Executive Dean – College of Sport, Health and Engineering

About the Organisation

Victoria University (VU) is a bold and progressive institution with a proud heritage dating back to 1916. Today, VU is a world-class, impact-driven university – measuring success by the difference we make in our communities and industries.

VU is renowned for pioneering innovations such as the Australian-first VU Block Model and VU First Year College and is recognised as a digital leader in education and a valued industry collaborator. Our transformation has led to record student enrolments and national leadership in equity participation and student success.

With campuses in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, and our Flipped Campus model placing industry partners on every site, VU continues to exceed ambitious partnership goals. We rank #7 globally in sport science (Shanghai Ranking) and are proudly in the Top 100 Young Universities (Times Higher Education).

VU offers practical, career-focused learning across diverse disciplines, supported by modern campuses and a vibrant, inclusive student community. We are committed to being a thriving place to study and work and celebrate our position as one of Australia's most culturally and socially diverse universities – with our international students playing a vital role in enriching the learning experience.

About the Role

The Executive Dean of the College of Sport, Health and Engineering, is a pivotal academic leader within VU's Tertiary Education portfolio. Reporting to the Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer, this role provides high-level strategic, academic, and operational leadership across a diverse and dynamic College. The Executive Dean will drive the delivery of sector-leading, discipline-strength offerings that meet workforce needs and elevate the student experience, while championing VU's commitment to accessibility, equity, and opportunity.

The College spans a broad range of disciplines – from engineering and biomedicine to nursing, allied health, and sport science – and is renowned for its interdisciplinary teaching and research excellence. The Executive Dean will lead the College's operational planning, quality assurance, and industry engagement, ensuring the effective implementation of the VU Block Model and fostering collaboration across VU TAFE, VU Research, and external partners. This role is instrumental in shaping a thriving, inclusive academic culture that supports student success, staff development, and impactful research aligned with VU's Strategic Plan 2022–2030 and commitment to Protecting Country.

Key responsibilities include overseeing academic programs, research initiatives, and industry partnerships; managing budgets and resources; and representing the College across internal and external forums. A strong focus is placed on interdisciplinary collaboration, industry engagement, pedagogical innovation, and technology-enhanced learning, while ensuring course quality, academic integrity, and student belonging and wellbeing.

This leadership position is critical to advancing VU's reputation and impact – nationally and globally – through sustainable, industry-forward education and research.

About You

You are a visionary academic leader with a distinguished record of achievement and a PhD in a relevant field. Internationally recognised for your contributions to higher education, you bring senior executive experience in academic leadership and management, supported by a deep understanding of national and global tertiary education trends, government policy, and funding frameworks.

Your thought leadership – particularly in interdisciplinary education and innovative teaching methods – will enhance the student experience and further advance the VU Block Model. You are committed to fostering a values-based, inclusive, and collaborative culture, and you lead with integrity, empathy, and strategic foresight.

You bring strong commercial acumen, with a proven ability to drive student growth, program development, and secure research funding. Your leadership is marked by excellence in financial, portfolio, and change management, as well as a dedication to quality assurance and occupational health and safety. With exceptional communication skills and a passion for equity, diversity, and inclusion, you will inspire meaningful engagement across disciplines and make a lasting impact on VU's educational mission.

How to Apply:

Your application should include a current CV, a cover letter or statement detailing your vision for the role, the qualities you would bring as Executive Dean of the College of Sport, Health and Engineering, and a response to the selection criteria outlined in the position description.

T o obtain a copy of the position description please click HERE .

Applications close at 11:59pm AEDT (Melbourne) on Monday, 6 October 2025.

What We Offer

For information on our employee benefits, flexible working, discounts in private health insurance, gym memberships and salary packaging please visit .

Our Commitment to Protecting Country

Victoria University honours its deep diversity as a foundation for collaboration and social progress. We will demonstrate sensitivity in respecting First Nation perspectives. We will ensure that we respect our Indigenous voices and commit to sustainable Protecting Country. We will take leadership responsibility, in all that we do, to improve the health and wellbeing of our local and global communities, and the planet that we share.

Our Commitment to Progressive Inclusivity

Victoria University celebrates diversity and is committed to progressive inclusivity as a strategic priority. We strive to build a workforce that reflects our community by attracting and empowering people from all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and racially marginalised groups, LGBTQIA+ communities, and individuals of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds.

We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our community and foster innovation, inclusion, and belonging. VU is dedicated to providing a barrier-free recruitment experience. For access requirements or adjustments, contact or call