Vice-Chancellor and President

At Edith Cowan University (ECU) we have commenced an extensive search for our next Vice-Chancellor and President. 

Following nearly a decade of transformative leadership with Professor Steve Chapman, ECU stands strong and financially secure. Professor Chapmans legacy has propelled ECU to local, national, and international prominence, embodying the values of social justice and education championed by Edith Cowan herself.

The University
Established in Perth in 1991, ECU has rapidly ascended into a progressive and high-performing University with an international reputation for exceptional student satisfaction and impactful, life-changing research. Guided by values of Integrity, Respect, Rational Inquiry, Personal Excellence, and Courage, ECU boasts a diverse student body and a proud 17-year record of 5-star undergraduate teaching quality.

Ranked among the top 100 universities globally under 50 years old, ECUs research is lauded for its global significance, particularly in cyber security, artificial intelligence, healthcare, nursing, and early childhood education. The University's Strategic Plan for 2022–2026 promises significant transformations, including a major city campus development, intensified research focus, and a commitment to teaching excellence.

The Future
Set to transform the city of Perth, the University is developing Western Australia’s first inner-city campus, a $853 million Creative Industries, Business and Technology campus that represents the future of university education – urban, connected, integrated with business and community, and part of the lifeblood of a thriving city. ECU has three campuses in Western Australia - Joondalup, Mount Lawley and Southwest, in addition to delivering courses through collaborative partnerships offshore in China, Dubai, Singapore, Vietnam and through ECU’s managed campus in Sri Lanka. 

We are committed to leading national and global conversations about Indigenous futures and respectful research in ways that are self-determined and led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander needs and aspirations.

The Position
Our next Vice-Chancellor will lead an engaged and ambitious institution through its next phase of growth. They will continue to drive the University’s vision across the wider community and contribute their strengths to expand the institutional goals and aspirations. Exemplifying ECU’s values, they will inspire and nurture the staff and student communities and proudly communicate the success and impact of the University.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate an outstanding academic track record, intellectual rigour, excellent inter-personal and communication skills, commitment and sound judgment. Clear evidence of impactful strategic leadership and exemplary resource and commercial management skills are essential, along with a commitment to and proven success in strengthening the student experience, education and research innovation within the University. 

The Application Process
ECU is partnering with Odgers Berndtson Executive Search on this critical appointment process. For a copy of the candidate information booklet and a confidential discussion, please contact Jenny Sutton, Partner, Australia via email: [email protected] .

Applications will close on 11 March 2024, with interviews scheduled for April 2024 in Perth. Applications will be submitted to Odgers Berndtson.

ECU is a diverse and inclusive workplace reflecting the differences in society. Specific strategies and initiatives are in place to address underrepresentation of specific groups. Applications are encouraged from suitably qualified people from all backgrounds. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

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