Head of School Indigenous Australian Studies

The organisation

Charles Sturt University is Australia's leading regional university, committed to its ethos of Yindyamarra Winhanganha – the wisdom of respectfully knowing how to live well in a world worth living in. This ethos reflects the University's mission to make a meaningful difference through excellence in education, impactful research and deep engagement with communities across regional Australia.

The Faculty of Arts and Education delivers a broad portfolio of programs in teacher education, communication, social work, humanities, Indigenous and Islamic studies. With more than 10,000 students and over 160 academic staff, the Faculty is recognised for innovation in online and blended learning and for building strong partnerships with government, industry and communities.

The School of Indigenous Australian Studies plays a vital role within the University. It is responsible for teaching Indigenous Australian Studies across 55 CSU degrees, embedding Indigenous content across curricula, and leading graduate certificates including Wiradjuri language programs. The School fosters an informed and supportive community of teaching and research, celebrates the diversity of Indigenous Australian cultures, and contributes to reconciliation and social justice.

The opportunity

Reporting to the Executive Dean, the Head of School will provide academic and cultural leadership across a small but highly impactful School of nine academic staff based across Bathurst, Wagga Wagga, Dubbo and Albury. The role encompasses teaching leadership, research development, cultural engagement, and governance through chairing the Indigenous Board of Studies, which oversees the inclusion of Indigenous content across all undergraduate courses.

This position will lead the School in developing high-quality learning and teaching, innovative programs and impactful research collaborations, while fostering strong community relationships with Wiradjuri Elders, First Nations communities and industry partners. As a member of the Provost's Academic Portfolio Leadership team, the Head of School will contribute to University-wide priorities, with responsibility for building collaboration across Faculties and Divisions.

About you

You will hold a doctorate in a cognate discipline relevant to the School, or possess equivalent professional standing and reputation. You will bring demonstrated success in the leadership and management of teaching and learning, with a record of enhancing the student experience through innovative curriculum design, delivery of new programs and strategies that improve student retention and graduate outcomes. You will have experience in strengthening research productivity and quality, including strategies to secure external funding and support collaborative projects.

You are an experienced leader of academic and professional staff, with the ability to manage resources effectively, operate within budget parameters and deliver on performance outcomes. Your career to date demonstrates familiarity with academic management and accreditation processes, alongside strong skills in strategic planning, financial management and governance. Recognised as a leading authority in a relevant discipline with a track record of excellence in teaching and/or research, you also bring comprehensive knowledge of the tertiary education sector, including policy, governance and equity principles. You have the capacity to build cooperative working relationships with Elders, professional bodies, government, industry and community organisations, ensuring that the School's teaching and research have meaningful impact and that Indigenous Australian Studies remains a trusted and respected voice across the University and beyond.

How to Apply

For a confidential discussion or role-related questions, please contact Phil Graham or Jessica Gough of The Orchard Talent Group at To apply, please submit your current CV and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) addressing your motivation and the skills you would bring to the role via the link. Please note applicants must have a legal right to work in Australia.

Please note this is an Aboriginal identified position which is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under Section 14 (d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

Applications close 12 October

The Orchard Talent Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.