Role Statement For Heads Of Schools

Faculty Of Sciences

The Head of School is expected to make an effective contribution to the overall management of the Faculty and to lead and manage a School of the Faculty.

The Head of School reports to the Executive Dean. The role is to be performed in such a manner as to promote the development of the identities and academic strengths of the areas within the School in accordance with the University's and the Faculty's strategic plans.

The broad responsibilities of the Head of School shall include:

• Academic and Research leadership
• Staff development and change management
• Finance and infrastructure management
• Administrative management.

Key accountabilities for the School under these broad responsibilities shall include the following.

Academic and Research Leadership

• Participate in Faculty management and academic forums and committees and represent the University, Faculty, School and disciplines in local, national and international contexts.
• Provide outstanding academic leadership across the School in teaching, including development of the undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum.
• Provide leadership in the research activities of the School, including the development of the research output of staff, and research training.

Staff Development and Change Management

Develop a staffing plan to facilitate the availability of suitably qualified staff to meet the School needs.

• Monitor the performance of staff, providing assistance to those whose performance is assessed as requiring improvement, and develop structures for career guidance and mentoring for early career academics.
• Deliver responsive quality assurance processes and outcomes that promote a culture of continuous improvement.
• Promote and implement University policies and procedures in relation to gender, equity and diversity. In accordance with the University's responsibilities for occupational health and safety be accountable for the implementation of all aspects of hazard management, design of work, training, workplace inspection and reporting within the School. Ensure statutory obligations as outlined in the SA OHS&W Regulations are met.

Finance and Infrastructure Management

• Manage finances and infrastructure within the budget allocated and achieve performance goals as specified in separate agreements, and in particular in relation to targets for income, student recruitment, research and consultancy, and budget management.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to generate income from School activities, including contract research, consultancy, commercialisation of Intellectual Property, and attraction of fee-paying students.
• Develop partnerships with national and international organisations, government and the commercial sector whereby income from sources independent of the University can be generated.

Administrative Management

Translate and communicate University- and Faculty-wide strategies and policies and improve the management of administrative resources including the optimal use of shared services.

Develop and maintain School-level policies, processes and systems within the framework of University and Faculty policies, processes and systems.