"Head of School, Nursing"

Faculty of Health Sciences | Curtin University

Curtin University is recognised globally for education and research that delivers real‑world impact. An outstanding academic leader is sought to take on the role of Head of School, Nursing, leading one of Australia’s longest‑established and most respected nursing schools.

With more than 50 years of history, Curtin’s School of Nursing is known for the quality of its graduates, strong partnerships across the health sector, and a deep commitment to improving health outcomes for communities. This is a significant leadership opportunity to shape the future of nursing education in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

About the Role

The Head of School, Nursing provides strategic, academic and people leadership for the School, fostering an environment where academic and professional staff feel respected, supported and empowered to achieve excellence.

Reporting to the Pro Vice‑Chancellor, Faculty of Health Sciences, the Head of School is responsible for the leadership and management of teaching, engagement, innovation and scholarly activity; effective stewardship of people, resources and budgets; and alignment with faculty and university strategy. The role contributes to Faculty and University leadership and works collaboratively across disciplines and professions to advance Curtin’s mission.

In alignment with Curtin’s values of integrity, respect, courage, excellence and impact, the Head of School is expected to embed equity, diversity and belonging into all aspects of leadership and decision‑making.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide inclusive, future focused academic leadership that drives excellence and continuous improvement in research, learning and teaching.
• Build and sustain a positive, high performing and collegial culture that supports staff wellbeing, capability development and mentorship.
• Lead the strategic and operational management of the School, including planning, governance, accreditation, quality assurance and compliance.
• Ensure the School’s financial sustainability within a complex, regulated and cost pressured environment.
• Strengthen partnerships with healthcare providers, industry, professional bodies and government to support placements, workforce outcomes and innovation.
• Advance opportunities for international engagement, program development and responsible entrepreneurial activity aligned with Curtin’s strategic priorities.
• Represent and advocate for the School within the Faculty, across the University and externally, contributing to a “one Curtin” approach and avoiding disciplinary silos.
• Champion outstanding student experience, success and employability as central measures of impact.

About You

You are an entrepreneurial, values‑led and credible academic leader who brings empathy, sound judgement and purpose to leadership. You demonstrate a strong understanding of the nursing profession, contemporary higher education and the external forces shaping health education and workforce development.

You will bring:

• A doctoral qualification and a record of outstanding contribution to scholarship.
• Demonstrated academic and people leadership experience, with the capability to inspire trust and lead through complexity and change.
• Eligibility for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
• Strong strategic capability and experience operating within complex organisational and regulatory environments.
• A clear commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, including well developed cross cultural sensitivity.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and relationship building skills.
• Credibility with academic peers, industry partners, professional bodies and external stakeholders.
• A strong commitment to high quality, student centred education; research and innovation experience is valued.
• An interest in contemporary teaching, assessment and digital innovation, including the appropriate and responsible use of AI.
• The capacity to work collaboratively across professions, disciplines and organisational boundaries.

Why Curtin?

Curtin University is committed to creating an inclusive, respectful and high‑impact workplace where people can do their best work and make a meaningful difference. The School of Nursing is financially stable, highly regarded by accreditation bodies, and deeply connected to the health sector.

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Lead one of Australia’s most established nursing schools.
• Shape future‑focused nursing education aligned to workforce and community needs.
• Contribute meaningfully to student success, health outcomes and professional practice.

How to Apply

Applications should include a current curriculum vitae and a cover letter outlining interest in the role and demonstrating how experience, leadership approach and values align with the responsibilities and capabilities described above. Applications should be submitted via email to CurtinHeadofNursingSchool@KornFerry.com by Monday 16 March 2026.

Shape the future of nursing education with Curtin University!