Overview

Taylor’s University has established itself as a world class university, with a QS Ranking of top 50 in Asia, and as Malaysia’s leading private university. It is a modern and progressive university, well respected in Malaysia and often considered a benchmark for other private higher education providers. Taylor’s prides itself in the delivery of a holistic education that results not just in excellent academic accomplishments but also in graduates with qualities that are highly sought after in the global marketplace. Industry-relevant learning activities and industry-relevant curriculum are widely incorporated into all tertiary courses in close partnership with the relevant industries

JOB PURPPOSE

The Head of School - General Studies and Languages (HOS) reports to the Executive Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences & Leisure Management and the HOS will supervise the Heads of Department, Programme Directors and Stream Coordinators within the school. The HOS will be responsible for all academics matters related to the school. As a leader of the School, he/she holds responsibility in ensuring the provision of high standard and quality of teaching and learning by the school academic team that satisfies the expectations of various parties such as students, employers, senior management, accreditation agency and professional bodies. He/she is to enhance the linkages with other institutions of higher education, industry partners, professional and community in order to create potential partnership and collaboration opportunities for the University.

The Head of School also plays an important role as the representation of the School within the Faculty, the University’s Senate and other important Committees within the University. He/she is to ensure that the School Board of Studies is well informed of the operating environment and priorities of the University. The Head of School is also a member of the Faculty Board which comprises the Faculty Executive Dean, Faculty Manager, and HOS from each school. The Head of School will work closely with all members of the Faculty Board to ensure the development and execution of strategy.

The ideal candidate must be a Professor with a distinguished academic background, extensive teaching experience, and a proven track record of leadership in a higher education environment.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Academic and Research Leadership

• Provide leadership in all aspects of its academic operations in ensuring that the School develops and maintains a strong identity and a clear academic direction
• meets expectation of students and employers on the programme content and quality, and are well regarded by academic peers
• is respected by the profession, both nationally and internationally
• leads the research program and encourage an active research culture in the School
• develops and maintains a national and international perspective through the School’s curriculum, research and marketing activities

Management

• Manage and develop the School in accordance with the University’s priorities, procedures and policies. In particular, articulate, contribute to and drive the strategic development of the School in alignment with University strategies
• Manage, market, develop, and evaluate the School’s programs and courses
• Manage and report on the processes of student assessment and annual review of student progress
• Lead and manage the School’s annual review and planning processes
• Evaluate the financial implications of business decisions related to current and future opportunities
• Prepare and manage the School’s budget, including all revenue streams and development funds
• Oversee the development and maintenance of a staffing profile to meet the School’s strategic direction and future development
• Manage the School’s staff, including workload, performance management and development, and staff appointment processes
• Plan, review and manage physical resources, such as specialised teaching and research equipment, and space allocations for teaching and non-teaching activities
• Implement and monitor relevant University policies.

Other Responsibilities

• Ensure the continued growth of the School through developing and supporting appropriate strategies for international activities, research, consultancy and enrolments
• Provide strong representation for the School both internally and externally, develop and manage strategic partnerships, and collaborate with other educational institutions, external communities, professional associations and stakeholders
• Contribute to the leadership and management of the School and University.

REQUIREMENTS

• Possess a PhD in Languages / Humanities discipline with a minimum of eight (8) years experience in an academic leadership role, such as Chair, Dean, or other senior positions within an academic institution
• Highly developed people management skills with a strong team focus and exceptional leadership to act as a unifying focus for a diverse team and provide a culture of teaching, learning and research excellence to achieve strategic outcomes
• Demonstrated leadership to enhance the research quality within the School including successful supervision of PhD students and mentoring staff
• Demonstrate ability to lead and mentor others to engage with professional bodies, government and industry to craft research programs, gain external research funding and have an impact on policy and practice
• The ability to think and act strategically including the ability to plan and to deliver continuous improvement of programmes and modules; to deploy human, financial and other resources effectively; and to manage a broad range of educational and administrative processes
• Demonstrated management experience and commercial business skills including financial knowledge necessary to undertake feasibility assessments of program costing and profitability
• Demonstrate high level of oral, written and interpersonal skills in order to work effectively with staff, industry partners, employers and other allied organisations
• Demonstrate capacity to establish and maintain a network of contacts and collaborative activities relevant to the School’s programs, both nationally and internationally. The skills to represent the School’s interests in the University and the wider community and with relevant professional bodies.