"Dean, School of Psychology"

The Opportunity

Western Sydney University is seeking a Dean, School of Psychology to provide strategic, academic and operational leadership for one of Australia’s leading centres of psychological education, research and professional training. The School has major strengths across lifespan development, perception, psycholinguistics, clinical and health psychology, neuropsychology, and work with culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Its programs are supported by modern research laboratories, specialist clinics and strong partnerships across the health and community sectors.

Reporting to the Executive Dean, Faculty of Health, the Dean will lead a culture of excellence, innovation and inclusion, ensuring high-quality teaching, impactful research and a strong student experience. You will oversee curriculum development, accreditation, pathways, research performance, global engagement, and workforce capability in alignment with Western 2030 and Faculty priorities. The role includes building industry and community partnerships, strengthening transnational education, and advancing Indigenous leadership and acceleration in collaboration with the Division of Indigenous Leadership.

This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for academic governance, financial sustainability, strategic planning, accreditation, and the development of senior academic staff. The Dean will also foster interdisciplinary collaboration, research mentoring and regional partnerships that support workforce needs and community wellbeing across Western Sydney.

What Success Looks Like:

• Delivery of a School implementation plan aligned with Western 2030 and Faculty priorities
• Strong partnerships with accreditation bodies, industry and community stakeholders
• Growth in research quality, capacity, researcher development and global collaboration
• High-quality teaching programs, continuous improvement and accreditation compliance
• Effective resource management, workforce planning and leadership of senior academic staff

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

• Senior leadership experience in psychology or health-related higher education
• National or international profile demonstrated through research or strategic achievement
• Strong experience in psychology education and supporting student success and equity
• Capability to lead complex academic operations, accreditation and organisational growth
• Ability to build discipline-specific partnerships that enhance employability and curriculum relevance

Benefits

We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Beyond a rewarding career, we offer a suite of benefits designed to support your physical, financial, and family wellbeing:

• Fitness Passport: Access hundreds of gyms and pools across the state through salary-packaging options.
• Onsite Childcare: Convenient facilities with exclusive staff discounts and salary packaging options.
• Financial Benefits: Salary sacrifice options for onsite parking and novated motor vehicle leasing,
• Holistic Support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) along with discounted retail and private health cover.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Direct to Sarah Lewis, Executive Dean (Health) via Sarah.Lewis@westernsydney.edu.au
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, 30 April 2026

How to Apply?

Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered.

To express your interest in the role of Dean, School of Psychology, please prepare the following application materials:

• A comprehensive academic CV detailing your positions held (with dates), key achievements, education, professional training, qualifications (including dates of completion), and a summary of your research activity and outputs.
• A candidate statement (maximum five pages) outlining your vision for the role, what you hope to accomplish, and how your experience and skills align with the selection criteria.
• Contact details for three referees, including your relationship to each referee and why you have nominated them. Referees will only be contacted after prior consultation with you.
• Your earliest possible start date.

Immigration Sponsorship

Employer Visa sponsorship will be provided if required.

Location

Parramatta South, Kingswood or Bankstown campus. Travel is expected between the three campuses.