Macquarie University Position Description / Page 1 of 3
LOCAL TITLE: / Higher Degree Research (HDR) Manager - Faculty Position
POSITION NUMBER: / LEVEL: / 8/9
FACULTY/OFFICE: / Faculty / DEPARTMENT:
REPORTS TO: / Associate Dean, Higher Degree Research / CURRENT OCCUPANT:
WRITTEN BY: / Anne Thoeming / DATE: / 18 June 2008
APPROVED BY: / DATE:

A JOB PURPOSE

Macquarie University Faculties have responsibility for the effective strategic and operational implementation of higher degree research training and support activities. HDR training within Faculties is guided by the University Research Strategic Plan, the Faculty Research Strategic Plan as well as the Rules and policies of the University. The purpose of this position is to manage all operational aspects of Faculty research candidature in accordance with internal and external governance requirements to ensure efficient and effective HDR support and funding. The HDR Manager will provide high level advice and support to the Associate Dean, Higher Degree Research on building internal HDR capacity, provide guidance on all local aspects of HDR candidature to other Faculty stakeholders and operationalise Faculty HDR requirements. The HDR Manager is a member of Faculty Higher Degree Research Committee and the centralised Research Network (ResNet).

B MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic

·  In consultation with the Associate Dean HDR, implement effective research training requirements to ensure the achievement of Faculty HDR strategic plan.

·  Develop and maintain effective networks with Faculty candidates, supervisors and other departmental staff and external stakeholders.

·  Advise and make recommendations to the University of any HDR procedural or service improvements consistent with a continuous improvement cycle.

·  Work with the Associate Deans Research and Higher Degree Research as well as the Research Manager to ensure consistency in the development and implementation of Faculty research and research training strategic and operational directions.

· 

Operational

·  Provide advice to Faculty staff and HDR candidates as to the relevant rules, policies, procedures and guidelines governing HDR candidature and maintain responsibility for their implementation.

·  In conjunction with other Faculty officers, make a significant contribution to the development and implementation of effective research training programs and program components to ensure enhancement of the Faculty’s research training capacity in each department.

·  Track progress against HDR key performance indicators at the Faculty, departmental and supervisor level.

·  Plan and prioritise the most effective use of resources required to support candidature and to meet performance targets.

·  Provide support and advice to the Associate Dean HDR on matters relating to HDR candidature.

·  Deliver a high quality and responsive service to all Faculty HDR candidates and Supervisors and track performance against student and staff feedback.

·  Investigate opportunities for improved research training support by Departments and work with departmental representatives for the achievement of such.

Behavioural

·  Evaluate self performance against stakeholder feedback

·  Maintain a high level of interpersonal communication excellence and apply ethical and quality standards in managing all candidature activities.

·  Engender trust; provide effective team and personal leadership.

Other

·  Other duties as required and appropriate to the classification of the position.

C DIMENSIONS AND DELEGATIONS

Delegation schedule 4 – to be confirmed by the Faculty.

D REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS AND SUBORDINATES

Reports to the Associate Dean Higher Degree Research

E Supervision and Independence

The staff member will be responsible for the effective implementation of all Faculty HDR training activity and processes and for the establishment of work priorities, monitoring work flow and reporting on HDR outcomes. This will include ensuring effective management of application assessments; compliance with Central and Faculty commencement program completion requirements; HDR Annual Report tracking and completion; oversight of the Faculty supervisor register, etc. The staff member will work closely with the Associate Dean, HDR in the implementation of HDR Faculty requirements and strategic directions. In conjunction with other information system suppliers, the staff member will be responsible for the identification, development and implementation of a range of systems, processes and reports which support the achievement of strategic and operational outcomes. Limited detailed guidance will be available and the incumbent will be required to provide Rule, policy and procedural guidance to Faculty staff and HDR candidates.

F RECOURSE TO HIGHER LEVEL OR OTHER AREAS OF THE UNIVERSITY

Associate Dean, Higher Degree Research

Associate Dean, Research

Executive Dean

Faculty General Manager

Manager, Higher Degree Research.

G Judgement and problem solving

The position has administrative responsibility for Faculty HDR program training and development including pathway program development, additional unit enrolment and targeted resource support to ensure the effectiveness of Faculty candidature management. It will provide support and advice to University stakeholders and to research degree applicants to ensure requirements are met and that current policies and processes address emerging demands. It will manage candidature matters from application to completion and including “show cause” and candidature termination requirements and oversee the availability of appropriate Faculty commencement and other HDR specific programs.

In conjunction with the Higher Degree Research Office and Associate Dean, HDR, the position is responsible for undertaking reviews of local HDR guidelines and procedures to ensure a high level of Faculty HDR support. It will maintain effective administrative oversight of Faculty HDR scholarship holders and other candidates to ensure on-time candidature completion.

H Organisational relationships and impact

The staff member is expected to make recommendations on policy and procedural matters relating to HDR candidature which will require the development of effective working relationships with staff of the Higher Degree Research Office, Macquarie International, the Coursework Studies Office and Financial Services as well as other staff as required. The position will have responsibility for the implementation of all University Rules in relation to HDR Fee matters.

I SELECTION CRITERIA

·  Ability to perform duties at a skill level which requires postgraduate qualifications or progress towards postgraduate qualifications and extensive relevant experience; or extensive experience and management expertise; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.

·  Proven experience in working with complex databases such as student systems or equivalent thereof and problem solving ability.

·  An ability to coordinate complex matters and accurately interpret legislative documentation and implement requirements.

·  A working knowledge of and experience in the application and interpretation of rules, policies and procedures.

·  Proven experience with Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel and Word.

·  Proven ability to initiate and undertake information analysis of data held in student systems and other databases and spreadsheets.

·  Proven reliability in meeting deadlines

·  Accuracy and attention to detail in following administrative procedures.

·  An ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing; to listen, understand and adapt to different audiences; to negotiate persuasively; to value difference and diversity.

·  A high degree of professionalism including the ability to remain calm under pressure and to act with courtesy towards others and with concern to ensure that University requirements are met.

·  An ability to achieve intended results.

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