At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a multi-campus faculty shaping the future health workforce.
- Company: Join Australia's leading Catholic university with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Full-time role with a focus on impactful education and research.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence policy and build global partnerships.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in health sciences and community engagement.
- Qualifications: PhD in health sciences and proven leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 148500 - 181500 $ per year.
Campus Location: North Sydney, Australia | Brisbane, Australia | Melbourne, Australia
Full-time, fixed-term (5 year) appointment
About ACU:
As one of the top ten Catholic universities worldwide, ACU is clear about its Catholic identity and mission within the Catholic intellectual tradition. Central to this is ACU's commitment to truly student-centred education; research that is impactful, engaging, and responsive to society's rapidly changing needs; and a strong, vibrant, and sustainable university culture.
About the Position:
The Faculty of Health Sciences teaches and researches across nursing, midwifery, paramedicine, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, psychology, social work, exercise science, nutrition, biomedical science and public health. It is organised into three schools: Allied Health; Behavioural and Health Sciences; and Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine.
The faculty's research is internationally recognised. ACU ranks first worldwide for research quality in psychology (Times Higher Education), in the top 15 for nursing and 17th for sport science (Shanghai Ranking). It also has strengths in cardiovascular disease and metabolism, health services research, recovery and rehabilitation, and mental health.
Reporting to the Provost, the Executive Dean provides academic leadership and operational management and chairs the faculty board. The faculty's leadership team includes a Deputy Dean, an Associate Dean Learning, Teaching and Professional Experiences, and an Associate Dean Research.
Key responsibilities include:
- Setting goals in line with the ACU Strategic Plan and Innovation Strategy
- Course development and review
- Academic governance consistent with TEQSA and the Higher Education Standards Framework
- Driving new approaches to professional experience and clinical placements
- Building on the faculty's research record
Externally, the Executive Dean leads the university's relationships with Catholic hospitals and other health industry partners, and with Catholic universities around the world. Internally, the role manages the faculty budget, develops new revenue sources and builds a caring community among staff and students.
The Successful Candidate:
The successful candidate will bring:
- A PhD in a health sciences discipline and a record of impact in teaching and learning, research, professional practice and community engagement
- Knowledge of the Catholic health sector and its governance
- A strong grasp of the Australian tertiary sector, with the ability to interpret policy and academic regulation and to influence policy development
- Proven ability to lead change in a large, complex organisation
- Demonstrated success converting opportunities into new research and education outcomes, including course and program design
- Sound financial management, including budgets and the deployment of people and resources
- Experience building partnerships and commercial agreements in Australia and internationally
Most importantly, the new Executive Dean will demonstrate a genuine commitment to ACU's mission and values, and the confidence to connect the faculty's work to them.
The closing date for applications is: Monday 9 November 2026.
Executive Dean of Health Sciences in Melbourne employer: Australian Catholic University
Australian Catholic University (ACU) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and fosters professional growth. Located in Blacktown, NSW, ACU provides generous benefits such as 17% employer superannuation, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for academic leadership in a university renowned for its research excellence. Join a community of motivated colleagues dedicated to shaping the future of nursing education and making a meaningful impact on students' lives.
Contact Details:
Australian Catholic University Recruitment Team
