Important: This page is an independent reference summary. Verify classification decisions against the official ABS source before using them for tax, licensing, immigration or compliance purposes.

Role overview

A Faculty Manager in Australia plans, organises, directs and coordinates both educational and administrative functions within a specific faculty, department or school. These professionals operate primarily in tertiary education settings including universities, TAFE institutes, and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). Their role encompasses strategic oversight of educational programs, financial management, policy development, and stakeholder engagement.

Faculty Managers serve as crucial links between academic staff, administrative teams, students, and external stakeholders. They ensure the effective delivery of educational services while maintaining compliance with Australian education standards and institutional requirements. The position requires balancing educational excellence with operational efficiency across the faculty or department they manage.

Key tasks in practice

Faculty Managers perform diverse responsibilities that span educational leadership and administrative management:

  • Coordinating educational, administrative and financial operations within their designated faculty or department
  • Developing, implementing and evaluating educational policies and administrative procedures
  • Facilitating communication between the institution, external stakeholders and the broader community
  • Providing guidance on institutional policies and procedures to both staff and students
  • Collaborating with academic staff to coordinate and enhance educational programs
  • Identifying and addressing professional development needs for both teaching and administrative staff
  • Researching educational systems and monitoring developments in tertiary education
  • Analyzing student needs arising from curriculum implementation and reporting findings
  • Developing and delivering training programs for teaching staff within their faculty

Skill level explanation

Faculty Manager is classified at Skill Level 1 in the OSCA classification, indicating it is a managerial occupation requiring high-level expertise. Positions at this level typically require a bachelor degree or higher qualification plus at least five years of relevant experience. In some cases, extensive relevant experience may substitute for formal qualifications.

Skill Level 1 occupations involve complex problem-solving, strategic planning, and significant management responsibilities. Faculty Managers are expected to demonstrate advanced leadership capabilities, deep understanding of educational systems, and sophisticated administrative skills to effectively manage their faculties or departments.

Industry context

Faculty Managers primarily work within Australia's tertiary education sector. According to ANZSIC industry classifications, they are most commonly employed in:

  • Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) including TAFE and other vocational education (ANZSIC 8219)
  • Higher education including universities (ANZSIC 8102)
  • Adult, Community and Other Education (ANZSIC 8024)
  • Preschool and School Education (ANZSIC 8101) though less commonly

Employment opportunities exist across both public and private education providers throughout Australia. The role is particularly significant in larger institutions with multiple faculties or departments requiring dedicated management oversight.