Ref 1940/24 - Dean, School of Humanities & Communication Arts

• Key executive leadership role
• Senior remuneration package
• Full-Time, Fixed-Term for 5 years

Western Sydney University is a modern, forward-thinking, research-led university, located in the heart of Australia’s fastest-growing, economically significant region. The University has 13 campuses, more than 200,000 alumni, almost 50,000 students and approximately 3,500 staff. Our University is ranked in the top two per cent of universities worldwide, and was placed 1st worldwide and in Australia in 2022 and 2023 for its commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals in the Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings.

The School of Humanities and Communication Arts comprises the broad disciplinary fields of Communication and Media, Literature and Creative Writing, Cultural Studies, Music and Therapy, Historical and Philosophical Inquiry, Visual Communication Design, and Languages and Linguistics. Our innovative research focuses on contemporary debates, perspectives, methods and technologies.

Reporting to the Provost, the Dean will lead the School of Humanities and Communication Arts within the broad parameters of the University’s strategic directions (cf. Sustaining Success: 2021-2026), in accordance with its mission, and lead the further development of its innovation in teaching, research and engagement with industry and with our local communities, nationally and across the broader Asia Pacific region. The Dean will be responsible for the academic standing and overall leadership of the School and will craft and execute strategic initiatives, leveraging innovative approaches and fostering a supportive environment for staff and students. Supported by a dedicated leadership team, the Dean will oversee the School’s operational management, ensuring efficient resource allocation and effective execution of the University’s and School’s shared vision.

With a distinguished record of scholarly achievement in the disciplines associated with humanities and communication arts, and strong leadership abilities and experience, the successful candidate will provide strategic direction, inspire staff and students, and navigate the complexities of the University more broadly. You will be a contemporary and innovative leader, with an ability to anticipate and adapt to changing trends in humanities and communication arts education and research. Moreover, you will bring a strong and strategic sense of the future, in the context of the working lives of graduates, leading edge research and development, and opportunities for academic growth that have regional, national and international relevance. You will bring an energy and resilience to engage with the challenges and opportunities offered by an ambitious university. You will bring a capacity to articulate a strategic vision for the School, and the ability to lead and manage change to achieve that vision.Furthermore, you will cultivate a diverse network within industry, academia, government, and the broader community, to facilitate partnerships and fundraising efforts.

Odgers Berndtson is assisting WSU with this appointment. More information on the role can be found at www.odgersberndtson.com/91407 . 

For a confidential conversation, please contact Dr Alistair Clark on +61 436 019 746 or [email protected] or Kylie Taylor on[email protected] or +61 406 340 920.

Closing Date: Monday, 10 June 2024

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