Associate Dean

About Lead Institute of Higher Education

Lead Institute of Higher Education (LIHE) is an accredited Australian higher education provider delivering industry-relevant programs in business and related disciplines. We foster a collaborative, student-centred culture grounded in academic excellence, integrity, and continuous improvement.

The Role

Reporting to the Dean, the Associate Dean (Academic & Quality Assurance) provides strategic and operational leadership across academic governance, quality assurance, curriculum and assessment, compliance, student academic support, and scholarship. The role works closely with the Academic Board, senior executives, program coordinators, and external partners to uphold academic standards and drive institutional improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Leadership

• Co-develop and implement LIHE's academic vision and strategy with the CEO and Dean.
• Lead the development, maintenance, and review of academic policies, systems, and KPIs.
• Represent LIHE with industry, government, and professional bodies; build effective internal and external partnerships.

Quality Assurance, Compliance & Governance

• Partner with the Chair, Academic Board to maintain/enhance academic standards.
• Ensure compliance with the Higher Education Standards Framework (HESF), TEQSA requirements, and other regulatory obligations.
• Lead preparations for audits, accreditations, and external reviews; prepare high-quality reports to governance committees.

Curriculum, Teaching & Learning

• Oversee design, delivery, review, and continuous improvement of courses/subjects.
• Promote best practice in pedagogy and assessment, including technology-enhanced, delivery.
• Lead initiatives that lift student engagement, success, retention, and academic integrity.

Scholarship, Research & Staff Development

• Foster a culture of scholarship by encouraging applied research, industry engagement, and dissemination of teaching and learning innovations.
• Encourage scholarly activity and research, mentor academic staff.
• Oversee performance review, professional development planning, and workload allocation.

Student Academic Support

• Champion strategies that improve progression and retention.
• Oversee academic issues: appeals, misconduct, special consideration—upholding due process and integrity.
• Lead evidence-based initiatives to improve progression, retention, and graduate outcomes, under the strategic direction of the Dean.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Identify and lead academic projects that improve quality, student outcomes, and operational efficiency.

Other

• Undertake duties as assigned by the Dean or CEO aligned to LIHE's strategic priorities.

Selection Criteria

1. Doctorate (PhD or equivalent) in a relevant field with an established record of academic and scholarly achievement.
2. Extensive leadership experience in higher education (e.g., Head of School, Program Director or equivalent).
3. Strong record in teaching excellence and curriculum/assessment leadership; demonstrable QA and continuous improvement outcomes.
4. Comprehensive knowledge of HESF and TEQSA regulatory requirements.
5. Proven experience leading course accreditation and re-accreditation.
6. Track record in managing academic performance, staff development, and scholarly activity.
7. Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills; ability to build collaborative stakeholder relationships.
8. Capacity to contribute to strategic planning and foster a culture of excellence and innovation.
9. High work commitment, resilience, strong time management; proactive, results-driven approach.
10. Open-minded, positive, and constructive; strong problem-solving skills and a genuine commitment to LIHE's mission.

How to Apply

This role is based at our Sydney campus. Please submit your CV and a cover letter addressing the selection criteria to  21 September 2025.

LIHE is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community.