Discovering Opportunities in the Faculty of Arts, Sciences, Law and Business

The Faculty of Arts, Sciences, Law and Business at the University of Notre Dame Australia (UNDA) stands as a cornerstone of the university's commitment to delivering practical, values-driven education. As a private Catholic institution with campuses in Fremantle, Sydney, and Broome, UNDA emphasizes ethical leadership, community engagement, and professional readiness. This faculty brings together the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Law and Business, offering a dynamic environment where staff contribute to interdisciplinary programs that prepare students for real-world challenges. Working here means joining a team dedicated to fostering critical thinking, innovation, and social responsibility in fields ranging from politics and environmental studies to accredited law degrees and business management.

Under the leadership of Executive Dean Professor Martin Drum, a renowned expert in Australian politics and public policy, the faculty supports around 12,000 students university-wide. Staff play pivotal roles in shaping curricula that integrate work-integrated learning, such as compulsory internships in business programs and global exchange opportunities in arts and sciences. For professionals eyeing careers in higher education, this faculty represents a blend of academic rigor and pastoral care, rooted in Catholic values that prioritize individual growth and community impact.

Academic Roles: Teaching, Research, and Mentorship

Academic positions form the heart of the faculty, encompassing lecturers, senior lecturers, associate professors, and sessional staff across disciplines like computer science, politics, law, accounting, and human resource management. In the School of Arts and Sciences, educators deliver flexible, interdisciplinary courses that build transferable skills—think data interpretation for policy-making or cultural competence through Aboriginal Studies. National Head Professor Kirsty Beilharz oversees programs emphasizing research into climate impacts, emerging technologies, and social justice.

The School of Law and Business, led by Professor David Carter, focuses on practical training. Law programs, fully accredited by legal bodies, feature mooting competitions and mentoring from judges and practitioners. Business majors include finance, marketing, and economics, with hands-on internships that rank highly for graduate employability in Western Australia. Recent expressions of interest (EOIs) for sessional academics in computer science highlight ongoing demand for specialized tutors and lecturers.

Workloads for academics average 1,725 hours annually (or 1,650 in Broome), allocated across teaching (40-90%), research (up to 90% for research scholars), and service. This structure allows flexibility, with performance reviews guiding incremental salary progression. Salaries start competitively—for instance, Level A academics earn from around AU$70,000 base, rising with qualifications and experience, per the 2022-2026 Enterprise Agreement.

• Prepare and deliver lectures, seminars, and tutorials tailored to small class sizes for personalized mentoring.
• Supervise higher-degree research students, contributing to outputs in policy, ethics, and business innovation.
• Engage in service learning projects that connect academia to community needs, such as electoral reform consultations led by faculty experts.

Professional and Administrative Positions

Beyond teaching roles, the faculty offers professional staff opportunities in student advising, program coordination, research administration, and campus operations. Positions like academic governance officers or campus operations assistants support the faculty's smooth functioning. In Sydney's School of Law and Business, administrative staff handle enrolment, resources, and industry partnerships, while Fremantle roles focus on business internship coordination.

These positions suit those with backgrounds in higher education administration, HR, or finance, operating on a 37.5-hour standard week with flexible arrangements possible after 12 months. Higher duties allowances apply for temporary higher-level responsibilities, and part-time options pro-rate entitlements. Current listings on the university's careers portal often include EOIs for sessional support, reflecting a mix of fixed-term and continuing contracts.

Professional staff contribute to a supportive ecosystem, from organizing workshops with industry leaders to managing placements that give students a competitive edge. This collaborative setting appeals to career changers seeking meaningful work in education.

A Comprehensive Benefits Package

UNDA prioritizes staff wellbeing with a robust benefits suite outlined in its Enterprise Agreement. Superannuation leads at 14-15% employer contributions (escalating to 15% by July 2026), surpassing standard rates, complemented by on-site UniSuper advice. Salary packaging reduces tax on everyday expenses, boosting take-home pay.

Leave entitlements are generous: up to 26 weeks paid parental leave for primary carers (plus two weeks for partners), four weeks annual leave with 17.5% loading, and long service leave after seven years. Academic staff enjoy extended study leave for research, while all access up to five days professional development leave annually. Family perks include a 25% tuition discount for dependent children's first degrees.

• Health support: Discounted Bupa private health insurance (6% off), free flu vaccinations, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential counseling, and The Resilience Box app for wellbeing modules.
• Fitness: On-site gym at Fremantle; discounted memberships at Sydney gyms, pools, and fitness centers.
• Development: Career Development Fund for professional activities, LinkedIn Learning (15,000+ courses), and study assistance for up to two courses yearly.
• Community: Daily campus masses, morning teas, social clubs, and Vice-Chancellor's Awards for excellence.

Broome staff receive remote allowances over AU$2,000 annually plus extra leave. For full details, explore the staff benefits overview.

Fostering a Supportive Work Culture

Rooted in Catholic values, UNDA's culture emphasizes service, inclusivity, and Christian intellectual engagement. Employees describe a 'homely' atmosphere with supportive colleagues and a student-focused mission. SEEK reviews rate work environment at 3.4/5 and work-life balance at 3.5/5, praising collaborative teams and flexible hours.

Campuses buzz with community events—think social clubs and multicultural interactions. However, some feedback notes bureaucratic processes and high workloads, particularly in administration. The university addresses this through workload advisory committees ensuring equitable distribution without health risks. Diversity efforts include targeted development for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.

Investing in Professional Growth

Career progression is merit-based, with annual performance reviews enabling salary increments and promotions. Academics advance through levels A-E based on teaching excellence, research output, and leadership. Professional staff access the Career Development Fund every two years for skills enhancement.

Training abounds: LinkedIn Learning for tech and creative skills, study leave (four hours weekly), and conferences via professional development leave. Promotions recognize achievements like high-quality supervision, with pathways from sessional to continuing roles. While some reviews cite limited upward mobility, opportunities for early-career scholars and mentoring abound, especially in growing areas like data analytics and ethical business.

Research and Innovation at the Forefront

The faculty excels in scholarship addressing contemporary issues. Arts and Sciences staff lead in environmental management and philosophical ethics, while Law and Business contribute to public policy and economic studies. Professor Drum's involvement in electoral reforms exemplifies real-world impact.

Research-active academics benefit from extended leave and pathways prioritizing 40-90% research time. Outputs support UNDA's rising profile, with recent Australian Research Council successes. Collaborations with government agencies and industry provide funding and visibility, ideal for those passionate about translating knowledge into action. Access university libraries across campuses for resources.

Thriving Across Diverse Campuses

Fremantle offers a coastal vibe with on-site gym and strong business internship ties. Sydney's urban setting suits law and business pros, with discounted fitness nearby. Broome adds remote appeal with allowances. Each fosters individual formation through pastoral care and global programs like 'Experience the World' exchanges.

Staff acknowledge Traditional Owners—Whadjuk Noongar in Fremantle, Gadigal Eora in Sydney—infusing programs with cultural respect. This multi-campus model provides mobility and varied experiences.

Real Employee Perspectives

Balanced insights from platforms like SEEK and Glassdoor reveal strengths in community (64% recommend) and challenges in pay (72% average/high) and growth (3.0/5). Positives include 'great team culture' and 'mission-driven work'; critiques focus on paperwork and progression. Recent reviews highlight WFH flexibility post-pandemic and junior scholar support, painting a constructive picture for motivated joiners. UNDA's internal engagement surveys guide improvements.

For peer stories, check the SEEK reviews.

Steps to Launch Your Career Here

Applications go through the Jobs at UNDA portal or Jobvite system. Tailor your CV to align with Catholic values and Objects—service excellence, knowledge-building, creativity. Include a cover letter addressing selection criteria, references, and evidence of ethical practice.

1. Review current EOIs and positions matching your expertise.
2. Prepare documents highlighting teaching philosophy, research plans, or admin achievements.
3. Submit via 'Apply Now' links; expect merit-based selection with interviews.
4. Undergo reference checks and align with UNDA's mission.

Fixed-term roles often lead to continuing, especially with strong performance.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Horizon

With UNDA's top graduate employability (e.g., #1 WA business internships) and expanding programs, the faculty eyes growth in AI ethics, sustainable business, and policy innovation. Staff will shape future leaders amid Australia's higher ed evolution. Competitive benefits, supportive culture, and impact-driven roles make it an attractive choice for balanced, fulfilling careers in academia.

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