"Dean and Head of School, Law"

Term: This appointment will be offered on a fixed-term, full-time basis for five (5) years.

Remuneration: An attractive remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful applicant.

Location: This position is primarily based at our Gardens Point campus.

Job opens: 23 February 2026

Applications Close: Monday, 6 April 2026 at 11:30pm AEST

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking a distinguished scholar and senior leader to join us as the next Dean and Head of QUT’s School of Law. This is an opportunity to shape the future of legal education and research at one of Australia’s most forward-thinking universities.

As Dean and Head of School, Law, you will lead the School’s next phase of growth, building on strong foundations to enhance our national and international reputation, deepen collaboration with partners, and contribute to QUT’s vision for real-world impact.

Ready to lead a vibrant community of scholars and students at the forefront of contemporary legal education and research? Apply now and join us in making a real-world difference.

Real world impact

The QUT School of Law has been ranked no. 1 in Queensland, no. 6 in Australia and no. 54 in the world in the 2025 Times Higher Education subject rankings for law. This ranking exemplifies our innovative, real-world learning, our strong connections with industry and our world-class research.

With a balance of theory and practical experiences, our law degree is designed in collaboration with industry partners, while our researchers specialise in impactful, industry-connected research and engagement. We prepare learners and communities today for the real world of tomorrow.

See how our people, programs and research are shaping the future.

What you need to succeed

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

1. A PhD or equivalent in a relevant discipline with a distinguished record of teaching and research which is recognised at a national or international level.
2. Highly developed academic and organisational leadership skills at a senior level, including strategic direction, change leadership, and building an inclusive, high-performance culture aligned to the School and Faculty priorities.
3. Proven capability in exercising leadership decisions in complex environments, including effective consultation with diverse stakeholders, balancing risk and opportunity, and enabling innovation to enhance School performance and impact.
4. Recognised scholarship in a relevant legal discipline, with the standing and capability to lead excellence in high-quality teaching and the expansion of high-impact research activity and income.
5. Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with enthusiasm and credibility to represent the School and Faculty across internal and external audiences, and to lead constructive engagement across formal governance, professional, and community contexts.
6. Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and operational management acumen in a higher education institution, including successful stewardship of human, financial, physical and intellectual resources to deliver outcomes.
7. A strong track record in building and sustaining productive relationships with industry, government, and professional partners to enhance the School’s reputation, relevance and impact.
8. Sound knowledge of equity, diversity and inclusion principles, employment frameworks, and workplace health and safety obligations, with demonstrated leadership in embedding these responsibilities at both strategic and operational levels.

Life at QUT

At QUT, we know that the real world is about more than just work. Beyond personal and professional fulfilment, life at QUT offers:

• A healthy work-life balance with a blend of on campus and off campus work arrangements for applicable positions.
• 17% super to help you retire in style.
• 26 weeks paid parental leave (with super) for primary carers.
• Salary packaging, Fitness Passport and health insurance discounts.
• Professional development, leadership programs, and study support.
• Commitment to our Indigenous Australian staff networks, leave, development programs, and committee representation.

Explore more benefits of life at QUT

Belong at QUT

We are guided by our values of Ambition, Integrity, Inclusiveness, Innovation, and Academic Freedom and our QUT Connections in shaping the next generation of change-makers.

We’re committed to creating a safe, inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone can thrive. We also strongly encourage applications from people of all cultures, ages, abilities, genders, sexualities, and linguistic backgrounds.

We warmly invite Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander people to apply, in line with our goal of 3.6% Indigenous Australian workforce participation.

We see diversity as our strength – find out more

How to Apply

To apply, submit your online application by clicking the ‘Begin’ button below.

Your submission should include:

• A cover letter articulating your vision for and interest in the position; and
• A written response (maximum of two pages) addressing the selection criteria to outline your suitability for the role; and
• A current resume.

Applications Close: Monday, 6 April 2026 at 11:30pm AEST

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