Dean, School of Education and Tertiary Access
- Strategic senior academic leadership opportunity
- Lead innovation in education, strengthening pathways to higher education and advancing impact across schools, industry and regional communities
- Full-time, fixed-term appointment for five years
The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) is driven by a bold vision to become Australia’s premier regional university. Anchored in a mission to enrich its regions, connect with communities, and create opportunities for all, the University is embarking on a transformative journey in higher education. As part of this journey, UniSC is seeking to appoint an outstanding and visionary academic leader as Dean, School of Education and Tertiary Access.
Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), the Dean provides strategic, operational and academic leadership to one of UniSC’s flagship schools and is a key member of the University’s senior management committee and Academic leadership team, as well as the Vice-Chancellor’s extended leadership team. The Dean is responsible for setting the strategic vision for the School while overseeing operational, human and financial planning, and leading the planning, continuous improvement and innovation of teaching, research and engagement programs. With a strong focus on innovation, equity and sustainability, the role will lead a culture of excellence across teaching, research and engagement, advancing student success and supporting UniSC’s mission to transform lives through learning and knowledge.
The School of Education and Tertiary Access is central to UniSC’s commitment to regional impact, combining cutting-edge research, exceptional teaching and strong industry and community collaboration. The Dean will champion growth and development of the School, building a sustainable and scalable academic environment that supports student growth, delivers high-quality and innovative teaching programs, and strengthens research performance, impact and partnerships. Working collaboratively across the University, the Dean will contribute to strategic planning and decision-making, while also engaging externally with industry, government, professional bodies and the community to enhance the School’s profile, reputation and opportunities for engagement and impact.
The successful candidate will be an exceptional academic leader with a passion for driving transformative change and fostering student success. With a PhD in a relevant discipline and a proven track record of academic leadership, you bring expertise in strategic vision setting, operational management, and interdisciplinary collaboration. You have demonstrated capability to lead and implement strategic, financial and operational plans within a complex and evolving higher education environment, with a track record of delivering sustainable growth, managing resources effectively and achieving organisational outcomes. You bring proven experience in building and sustaining high-performing academic environments, leading the development of teaching, research and engagement, and supporting staff to achieve both strategic and operational objectives. Your leadership style is inclusive and empowering, with the ability to foster interdisciplinary, cross-school and cross-campus collaboration. You are highly effective in building and sustaining partnerships with industry, government, professional bodies and the community, contributing to the School’s profile and reputation at regional, national and international levels. A strong understanding of the higher education sector, including its challenges, regulatory environment and evolving industry needs, will be essential.
High-level interpersonal, communication and influencing skills, together with a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and sustainability, will underpin your success in the role and your contribution to UniSC’s mission and values.
The University of the Sunshine Coast has partnered with Kuras Leadership Search for the recruitment of this position. For a confidential discussion, please contact Betty Kuras on +61 3 9653 9599 or via email at apply@kurasleadershipsearch.com quoting job code 2644.
Applications close Wednesday 6 May 2026.
For further information, please refer to the Candidate Information Page:
https://careers.usc.edu.au/dean-school-of-education-and-tertiary-access
Position description: 
PD_ Dean School of School Education and Tertiary Access.pdf
