Janet Clarke Hall, The University of Melbourne

Dean Of Academics And Employability

Posted: 9 minutes ago

Job Description

Residential Dean of Academics and EmployabilityJanet Clarke Hall, The University of Melbourne Contract: Permanent (subject to 6-month probationary period) between 0.6 and full-time, for discussion with the successful candidateNormal Working Hours: Between 22.5 and 37.5 per week (9am – 5pm on Monday to Friday) depending on the above, plus some OOH requirementsManaged by: Deputy PrincipalLocation: Parkville 3052, Melbourne (Narrm)Remuneration: Base salary of $110,000 per annum FTE + 11.5% superannuationJanet Clarke HallJanet Clarke Hall is a residential College of and within the University of Melbourne. Founded in 1886 as the ‘Trinity Hostel’, the College was the first residential college for women in Australia and amongst the first in the world. Co-educational since 1973, the College now provides a sector-leading residential experience with a distinctive culture focussed on the personal, intellectual, and civic development of our students.The Janet Clarke Hall community is distinguished by academic excellence; intellectual curiosity; thoughtfulness; respect for others; individual expression; and commitment to social justice. Founded in the Anglican tradition, the College welcomes people of all backgrounds and faith traditions. In 2024, the College’s new Strategic Plan 2024-2029 articulated the bold ambition to become Australia’s first need-blind residential college, meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need and offering sector-leading transformative residential opportunities to the most promising young people in Australia and beyond, regardless of socio-economic background.The College provides a close-knit, safe, and supportive environment for our 97 undergraduate and postgraduate students to live, learn, and grow. This includes accommodation on campus, shared facilities, and participation in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities, including student-run clubs and societies.Students benefit from an enhanced university experience with strong academic support through small group tutorials, individual academic consultations, and pastoral care. They also benefit from living and working alongside affiliated scholars, creatives and community leaders.The College draws students from around Australia and overseas. At least 85% of the College’s students attend the University of Melbourne, though its statute of affiliation allows for up to 15% to attend RMIT or Monash University’s Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (Parkville campus).The College employs 4 full-time staff, 11 part-time staff, 6 Resident Duty Tutors, and up to 50 Non-Resident Academic Tutors.Position OverviewThe resident Dean of Academics and Employability is responsible for shaping the academic culture and career-readiness of students at Janet Clarke Hall. The position is designed to inculcate strong study skills; an attitude of intellectual enquiry; academic resilience; and professional confidence, while identifying and creating pathways to future academic and professional opportunities.They work closely with the Deputy Principal and other members of staff, including Residential Tutors to ensure that the College’s tutorial programme and programme of personal and professional development events meets the needs of our students.They provide appropriate signposting / referral to sources of specialist academic support within the University of Melbourne and RMIT where appropriate. They ensure best practice in student case management, including appropriate record keeping, timely communication with students, risk assessment, and information sharing within the wider staff team where necessary.As a residential member of staff, they will assume responsibility for the on-site and out-of-hours leadership of the College during the occasional absences of the resident Deputy Principal, including during periods of leave such as the Deputy Principal’s AL / LSL.The Dean of Academics and Employability is required, as a condition of their employment, to live on-site in Parkville. Living accommodation comprises 1 bedroom, living area, kitchenette, and bathroom. Free car-parking, utilities, internet, local telephone calls, and meals in the College Dining Hall (21 per week) are included in the residential package.Role requirements and key dutiesProgram Design & Delivery: Create and implement initiatives that support academic success and career development, including our tutorial programme and a programme of personal and professional development events.Mentorship & Support: Provide guidance and signposting to students, helping them navigate university life, and prepare for their future careers.Community Engagement: Facilitate volunteering, networking, skills-acquisition and leadership opportunities.Strategic Leadership: Work towards the achievement of relevant area KPIs in Janet Clarke Hall’s Strategic Plan 2024-2029 and uphold the College’s distinctive Values and ethos.Collaboration: Work closely with other staff, including the Deputy Principal and Principal, to provide holistic student support and development.Management of our Non-Resident Tutors: Recruit, onboard, manage, evaluate and offboard our team of 45+ Non-Resident Tutors. Person SpecificationThe successful candidate will possess the following:A postgraduate level degreeAn advanced academic qualification (Masters level or higher), demonstrating a strong foundation in critical thinking, research, and professional expertise applicable to a residential college environment at a Group of 8 university.Experience in residential college communitiesExperience working or living in a residential college or student accommodation environment, with a focus on integrating academic and residential life.Commitment to student wellbeingA deep commitment to the holistic development and wellbeing of young people, with experience in providing student support and creating a positive living-learning environment.Operational and managerial skillsExperience in record-keeping and managing budgets, resources, and staff, with a focus on ensuring smooth daily operations of the college. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.Strong communication skillsExcellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, Council members, alumni, and external partners.Strategic thinking and visionAbility to contribute to the development and implementation of strategic plans that align with the College's mission and values, enhancing its educational and residential experiences.Cultural sensitivity and inclusivityStrong understanding of diversity and inclusion principles, with experience in fostering an inclusive environment that respects and values diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.Conflict resolution and problem-solvingProven ability to manage and resolve conflicts effectively, ensuring a productive environment for students and staff. Courage and tact to initiate difficult management conversations when necessary. Strong critical thinking and decision-making capabilities.Academic integrity and governanceKnowledge of higher education policies and academic integrity principles. Ability to uphold and promote the College's academic standards and governance structures.Team collaboration and leadershipProven ability to lead and collaborate within multidisciplinary teams. Strong interpersonal skills to foster a cooperative and supportive work environment.Commitment to sustainability and wellbeingDedication to promoting sustainable practices and student wellbeing initiatives, with experience in developing policies or programs that support mental health, work-life balance, and environmental sustainability.Technological proficiencyFamiliarity with modern technologies that support educational and administrative functions, including student management systems, learning platforms, and data analysis tools.A desire to be a visible part of the College communityWillingness to attend College and student events (sports matches, concerts, plays, alumni events, etc.) outside of normal working hours to foster a sense of community, camaraderie, and support.Remuneration and benefits•      base salary of $110,000 FTE per annum plus 11.5% superannuation;•      partial rental subsidy for a one (1) bedroom apartment in the College:•      utilities (gas, electricity, water, telephone, internet);•      secure car parking on the College site for one vehicle;•      meals in College Dining Hall (21 per week);•      subsidised membership of Melbourne University Sport and associated facilities; and•      training and continuing professional development costs of up to a maximum of $5,000 per financial year.……….Please note that applicants must have permanent work rights in Australia with no restrictions. The College is NOT able to sponsor a work visa for this role. The successful applicant must provide a current Working with Children Check (Employee) prior to commencing in the role.Candidates are requested to send a CV and covering letter detailing their relevant experience and how they meet the person specification to employment@jch.unimelb.edu.au no later than 12 noon on Friday 28th November 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an in-person interview at the College during W/C 8th December 2025.If you wish to have a confidential and informal conversation about this role at Janet Clarke Hall, please contact the Principal, Dr Eleanor Spencer-Regan at principal@jch.unimelb.edu.au or the Deputy Principal, Ms Annie McGuire at deputy@jch.unimelb.edu.au

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