Head of Department

Overview:
- An opportunity now exists to join RMIT’s School of Science and be part of the leadership team contributing to the School’s academic and research performance, strategy, and growth- Remuneration for Academic Level E ($219,084) or Level D ($170,080 - $187,373) + leadership allowance + 17% Super-
- 3-year Head of Department and Associate Dean appointment is underpinned by an ongoing Professor or Associate Professor role

About You

As Head of Department and Associate Dean, Mathematics & Geospatial Science you will provide values-led academic and strategic leadership of research, learning and teaching and engagement activities for the Department. The role will lead, manage and develop academic staff within the Department and drive a rewarding and impactful experience for our students.

The new Department of Mathematical and Geospatial Sciences has been founded from late January 2025. It is one of five departments in the School that collectively contribute to the School’s strategic vision that will _deliver excellence in applied research and education, engaging in strong impactful industry partnerships and producing skilled, industry-ready graduates_.

The new Department entails the combination of the former and separate Mathematical Sciences and Geospatial Sciences discipline. Its creation entails an important opportunity to maximise synergies and collaborations across our research, education and engagement within the new team and more broadly within the wider School and College. In particular, the new Department will benefit from an expanded leadership team including Deputy Heads who will lead on key Departmental activities and also contribute to a shared model of line management enabling effective support, development and mentorship for the academic team.

The strategic plans for the School under the Departmental model will see increased devolution of decision-making and including budgetary control transfer into each Department. This is designed to provide Departments with more autonomy and enable them to make local decisions, as well as enhance innovation in education, research and engagement activities. This will place an emphasis on the leadership teams within each Department and the Head of Department especially in planning and delivery of areas for investment and delivery against agreed priorities and performance measures.

To be successful for this position, you will have:
- Strong values-led leadership skills and capabilities; experience in leading and managing academic teams and projects in a collegiate environment to deliver strategic objectives and influence positive change.- Established nationally
- or internationally recognised/excellent research track record in a discipline relevant to the Department’s activities, with the demonstrated capacity and credibility to lead and promote excellent research in your field.- Proven record of innovative teaching in a discipline directly relevant to the Department’s teaching activities underpinned by a deep understanding of contemporary and applied learning and teaching theory.- Strong knowledge and understanding of relevant industry and training priorities.- Demonstrated capacity to think strategically and to act tactically based on organisational priorities and objectives.- High-level interpersonal, communication, influencing and negotiating skills including the ability to consult, network and build relationships within the organisation and externally.- Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a collegiate environment and to develop and achieve shared goals and objectives, and to negotiate agreed directions and outcomes.

Qualifications

Mandatory: PhD combined with knowledge and achievements that meet the professorial criteria.

About the Department

The Department teaching staff also play a critical role in specialist teaching of Mathematics and also Geospatial Science courses to students across the entire STEM undergraduate student body at RMIT and especially for degrees in Engineering. Teaching and learning across the degree programs and courses places strong emphasis on applied learning and practice including via embedding of industry-partnered
- and work integrated
- learning

With the new Department now formed as part of the wider development within the School of Science, the School is looking to appoint a new Head of Department to lead the team in developing and implementing a bold strategic vision for the new Department of Mathematical and Geospatial Sciences, which will be supported strongly by the School and STEM College as we continue to grow a vital research and educational strength and area within RMIT.

More details about the School of Science may be found at:

To Apply

Please submit your covering letter and _Curriculum Vitae_ and a two-page (maximum) document addressing the Key Selection Criteria for this position by clicking on the ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page.

Position Description - Head of Department and Ass