Level: 9 Date: March 2015

Position Description School Manager School of Computer Science and Engineering Level: 9 Date: March 2015 School/Unit: Computer Science and Engineering Faculty/Division: Engineering Written by: Head of School POSITION SUMMARY The School Manager is responsible for the strategic management and financial planning of the operations of the School of Computer Science and Engineering. The role provides leadership excellence and management of the business operations, finances, physical facilities, identifies opportunities and risks, develops plans and policies, recommends and implements actions and assists in building relationships with all internal and external stakeholders and manages external relations relating to grants, scholarships and infrastructure planning and represents the School in these matters. The School Manager works closely with the Head of School (HOS) and is responsible for providing extensive senior executive advice to the HOS and School Executive Team and supports the academic goals and operations of the School within the Faculty and the operational and corporate governance standards of the University. ORGANISATIONAL ENVIRONMENT Overview of the School The School of Computer Science and Engineering is the premier computing School in Australia and one of the largest schools in the Faculty of Engineering at UNSW. It is now one of the largest schools within the University, and one of the largest of its kind in Australia. The School offers undergraduate programs in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science and Bioinformatics, as well as a number of combined degrees with other disciplines. It attracts excellent students who have an outstanding record in international competitions. At the postgraduate level there is a large PhD research program and course work programs at the Master s and Graduate Diploma level in Computing and Information Technology and at Graduate Certificate level in Computing. The School is one of UNSW s most active in research. The core research strengths of the School include artificial intelligence (including autonomous systems), database systems, embedded and operating systems, computer networks, programming languages, service- 1

oriented computing, software engineering, and computer science theory. There are state-ofthe-art laboratories throughout the School to support research in all of these core areas. Statistics Budget The School s Operating Funds total approximately $13 million in 2015 with the distribution of funds as follows: Staff salaries $12m; Equipment $400k; Scholarships $300k; Travel $300k The School s external government and industry research funds totals approximately $5.2m per annum. Students 1000 EFTSU per year Undergraduate Students 280 EFTSU per year Postgraduate Coursework Students 150 EFTSU per year Higher Degree Research Students School Staff The School employs the following staff: 38 Academic full-time continuing staff; 20-30 Academic research staff; 27 Professional staff: 10 technical officers (computer support) and 17 administrative staff; and, Up to 30 Academic Visitors per annum and currently 10 Conjoint Appointments. Reporting Relationships Supervisor s title: Head of School, Computer Science and Engineering The following positions report directly to the School Manager: - Manager, Finance Procurement and Assets - Facilities Officer - Finance Officer - UNSW/NICTA Scholarships Officer - Head of School Office, Administrative Assistant Other relationships: UNSW operates a devolved structure, with substantial responsibilities devolved to Faculties and then in turn to Schools. The School Manager liaises with the Dean, other Heads of Schools, the Faculty General Manager and the University s central administration. The School Manager works closely with the Manager IT, Manager Development Office, and Head, Student Services within the School. In addition, the position liaises with external funding bodies. The School Manager liaises closely with the CEO of National ICT Australia, CRCs and other bodies. 2

Organisational Chart: HEAD OF SCHOOL IT Manager (Level 10) Executive Officer (Level 9) Manager Development Office (Level 7/8) Director Industry Relations (Level 8) Manager, Student Services (Level 8) Administrative Assistant to the HOS (Level 5) NICTA/UNSW Scholarships Officer (Level 7) Finance Officer (Level 6) Manager, Finance Procurement & Assets Unit (FIPRAS) (Level 8) Facilities Officer (Level 6) KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Overall Management: Provide a high standard of support to the Head of School in the development, implementation and evaluation of the School s strategic management and business plans Manage and provide high-level advice and analytical reporting to the HOS on operational and strategic functions, e.g: planning, policy and procedure development and implementation; budget and finances; human resources; facilities and physical resources; risk management. Lead in partnership with the Head of School and other executive members, the delivery and quality assurance of School administration/services with respect to corporate governance, financial management, human resources management and School facilities including space management. With the HOS, plan, manage and allocate human, physical and financial resources to deliver School services in all functional areas, e.g. teaching and learning, research and research training, external relations, administration. Provide operational leadership and advice in the day-to-day administrative running of the School. Effectively undertake high-level research management (finance and HR) of large scale grants and ensure that risks and issues are effectively managed or mitigated. 3

This includes: reporting on risks and opportunities of grants; supporting the effective planning and management of resources; planning and managing risk mitigation with the HOS and CI s; assisting with the establishment of research Centres where required. Create effective linkages with and provide support to external relationships, negotiate and draft agreements between the School and external bodies as appropriate. Ensure that external relations are effectively fostered and managed to the benefit of the School. Provide leadership and high-level advice across a broad range of complex operational issues and use judgment in the management of complex matters. Proactively review and refine processes within the School and effectively manage change where required. Manage planning, policy development and projects within CSE. Manage the School s operational goals within the Faculty and the operational and corporate governance standards of the University. Consult and collaborate effectively with Faculty and Central administrative units to integrate workplace procedures and best practice within the School. Effectively support the HOS in the School s building expansion and transition. Strategic Development Lead with the HOS to build strategies and solutions to broad ranging University issues that impact the School/Faculty. Manage the planning and forecasting of School infrastructure (with the Manager IT) and building expansion. Support the HOS to effectively manage the subsequent transition. Provide strategic policy and management advice to the HOS on the full range of the School s performance and activities. Provide strategic development advice to the HOS and CSE Management Committees to assist in building the School into the foremost computing school in Australia and a leading School internationally. Support the HOS to establish long term strategic planning and the implementation and effective and efficient management of subsequent change management projects. Lead and provide strategic support with respect to administration and services to the School. Human Resource Management Lead and manage the School s finance, facilities and externally funded scholarships administrative services. Provide leadership as a member of the Head of School s Advisory Committee and Chair the CSE Executive committee. Manage administrative staff and develop and maintain a program of ongoing training and development to improve the School s skill base. Ensure the effective administration of the School s human resource processes for all staff including the development of position descriptions, recruitment and selection, induction, contract renewals, delegations, workers compensation, management of leave, training and development, performance management, and the administration of financial commitments for staff and visiting academics. Contribute to the development of, and manage, School human resource succession plans and programs. Ensure compliance with all UNSW and other relevant WHS, EEO policies and practices. 4

Take a leading role in the planning and implementation of systems for the training, mentoring and performance management of staff. Financial Planning and Management Ensure the proper use of fiscal resources and that the School is managed within budget. Develop budget models, forecasts, business plans, business cases and applications for funding linked to strategic objectives. Manage School finances associated with delivery of the School s objectives and advise on variances/anomalies. Report on any aspects of School finances as required. Provide finance support to academic researchers. Maintain a day-to-day oversight and management of financial expenditure against budget, associated with research, teaching and administrative requirements. Oversee the coordination and processing of all financial processing activities for the School and ensure compliance with University policies and procedures. Policy and Planning Provide high-level advice and support to the HOS in the development and implementation of policies, strategic and operational plans, and report on progress and outcomes and undertake effective evaluation as required. Effectively develop a professional School-wide approach to planning, policy and systems implementation that aligns with Faculty and University directions and compliance requirements. Actively contribute and participate in the School s Management Committees and other areas, as well as Chair the School s Executive Committee. Provide information on School performance and activities as required. 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 SELECTION CRITERIA Appropriate degree with extensive relevant leadership, management and administrative experience in an academic or similarly large and complex environment (or equivalent gained through any combination of education, training and/or experience). Significant demonstrated experience in high level budgeting, financial management, financial reporting, risk analysis and mitigation. Significant experience in developing and implementing effective strategic and operational plans. Demonstrated experience in the effective planning and management of complex organisational change. Experience in the effective management of financial and physical resources and to be proactive and show initiative and effective judgement in dealing with difficult and complex issues. Demonstrated skills in goal setting and project management and the ability to assess risk. Demonstrated experience in managing people and a proven ability to effectively lead and motivate staff to deliver high quality, professional and timely services with a strong and respected service culture. 5

High-level consultation, communication, negotiation and influencing skills. Demonstrated ability to establish, build and maintain significant partnerships with external bodies and to effectively foster external relations to the benefit of the School. Demonstrated ability to implement equal opportunity policies and programs. Ability and capacity to implement required UNSW health and safety policies and procedures. PRE EMPLOYMENT CHECKS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION Criminal Record check Qualification verification It is not the intention of the position description to limit the scope or accountabilities of the position but to highlight the most important aspects of the position. The aspects mentioned above may be altered in accordance with the changing requirements of the role. 6