Head of School, Architecture & Built Environment

Head of School, Architecture & Built Environment

Job no: 580735

Work type: Full-time

Location: Geelong - City

Categories: Architecture, Built Environment

• Based at our Geelong, Waterfront Campus + hybrid work arrangements
• Full-time and fixed-term until 2029 (with underlying substantive role, ongoing)
• Attractive remuneration package and benefits provided + 17% superannuation

Benefits for working with us!

At Deakin, we offer more than just a job - we offer a lifestyle. Across our campuses in Geelong, Melbourne, and regional Victoria, you’ll find everything you need to thrive: on-site childcare, gyms, medical centres, cafes, accessible public transport, and convenient parking. Enjoy flexible working arrangements that support your work-life balance, generous leave entitlements including extended parental leave and the option to purchase additional time off, plus a wide range of staff discounts on travel and more. Our health and wellbeing services, ongoing professional development opportunities, and inclusive, supportive culture make Deakin a place where you can grow - whether you're working remotely or immersed in the vibrant energy of campus life.

Who are we?

Deakin is a cutting-edge public university headquartered in Victoria, revolutionising education with 61,000 students across our campuses: Melbourne Burwood, Geelong Waurn Ponds, Geelong Waterfront, Warrnambool, Deakin University Lancaster University Indonesia (DLI), GIFT City, India, and our vibrant online environment. We're proud to be a progressive and open-minded university, delivering the highest student satisfaction in Victoria and consistently ranked in the top 1% of the world's universities.

As a Head of School, you will:

• Provide clear strategic leadership for the School, building a shared vision and empowering a high-performing academic and professional community to deliver excellence and impact.
• Advance research and innovation outcomes by leading focused initiatives that strengthen funding success, partnerships, translation and the School’s research profile.
• Lead the evolution of education through innovative, high-quality teaching and learning initiatives aligned with future skills, student success and university priorities.
• Ensure strong governance and sustainable performance through effective leadership of academic, financial and operational activities, in close collaboration with faculty and university partners.
• Represent and influence at senior and external levels, contributing to university strategy, strengthening industry and community engagement, and championing the School and its disciplines.
• Work collaboratively with other senior leaders, contributing to new initiatives across the university that extend beyond the school, and impact other Faculties.

To be successful, you’ll have:

• Academic credibility and disciplinary expertise, demonstrated by a PhD (or equivalent standing) and a strong understanding of contemporary discipline practice.
• Proven senior leadership capability in leading complex, multi-disciplinary academic units, including people leadership, financial management, and operational and administrative oversight.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence across teaching, research and academic governance, with a track record of driving quality, innovation and performance.
• Strong strategic and collaborative leadership skills, with experience developing and implementing contemporary strategies, leading change, and building productive relationships across disciplines, campuses and external partners.
• Highly developed judgement, communication and problem-solving capability, including the ability to influence, consult, adapt to change and deliver practical, innovative solutions in complex environments.

Here's how to apply: 

Please submit your updated resume, a short cover letter and responses to the Key Selection Criteria.

For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact the Office of the Director, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment via sebe-execadmin@deakin.edu.au

For a copy of the position description, please see below:

 PD_Head of School - A&E.pdf

Applications for this position close at 5:00pm, Sunday 17th May, 2026.

Are You Ready?

Deakin is a Victorian university with a global impact. We are an agile, dynamic, and innovative university committed to making a positive impact through our excellence in education, research and innovation and the contributions we make to the wider community.

We understand that our reputation has been built on the dedication and expertise of our staff and we offer a dynamic and diverse working environment with opportunities to grow and develop careers. We believe that a progressive, thriving culture will ensure that people choose to come, and stay at Deakin and contribute to our ongoing success.

We value diversity and aim to build an inclusive environment that champions, embraces and respects differences. We support and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all abilities, cultures, sexual orientation, and genders.

Pre-employment safety and suitability checks:

In accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence, appointment to this role is subject to successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, including Working With Children Checks and candidate gender-based violence declarations. 

Candidates may be asked to declare whether they have been investigated for an allegation of Gender‑based Violence, or determined to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender‑based Violence during the course of their previous employment, or otherwise in a legal process. A declaration is not required from individuals who have experienced gender‑based violence. A ‘Yes’ response does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment, and any information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for relevance to the role and the University’s safety obligations.

Advertised: 17 Mar 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: 17 May 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time