Head and Dean, School of Education and Professional Studies

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.
Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You'll find we're about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you'll achieve them.

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.

Arts, Education and Law
Griffith's Arts, Education and Law Group is the largest and most diverse academic group in the University, encompassing creative and performing arts, law, education, criminology, social science and humanities, and has presence across all six campuses. Focusing on developing programs to prepare students for a changing world, it is also an environment where research can flourish, and our academic community can undertake outstanding scholarship research that makes a major contribution to society.

The School of Education and Professional Studies is ranked in the top 150 of similar schools worldwide and our graduates have employment success such that one in five teachers working in Queensland graduated from Griffith University. The School is also home to the Autism Centre of Excellence and additionally, is aligned with the Griffith Institute for Educational Research that provides research leadership to professions facing complex educational challenges.

The Head and Dean works collaboratively with colleagues inside and outside the School of Education and Professional Studies to achieve high quality outcomes in all School activities. The role calls for leadership as well as management capabilities, to ensure widespread support for advancing the School's vision and direction, especially its commitment to quality and distinctiveness. The Head and Dean of School will design and implement appropriate strategies to enable all academic and administrative staff to achieve the best of their capacity in the context of transparent and efficient governance. As Education and Professional Studies is a cross-campus School, the Head and Dean will provide leadership in maintaining and enhancing the School as a unitary part of the organisation, as well as sound management in ensuring the most efficient delivery of its activities across the two campuses.

The Head and Dean represents the School not only within the University, but also externally, and a key part of the role is to represent, promote and advocate for the School in the wider community, both locally and more widely. This includes working with Griffith's Office of Marketing and Communications and the Office of Advancement to build relationships with external groups and individuals, and to secure external funding and other support to help the School achieve its objectives.

This is an exciting opportunity for an innovative leader to shape the future direction of the School. We are looking for a Head and Dean with a clear vision and strategic focus to lead the School and further enhance the School's high profile and reputation across Queensland and Australia.

If you are seeking a new challenge and a leadership role where you can make an impact, then we would like to hear from you.

The initial term will be for a period of three to five years with the possibility of renewal. This is a full-time position primarily based at Griffith University Gold Coast or Brisbane South (Nathan). As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations. Griffith University's campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

To view the Organisational Chart for the Arts, Education and Law Group, click here.

Salary Range
An attractive salary package will be arranged for the successful candidate.

To be successful in this role you will hold relevant tertiary qualifications up to doctoral level or equivalent accreditation and standing along with proven expertise in the management of significant human and material resources within the higher education sector.

You will also have:

• Demonstrated strategic leadership experience in a university or higher education context, with a strong track record of managing academic programs, staff, and resources.
• A distinguished record of academic achievement and research in the field of education, evidenced by high-quality publications, research grants, and peer recognition.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, oversee administrative processes, and lead organisational change in a complex academic environment.
• Strong capability in staff mentoring, performance management, team building, and fostering an inclusive, collegial, and high-performing work culture.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic plans aligned with university priorities, including innovation in curriculum design, delivery, and industry engagement.
• Demonstrated success in building partnerships with schools, government agencies, professional bodies, and other external stakeholders relevant to education and professional studies.
• A strong commitment to excellence in teaching, learning, and student support, with a focus on quality assurance and continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of current and emerging issues in teacher education, educational leadership, policy, and practice at national and international levels.
• Commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in academic programs, staffing, and governance.

Why Griffith?
As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment
• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
• Generous leave entitlements and leave loading
• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives

How to apply
At Griffith, we're committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you're from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith's Modern Slavery Policy.

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role (please refer to the Qualifications section above and the position description)
• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details
• Names and contact details of at least three professional referees (no contact will be made without your permission)

Applicants must have unrestricted working rights. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Successful candidates may be subject to a criminal history check.

For further information specifically about this role, please contact Professor Danielle Reynald, Dean (Academic), Arts, Education and Law Group at [email protected]

For application and recruitment advice, please contact Theresa Burke, Talent Acquisition Partner at [email protected]

For application support, please contact People Services on and quote reference number REF7954N.

Closing date: Wednesday, 30 July 2025 at 11:59pm AEST. All applications must be submitted online.

Please allow at least 1 – 2 weeks from the closing date to expect an application update.