The National Art School (NAS) is Australia's leading independent visual arts institution, renowned for its intensive studio-based education, academic excellence and contribution to contemporary arts practice. Located on the historic Darlinghurst campus, NAS offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs that combine technical mastery, critical inquiry and creative innovation.
NAS is seeking an outstanding academic leader to join its Executive Leadership Team as Dean of Studies.
Reporting to the Director and CEO, the Dean of Studies is the School's senior academic executive and will provide strategic leadership across educational vision, curriculum development, academic quality, governance, student experience, regulatory compliance and future academic growth. The role is central to safeguarding and advancing NAS's distinctive studio-based pedagogy while positioning the School at the forefront of visual arts education nationally and internationally.
The Opportunity
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of Australia's most respected art schools. The Dean of Studies will:
- Set a compelling 5-to-10-year direction for NAS's academic offering and translate it into a clear plan aligned with the School's broader organisational strategy.
- Build on a recently refreshed academic portfolio of four-degree programmes, including two newly accredited offerings, and drive innovation in curriculum design, learning and teaching, and student success.
- Safeguard educational standards and strengthen quality assurance and regulatory compliance across NAS's higher education operations.
- Ensure robust academic governance and effective reporting to Academic Board and its committees.
- Build influential partnerships nationally and internationally across higher education, the visual arts, government, regulatory agencies, cultural organisations and research sectors.
- Lead and support an academic leadership group, fostering cohesion, shared accountability and a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing culture.
- Translate the academic strategy into sustainable growth through disciplined resource planning, student recruitment and investment in the people and facilities that underpin NAS's studio-based model.
About You
The successful candidate will bring:
- A PhD, or equivalent standing demonstrated through significant academic leadership, creative practice, research or scholarly achievement.
- Significant senior leadership experience within higher education.
- A strong and credible record of achievement in visual arts education, creative or curatorial practice, research or scholarly activity.
- Deep expertise in curriculum innovation, learning and teaching, and academic governance.
- Demonstrated success leading complex academic portfolios and managing high-performing teams.
- The ability to build meaningful partnerships and represent an institution with credibility and influence across national and international forums.
- A commitment to fostering diverse, inclusive and culturally safe educational environments.
Why National Art School?
As an independent, not-for-profit higher education provider focused entirely on art and artists, NAS offers a distinctive specialist environment centred on rigorous, studio-based education. Its academic priorities reflect the quality of the student experience, curriculum, studio practice and artistic excellence, supported by strong academic governance and regulatory standards. This role offers the opportunity to help shape the future of visual arts education in Australia and to join a committed leadership team preparing the next generation of artists and arts professionals.
For a confidential discussion, please contact Dr Grace Tan or Dr Jonathan Lai at Korn Ferry on NAS@kornferry.com
Applications should include a current curriculum vitae and a cover letter addressing relevant experience and motivation for the role.
Applications close: 19 October 2026
National Art School is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds