Real Career Opportunities at QUT

Business Manager
Indigenous Education Leadership Institute (IELI)

Fixed-term for one year

Reference Number: 28198

We are seeking a person experienced in business management who enjoys problem-solving and liaising with people regarding financial, physical and human resource administration to join the Institute. High level client focus, communication, interpersonal and project management skills are required. Proven experience in budget development and financial data analysis is essential.

Closes: 30 May 2008

Salary: $82 627 to $84 501 pa

Benefits available at QUT include  employer superannuation contributions, a generous study assistance scheme, salary packaging, relocation assistance (if applicable), extensive development and training programs and access to a range of state-of-the-art facilities

DUTY STATEMENT

Background

The Indigenous Education Leadership Institute (IELI) was formed in 2005 with support from QUT and the Queensland Department of Education and the Arts to enhance the pursuit of improved Indigenous education outcomes through the delivery of quality leadership programs to principals and teachers. A research component is embedded within these professional development programs and in future, the Institute also plans to host a wide range of significant research on Indigenous education outcomes. The Institute is located at Caboolture campus and hosted by the Faculty of Education.

Purpose of Position

To ensure the smooth operation of the programs, the Institute is seeking to appoint a Business Manager to provide high level support to the Executive Director and contribute to the development and leadership of the strategic and operational management of the institute and its programs. The Business Manager will be required to provide this strategic and operational support through the integration of university policies, project objectives and parameters, external requirements and demands.

Organisational Relationships

The Business Manager reports to the Executive Director. The position will be required to liaise and work closely with the Executive Director, Programs Manager, Coordinators of Programs, funding agencies and other key stakeholders on a range of issues relating to resource management, planning and reporting. The position will also undertake high level liaison within the University environment with areas such as the Division of International and Development, Faculty of Education, Human Resources and Finance and Resource Planning.

The Business Manager will lead and manage core operational staff of the Institute which include the following positions:

• Project Officer
• Communication Officer
• Administration/Finance Officer.

DUTIES INCLUDE:

Budget Responsibilities

The position will manage an operating budget of approximately $1.5m. This budget will be supplemented by income brought in through funding agencies and from fee-for-service activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the activities of a small work group where significant initiative and judgment are required, including:
• Lead a strategic approach to planning, budgeting, project management and reporting activities as well as service delivery which support the strategic goals and objectives of the Institute and particular projects.
• Develop and establish appropriate procedures, practices and systems to support the programs, including business plans, financial reporting, human resources related activities, research administration, continuous improvement and reporting, taking into account QUT’s policies and procedures, the project objectives and parameters, and the expectations of funding agencies. This will include high level liaison across the University and with key stakeholders.
• Oversee the strategic and operational planning activities of the institute including objectives, timeframes and resourcing requirements to ensure that the overarching project objectives and timelines are met. This will include:
  • business planning
  • workforce planning
  • budget development
  • project management
  • liaising with relevant QUT areas regarding resource requirements and implications such as Division of International and Development, Facilities Management, Finance and Resources Planning, and Human Resources
  • ensuring issues regarding the efficient use of resources are raised with the Executive Director in a timely manner.
• Oversee the preparation of reports on the progress of the projects for distribution to key stakeholders; this includes reports to the IELI Advisory Board, reports at each milestone, and progress reports to key stakeholders and funding agencies as requested.
• Manage and oversee the Institute budget including budget development, monitoring financial status of project monies, reforecasting, reporting as per the required policies and procedures, and coordinating disbursement of relevant funds to collaborators.
• Manage and interpret policy, legislative, compliance, and regulatory requirements affecting the operations of the Institute, and report on and monitor issues that may have a significant impact on the Institute’s resources.
• Manage and oversee the development of the Institute’s Marketing and Communication Strategy, including the website and creation of a range of communication tools, coordination of content reviews and development of resources for publication on website.
• Support relationships with the funding agencies and serve as the key contact point for Department of Education, Training and the Arts, Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, funding agencies and other key stakeholders relating to the projects.
• Provide leadership and coordination of relevant functions, timely delivery of services and compliance with University requirements.
• Responsible for the identification of continuous improvement and innovation opportunities with the operations team; this may include preparation of strategy plans, business cases, operational requirements and resource implications.
• In collaboration with the Executive Director, IELI, Executive Dean, Faculty of Education, and the Development Office, identify prospects and develop relationships with funding agencies to raise funds for programs identified as strategically important to the Institute.
• Collaborate with the Development Office and Continuing Professional Education Office (CPE) in the coordination of relevant events/functions, including the proposed National Indigenous Education Leadership Convention.
• Represent the University and the Institute in a range of forums for internal and external audiences such as relevant management groups and committees.
• Effective management of staff within the operations team which includes:
  • developing appropriate recruitment, retention, and development strategies; this includes effective succession plans
  • workload management;
  • promoting effective human resources practices such as induction, performance planning, health and safety, job rotation
  • conflict management.
• Establish and maintain a positive, supportive work and team environment including developing effective communication strategies that encourage and foster information sharing amongst administrative and academic team members.
• Accountable for effective on-the-job safety training, the implementation of health and safety policies and procedures and the conduct of safe work practices.
• Ensure the principles of equity are supported and adhered to within the work area.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential:

1. Education, training and/or relevant experience equivalent to completion of a postgraduate degree in Business or Commerce, together with extensive relevant managerial and financial administration experience.
2. Demonstrated experience in contributing to the strategic direction of an organisational unit or function through identification of opportunities that provide key strategic value to the unit.
3. Demonstrated experience in annual budget development and reporting processes as well as financial and quantitative data analysis and resource modeling for strategic purposes.
4. Demonstrated experience in successfully improving the efficiency and effectiveness of a work area through considered development of innovative processes or procedures that reference industry best-practice.
5. Demonstrated high level written communication skills including experience in developing strategic documents such as reports, submissions, and business and workforce plans.
6. Demonstrated high level interpersonal skills, including the ability to clearly consult, negotiate and liaise with stakeholders both internal and external to the organisation, in a professional and culturally sensitive manner.
7. Proven ability to initiate new ideas, analyse complex problems and identify strategies for their resolution.
8. Demonstrated supervisory experience and positive leadership skills, in particular, leading the activities of a small team to achieve operational objectives.
9. Sound knowledge of equity principles and workplace health and safety principles with a demonstrated ability to implement these principles at a strategic and operational level.

Information for Applicants

This position is located in the ‘Positions open only to Australian domestic applicants’ section. This position is only open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents (or applicants who are legally entitled to work in Australia).

This position is fixed term and applicants must be Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents or hold a temporary visa at the time of the closing date for the duration of the fixed term appointment allowing the applicant to work the required hours set out for the period of the fixed term appointment.

Applicants are required to notify the University of any immigration restrictions that may preclude them from fulfilling the terms of any contract of employment offered at QUT.

Smoking is not permitted in QUT buildings, inside QUT vehicles or in any area not designated as a smoking area.

FURTHER INFORMATION: Before submitting an application, applicants should refer to QUT’s conditions of employment, applying for positions and information about the University. For further information regarding the position contact Brigita Zebergs on 3138 3679, e-mail: b.zebergs@qut.edu.au. If you require further information on conditions of employment contact the Human Resources Department on 3138 4166 or e-mail: emily.paynter@qut.edu.au.

APPLICATIONS: Applications and envelopes should quote 28198. Applicants are encouraged to systematically address the selection criteria and include a copy of their curriculum vitae plus the names and contact details of three professional referees. Applicants should attach the application cover sheet to their application.

WHERE TO SEND YOUR APPLICATION:

Please submit your application via ONE of the methods below.

E-mail: jobapplications@qut.edu.au
Fax: (07) 3138 4188

Closing date for this position is 30 May 2008. After the closing date, you can check the status of the recruitment process. QUT is an equal opportunity employer and employer of choice for women.