfolio, including related staff, activities, and the daily operations of the Learning Centre. The Director is responsible for oversight of academic performance of all King’s residents and Associate Members and for assisting Collegians to develop job-ready skills and secure employment, traineeships, and/or work experience opportunities. The Director works closely with the Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Master. The Associate Director of Academic & Career Services, Resident and Non-Resident Tutors as well as other academic support staff report to the Director. The Director maintains effective relationships with students, parents, University personnel, the King’s Old Collegians’ Association (KOCA) and other relevant stakeholders.
Job Description
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the duties and responsibilities of the Director of Academic & Career Development role include, but are not limited to:
Oversee the College’s Careers & Employability Program, including the development of a comprehensive mentorship program and jobs board, and manage all associated staff.
Initiate policy and planning issues with the Deputy Master and report regularly to the Chief Executive Officer on all aspects of the Academic and Careers Portfolio.
Develop and foster close links with key stakeholders (e.g., University Academic Staff, Faculties, Schools, and Support Services; Industry-specific membership bodies).
Keep abreast of university and sector-wide policies as they relate to student enrolment and academic programs.
Keep abreast of industry/field-specific issues and opportunities as they relate to the current job market and future employment trends.
Assist the KOCA with their industry focused Society events and other events related to career development.
Chair staff meetings of Resident and Non-Resident Tutors, and all other academic and careers support staff.
Ensure ongoing rigorous evaluation of King’s academic and careers initiatives and activities, including the budget and resources associated to the Old Collegians’ Learning Centre.
Provide a written report to the Chief Executive Officer for inclusion in the CEO’s Report to Council.
Maintain a high profile and active presence in the College, both in person and via on-line services, to create an effective communications network with all King’s students.
Represent King’s College at University functions, educational and social occasions, and at formal gatherings (with or on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer).
Organise the awarding of scholarships and bursaries in accordance with the terms of the various awards funded by the Board of Fellows and prepare papers for consideration at their bi-annual meetings.
Regularly contribute to the Wyvern Review and Wyvern Magazine during the academic semester.
Attend and assist in the organisation of ‘P’ and ‘O’ Week.
Attend all formal dinners and ceremonial occasions in the College.
Conduct Goal Setting and Performance Appraisals for all reporting staff.
Conduct academic interviews of all new students before the conclusion of their first semester.
Be familiar with the College’s Risk Management policy and procedures, and action and implement, where appropriate.
Carry out other duties consistent with the purpose of the role as directed by the Chief Executive Officer.
Requirements
Completion of a relevant undergraduate degree, but strong preference for postgraduate qualifications.
Significant knowledge of and experience within the higher education sector in a Faculty, School, and/or Central Unit setting.
Proven administrative and organisational ability with significant experience in a relevant field with emphasis on staff and educational management.
Recent experience working with and advising diverse university student cohorts on a broad range of university-related policies and procedures, as they relate to the student-life cycle.
Proven ability to provide vision, innovation, and professional guidance to a team of staff, and to foster a high-performance, results and service-orientated working environment.
Demonstrated success in project/event management, including a proven track record of managing multiple complex projects/tasks simultaneously.
High-level conceptual, analytical, and problem-solving skills and proven ability to plan at strategic and operational levels and deliver innovative solutions.
Advanced technical skills, including competency with Microsoft Office programs (especially Excel) and experience with university systems and databases.
Experience gathering and analysing quantitative and qualitative data to produce reports.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the proven ability to achieve influence and impact.
Demonstrated capacity to develop and maintain strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
A passion for and interest in the development of young adults during the transition to University, College life, and to the workforce.
Willingness to be immersed in the culture and endeavours of the College.
About Us
Founded in 1912, King’s College is a thriving residential community for men and women within The University of Queensland (UQ) supporting over 355 undergraduate and postgraduate student residents and approximately 65 Associate Members. King’s College has some of the best facilities of any residential college in Australia, including a dedicated Learning Centre, gym, rowing shed, swimming pool and spacious, fully furnished rooms. Along with opportunities to thrive culturally and in sports, the College is committed to academic success through the offering of a range of academic programs and services, including course specific tutorials, workshops, and seminars. Throughout the academic year, King’s runs a comprehensive tutorial program involving more than 130 tutorials per week delivered by over 60 teaching staff in a range of academic disciplines. Specialised study and careers-related workshops and seminars are also on offer to help students improve their study skills and prepare for the workforce. Historically, King’s College has produced outstanding talent including Rhodes Scholars, Queensland Greats, University Medallists, First Class Honourees, and UQ Distinguished Alumni and Young Alumnus of the Year recipients.