Sydney, Australia – The University of New South Wales (UNSW) School of Aviation is seeking a Head of School – Aviation. Please see an extract of the job post below.

“The School of Aviation offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in aviation (management and flying), including flight training and airborne, aviation and transport research. The Flying Operations Unit, located at Bankstown Airport, delivers flight training and supporting theory as required by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and facilitates airborne research activities.

Statistics

• Unit budget approximately $11M
• Approximately 11,000 flying hours
• Approximately 60 full-time flying students
• Approximately 2,500 hours of lectures delivered

The Head of School role is the key integration point between the UNSW 2025 Strategy’s strategic priorities of academic excellence, social & industry engagement and global impact, and the delivery of those priorities through the work of our staff and students and engagement with key external stakeholders. Primarily, this is achieved through integrated strategic planning, fostering an environment in which innovation and creativity can thrive, people-centred leadership and sound management of resources.

About The Role

• Senior Level Appointment for the term plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Includes an underlying Academic position at Level D/E
• Fixed Term – 3 or 5 years
• Full-time (35 hours per week)

The Head of School reports directly to the Faculty Dean to shape and realise the strategic priorities and performance of the university. The academic staff of the School report to the Head of School who is supported by the School leadership team which includes a School Manager, Deputy Head of School, Academic Governance Committees, Academic Convenors and Academic Co-ordinators.

Strategy

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

• Developing a strategic vision for the School that is aligned to both the Faculty strategic plan, with the view of strengthening the School’s (leading) position in Australia and all over the world.
• Contribute to the formulation of the Faculty strategic plan by providing strategic advice on external engagement, research and educational priorities.
• Lead and influence industry partners and research end-users to facilitate the development of sustainable industry-supported collaborations that lead to innovative technological outcomes.
• Drive the overall academic performance of the School in meeting the University’s objectives, specifically through:
  • Providing a valuable student education experience by fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in teaching that is aligned to performance indicators.
  • Attracting high calibre students at the undergraduate and postgraduate level (including higher degree research students), and life-long learners, consistent with the University’s student and revenue targets.
  • Enhancing the research profile of the School by improving the quality and quantity of research output including the proportion of research active staff, the quantity and size of research grants, the number and quality of publications and appropriate measures of impact such as citations.
  • Developing new programs and courses in collaboration with academic staff and the Faculty in order to continually meet stakeholder requirements for global graduates.
  • Identifying new prospects to collaborate with education, research and industry partners, and pursue opportunities for knowledge exchange and technology transfer where possible.
  • Growing the international presence and reputation of the School.

Leadership

• Build a strategic vision for the School and engage staff within the School to realise that strategic vision.
• Engage School staff to establish and maintain a collegial, supportive and productive culture within the School, and externally with Faculty and University colleagues.
• Attract and retain staff of the highest quality to enable the strategic vision of the School to be achieved.
• Build the capability of staff within the School through effective talent management and succession planning strategies supported by regular communication, quality performance conversations, coaching and addressing barriers to high performance.
• Engage in activities that build and sustain excellent relationships with external stakeholders including potential students and high schools, potential employers of our graduates, donors, alumni, the community, business, and government to ensure the interests of the School are effectively promoted and advanced.
• Pursue and support equity, diversity and inclusion objectives and policies.
• Lead the School by setting clear expectations and goals, establishing KPIs, giving regular feedback on progress and facilitating effective career development conversations.
• Be an active member of the Faculty Executive and contribute to the overall leadership, including promoting and representing the school and Science both internally and externally.

School Management

• Take responsibility for devolved School budgets and comply with University financial requirements.
• Influence income and expenditure to enhance financial sustainability.
• Ensure that the School meets agreed key performance measures including those related to education, research, global impact and social engagement.
• Ensure that the School is effectively administered including optimising the allocation of resources, operating within budget and meeting relevant legislative and compliance obligations.
• Lead School based committees and boards and contribute to the Faculty and University committees as required.
• Oversee compliance and quality assurance management consistent with requirements under the University’s Risk Management Framework, including Work Health and Safety.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the UNSW Values in Action: Our Behaviours and the UNSW Code of Conduct.
• Ensure hazards and risks are identified and controlled for tasks, projects and activities that pose a health and safety risk within your area of responsibility.“

UNSW School of Aviation offers Bachelor of Aviation (Flying) program, Bachelor of Aviation (Management), and Bachelor of Aviation (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems). The aviation program operations is based at Bankstown Airport.

UNSW is equipped with Diamond DA40 Diamond Star, Piper PA44 Seminole aeroplanes, FRASCA DA40/ DA42L360 Flight Simulation Training Device, Pacific Simulators 4.5 multi-crew trainer, and Aerosim Q400 virtual procedures trainer.

Source: UNSW School of Aviation