Deborah Thomas Email & Phone Number

Melbourne, Vic, Au

As the Principal Advisor, I provide strategic advice to the Provost, DVC (People & Community), DVC (Academic), ED and other Provost Executive members on both students and education and people and community matters, with a focus on issues that affect both students and staff, interface with University governance processes, student organisations, MU Sport, and the university colleges. My role involves preparing complex reports, correspondence, advice on a range of issues to University Committees and external bodies. I am tasked with the management of high-stakes projects and complex issues, along with proactive identification and management of risks. I undertake stakeholder engagement, communication and liaison across the organisation. I'm responsible for the management of the Office of the Provost administration team, including oversight of systems and processes for workflow and diary management and document control, professional development, continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Chancellery

I am a strategic policy leader with a proven track record in achieving large scale successful policy development that delivers increased productivity and continuous improvement through implementation. I contribute to the development of the Melbourne Academic Strategy encompassing curriculum, learning and teaching quality standards and KPIs, educational innovation and commercialisation (curriculum and executive education). My role involves identifying and promoting learning and teaching innovation opportunities, including supporting the establishment and implementation of the University e-learning strategy and incubation. I collaborate with stakeholders to develop quality improvement strategies, standards and programs and support their implementation across the University. My role contributes towards leadership and accountability for shaping and delivering University outcomes through the generation of University-wide strategies, policies and targets delivered by and through people, investment, governance and brand identity.

Parkville, Melbourne

The Provost leads Chancellery (Academic and International) and is the standing deputy to the Vice Chancellor.As a speechwriter for the Provost, I write speeches, presentations and other ad-hoc communication.

Melbourne School Of Land & Environment

My role in the organisation is to develop business and strategic plans and ensure that they are implemented efficiently and effectively. This involves identifying problems and opportunities, testing hypotheses, developing scenarios, identifying benefits and risks, and ensuring that the decision making process engages key stakeholders.Engagement strategies with stakeholders include ensuring that critical conversations are held to achieve a common purpose and buy in and that ongoing timely, effective communication is provided so that initiatives are implemented effectively. I provide leadership in implementing major change initiatives. As well as managing a multimillion dollar budget the role involves identifying new sources of income and undertaking business re-engineering projects to maximise efficiencies.

Policy and Advice•Provide strategic advice and support to the Associate Dean and Assistant Dean on matters relating to the review and implementation of policy, procedures, systems and processes for the management of high quality research services.•Develop and implement policies in line with the Faculty’s Operational and Business Plan. •Prepare reports and briefing papers on key research issues for the Faculty.•Build and maintain effective relationships with key areas of the University.Research Administration•Compile research performance data and prepare reports on the data for the annual strategic and operational planning rounds and for other purpose as required.•Develop financial and future projections of research activities and income.•Undertake research benchmarking and quality assurance activities.Grants and Contracts Development and Administration•Monitor research funding policies and changes to guidelines and procedures, attend relevant University and external workshops on research funding, and inform staff of research funding opportunities and issues.•Develop strategies to increase the number, and enhance the quality of grant applications from the Faculty.Research Higher Degree Programs•Responsible for the administration of Faculty based research higher degree programs from initial enquiry to degree completion, local and international, (approximately 1,000 students).•Work closely with the Associate Dean (Research) in the development of policy relating to the research programs.•Compile data on RHD enrolments and completions and produce reports on the data for the annual strategic and operational planning rounds and for other purpose as required.•Undertake benchmarking and quality assurance activities in relation to RHD programs and resources.

Master Of Tertiary Education Management

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Professional Writing & Communication