"Associate Professor (Associate Dean (Education))"

Lead teaching and curriculum across innovative pathway programs

• Drive student success for diverse and underrepresented cohorts
• Shape strategy and partnerships to enable pathways into degrees

Be Bold. Belong. Be More.

At Southern Cross University, we do things differently, and so can you.

A career with us is more than you might expect. Yes, it’s about the heart, connectedness and community you’d hope for in a regional university. But there’s also so much more. Our game changing Southern Cross Model brings a deeper, focused learning experience and our research is deeply connected to our regions, making a difference on a global scale. This is your chance to help us build something new and meaningful for our students, our communities and your career. To drive change, make a real impact, and thrive in a place as unique as you.

You can be good anywhere. Here, you can be great.

Your opportunity

Southern Cross University’s SCU College is seeking an Associate Professor to play a pivotal leadership role in shaping transformative pathway education to widen participation and improve student success.

This is an ongoing Associate Professor appointment, with an initial 50% workload allocation as Associate Dean (Education) for a defined period. In this capacity, you will provide strategic leadership in teaching and learning across SCU College, while contributing to the Scholarship of Learning and Teaching (SoLT), curriculum innovation and academic leadership.

SCU College delivers pathway programs that change lives, supporting students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds to access and succeed in higher education. You will lead the continued evolution of these programs, ensuring they remain innovative, inclusive and responsive to the needs of today’s learners, while building strong connections across Faculties to create meaningful pathways into degrees.

You will make an impact by:

• Providing strategic leadership in teaching and learning across SCU College pathways, shaping high-quality, student-centred education
• Leading curriculum innovation and development across pathway programs, including enabling, diploma, English and transition programs
• Driving the Scholarship of Learning and Teaching (SoLT), contributing to institutional leadership and academic practice
• Leading and mentoring Course Coordinators and academic teams, building capability and a strong teaching culture
• Strengthening partnerships across Faculties to support student pathways, progression and success.

What you will bring

You’re a passionate and experienced academic leader with a strong commitment to teaching and learning. You bring a track record of leading curriculum, teaching teams and Scholarship of Learning and Teaching (SoLT) initiatives, with a focus on improving outcomes for diverse student cohorts.

You are motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, particularly for students who may not have traditionally accessed higher education and have experience designing and delivering programs that support their success. You are collaborative, visible and influential, with the ability to work across disciplines and build strong relationships that enable student progression and opportunity.

To succeed in this role, you will also need:

• A doctoral qualification and a strong academic profile at Associate Professor level
• Demonstrated leadership in teaching and learning, curriculum design and academic team leadership
• An established record in the Scholarship of Learning and Teaching, with evidence of institutional impact
• Experience in pathway, enabling, bridging or foundation programs, ideally supporting diverse or underrepresented student cohorts
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence, collaborate and build partnerships across the University

Why Southern Cross University

SCU is proudly a regional university, young, small and vibrant. That means you’ll find more exposure, opportunity and ownership - to grow, achieve and build a career that means more. And you’ll do it alongside passionate people and leaders who go the extra mile to help you succeed. A career with us is about more than just work. It’s about place, community and the life you want to live. With three main campuses at the Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour and the Northern Rivers region of NSW, we’re integral to all these wonderful communities. Find your place and be more in this beautiful part of the world.

Your opportunity is:

• Full-time, continuing (permanent)
• Located at either Gold Coast, QLD 4225, or Lismore, NSW 2480. Relocation assistance is available, making it easier to join our regional communities.
• ACAD Level D. The base salary ranges from $167,446 - $184,176 per annum, plus 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation. The total remuneration package is up to $215,485.

You will enjoy a range of perks designed to support your wellbeing, growth and work-life balance. For more information on our benefits and what it’s like to work at SCU, visit Why work at Southern Cross University?

Be more with Southern Cross University today

Southern Cross University values potential as much as experience. If you do not meet all the listed requirements but are excited about the role and confident you can contribute, we encourage you to apply or reach out for more information.

Name: Vivian Cormier

Email: Jobs@scu.edu.au

Applications close 11.30pm AEST 19 April 2026.

Eligible applicants must have Australian or New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency or current working rights in Australia for the entire duration of the appointment. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Applicants must apply online and attach a CV and cover letter. The cover letter must clearly address each selection criterion in the position description. Information to support you prepare your application is available on our website.