Academic Dean

Organisation Overview

Ozford Institute of Higher Education (OIHE) is a progressive and innovative higher education provider located in the heart of Melbourne. Ozford offers a suite of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, high-school and English language courses. Our mission is to 'connect today's learning with tomorrow's jobs' by providing career-focused, flexible learning experiences underpinned by academic excellence, student support and global engagement. The Academic Dean provides strategic academic leadership across Ozford's higher education operations, ensuring academic integrity, TEQSA and CRICOS compliance, and continuous enhancement of the student learning experience.

Purpose of the Role

The Academic Dean is responsible for leading Ozford's academic direction and ensuring excellence in teaching, learning, research and academic governance. The role drives curriculum quality, academic staff capability, and student success through evidence-based leadership and strategic alignment with Ozford's institutional goals.

Key objectives include:

· Lead and implement Ozford's academic strategy and quality framework.

· Oversee curriculum design, accreditation, delivery and review processes.

· Ensure compliance with TEQSA, CRICOS, AQF and HESF standards.

· Promote excellence in teaching, learning and assessment.

· Foster academic scholarship, innovation and staff development.

· Improve student engagement, progression, retention and employability.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic and Academic Leadership

· Provide vision and leadership to achieve Ozford's academic goals.

· Contribute to institutional planning, policy and governance decisions.

· Develop and monitor academic KPIs aligned with institutional strategy.

· Promote innovation, blended learning and digital pedagogy.

Academic Quality and Governance

· Lead academic quality assurance systems and compliance reporting.

· Manage accreditation, course review and re-accreditation cycles.

· Maintain strong academic integrity and assessment moderation processes.

· Oversee policy implementation consistent with TEQSA and ESOS standards.

Teaching and Learning Excellence

· Promote evidence-based teaching and student-centred learning approaches.

· Support professional development and peer review among academic staff.

· Encourage the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL).

· Drive innovation in delivery and assessment models.

Student Outcomes and Experience

· Analyse and improve student progression, retention and completion data.

· Implement academic support interventions and inclusive practices.

· Collaborate with Student Services and Careers teams to improve employability outcomes.

· Ensure academic programs deliver measurable student satisfaction and success.

Staff Management and Development

· Recruit, mentor and manage academic staff performance.

· Conduct performance reviews and ensure succession planning.

· Foster a collegial, inclusive and high-performance culture.

External Relations and Engagement

· Represent Ozford in academic, professional and industry networks.

· Develop partnerships with universities, professional bodies and employers.

· Engage in thought leadership, conferences and accreditation activities.

Selection Criteria
Essential

· Doctoral qualification in a relevant discipline.

· Senior academic leadership experience in a higher education institution.

· Comprehensive knowledge of TEQSA, CRICOS, AQF and HESF frameworks.

· Proven success in curriculum design, quality assurance and academic governance.

· Strong leadership, analytical and stakeholder-management skills.

· Demonstrated ability to enhance teaching quality and student outcomes.

Desirable

· Experience within private higher education or dual-sector institutions.

· Understanding of international student markets and multi-intake delivery.

· Experience in blended and online learning innovation.

· Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in education.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Quality & Compliance

100% compliance with TEQSA, CRICOS and internal quality cycles

• Curriculum Development

Timely accreditation and review of all programs

• Student Success

Improvement in progression, retention and completion rates

• Teaching Excellence

Positive teaching evaluation and student feedback results

• Staff Capability

Professional development participation and performance targets met

• Partnerships

Growth in academic and industry collaborations

Reporting and Relationships

Reports to: President/CEO

Direct Reports: Program Coordinators, Academic Quality Manager, Teaching & Learning Support Staff

Internal Stakeholders: Academic Board, Student Services, Marketing, Compliance

External Stakeholders: TEQSA, CRICOS, professional associations, industry partners

Employment Conditions

· Full-time on-campus role based in Melbourne CBD.

· Some domestic and international travel may be required.

· Employment subject to Working with Children Check and other relevant clearances.

· Must uphold Ozford's Staff Code of Conduct and values of respect, integrity, and excellence.

Application Process

Applications must include:

· Cover letter addressing each selection criterion.

· Detailed Curriculum Vitae.

· A one-page statement of academic leadership philosophy.

Submit to

Ozford Education Group is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and individuals with disability. Only short listed applicants will be contacted.

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