Assistant Director, Pathways and Academic Learning Support (PALS) Centre<!---->

The University of Newcastle, Australia

Updated: 2 months ago
Location: Callaghan, NEW SOUTH WALES
Job Type: FullTime

About our University

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and creating a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision are our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability.

About the Unit

The Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre is responsible for providing world-leading university pathway programs as well as for enabling the success of all domestic and international students at the University of Newcastle enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs through the provision of effective academic learning support services. The Centre incorporates a wide range of programs and services focussed on English language, enabling, bridging and academic learning support. Focussed on inclusion and innovation, the Centre ensures that all students at Newcastle are engaged in learning journeys that enable success.

Be challenged and imagine with us

In this role you will:

  • Assist the Director, PALS in ensuring excellence in program provision, innovation, compliance, and quality.
  • Take responsibility for University-wide academic learning support services across multiple locations and online.
  • Lead the development, delivery, compliance and management of English language pathway programs.
  • Meet emerging needs and identify opportunities within the sector.
  • Innovate in the provision and design of diverse offerings for various student groups, including online and blended approaches.
  • Foster collaboration across the institution and sector to enhance student retention, success, and completion.
  • Mentor and motivate staff to continuously improve services and teaching methods, particularly online and blended.
  • Develop and implement cutting-edge programs and learning support services informed by industry trends.
  • Embed inclusive educational philosophy and learning approaches within curricula and pedagogy.
  • Stay updated on evolving pathways products, policies, and accreditation in academic learning support and international education.

This 5 year fixed term position is full time and will be located at the Callaghan Campus (Awabakal and Worimi land). 

How will you inspire us?

  • Experienced in academic leadership and program management within higher education.
  • Demonstrated expertise and knowledge of industry trends and best practices in academic learning support services.
  • Proficient in knowledge about the design, delivery and development of English language pathway programs.
  • Innovative, high-level mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and collaboration.
  • Excellent mentoring and motivational abilities to inspire staff development.
  • Adaptable and willing to continuously learn and upskill in a dynamic environment.
  • Committed to promoting inclusive educational practices and student success.
  • Collaborative and team-oriented approach to leadership and decision-making.

We provide opportunities for all people regardless of their background and experience, and this philosophy is reflected across all that we do. 

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.  

What we offer

The remuneration for this position is $140,139 +17% superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience. 

For information on our employee benefits (such as flexible working, discounts in private health insurance and gym memberships and salary packaging) please visit here .  

Your next steps

Click the Apply button to be redirected to the advert on our University of Newcastle jobs page where you will find a guide on how to apply and gain access to the job description

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role.

Your application must include:

  • Your resume
  • A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity
  • A statement addressing the Essential Criteria listed below
  • Proven expertise in the management of significant human and material resources; postgraduate qualifications and extensive relevant experience
  • Demonstrated expertise in managing and staying updated on the legislative and educational requirements of ELICOS pathways.
  • Extensive experience in delivering academic learning support services with a focus on implementing innovative approaches backed by research to enhance student experience, engagement, retention, and success across the University of Newcastle's higher education journey, including pathways to HDR programs and for both domestic and international students.
  • Strong leadership skills demonstrated through the ability to inspire, engage, and develop staff while fostering teamwork, cooperation, and collaboration within and across teams.
  • Proven capacity to contribute effectively to the broader PALS Centre strategy, culture, and business direction, ensuring continuous improvement and motivating staff to achieve both equitable and excellent performance outcomes. 
  • Highly developed time-management and interpersonal skills with the ability to build and develop relationships and networks, including engaging across the university and sector to build collaborative and beneficial partnerships, resulting in positive whole of University business outcomes. 
  • Demonstrated knowledge of workplace obligations to, and experience in leading and cultivating workplace practices and behaviours that promote, support and maintain a safe, healthy, equitable, diverse and respectful workplace; including responding appropriately to adverse accidents, incidents, behaviours, issues, reports and the like.

    • Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document.

    Your Cover Letter and Response to the Essential Criteria should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2,000 words).

    For the full list of the selection criteria and role responsibilities, please download the Position Description (available in the Related Documents section below).

    Due to the nature of this role, the University may require the preferred candidate to undertake further pre-employment checks.

    For specific position enquiries, please contact Anna Bennett, Associate Professor/Director, Pathways and Academic Learning Support on (02) 4921 5378 or via email [email protected]

    Having Difficulties? Please reach out to us: [email protected]

    Closing date: Monday, 18 March 2024 at 5.00pm AEDT

    We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you

    #LI-SE1


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