Dean - Higher Education

About Us

At Stanley College, we are proud of our dynamic, multicultural learning environment, our commitment to innovation, and our passion for delivering outstanding student experiences. As Dean, Higher Education, you will play a critical role in shaping the next chapter of our growth and impact.

We offer a supportive leadership environment, a culture of continuous professional development, and the opportunity to drive real change in the Higher Education sector.

About the Role

As Dean, Higher Education, you will be a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for providing strategic academic leadership and operational excellence across all Higher Education programs at Stanley College. You will drive the delivery of innovative, industry-aligned, and high-quality programs that meet the highest academic standards and regulatory requirements.

This is a senior executive role, requiring vision, decisiveness, agility, and a strong commitment to academic integrity and operational excellence. You will have the authority to lead transformative change, influence institutional strategy, and shape the future of Higher Education at Stanley College.

In this critical leadership role, you will:

• Shape the strategic direction of the Higher Education portfolio, ensuring alignment with the College's vision, mission, and long-term growth objectives.
• Lead the academic enterprise, overseeing curriculum development, program accreditation and reaccreditation, scholarly activities, teaching and learning innovation, and working with the College's academic and corporate governance bodies.
• Foster a culture of academic excellence, scholarship, and research across all disciplines, promoting continuous improvement and professional growth among academic and professional staff.
• Champion student success, developing initiatives to enhance student engagement, retention, graduate outcomes, and overall student experience.
• Ensure institutional compliance with the Higher Education Standards, ESOS, CRICOS, and other regulatory frameworks, leading quality assurance processes, risk management initiatives, internal audits, and external accreditations and registration with TEQSA.
• Build and nurture strategic partnerships with industry, universities, accreditation agencies, and professional bodies to expand the College's academic profile, research opportunities, and employment pathways for graduates.
• Lead and inspire a high-performing team of Academic Program Managers, the Registrar, and operational staff, creating an environment of shared accountability, innovation, empowerment, and inclusion.
• Oversee financial and operational management of the Higher Education portfolio, including budget setting, resource allocation, workforce planning, and business sustainability initiatives.
• Represent Stanley College nationally and internationally, promoting the College's Higher Education offerings, participating in key forums and networks, and influencing the broader Higher Education sector.
• Champion diversity, equity, wellbeing, and staff engagement, contributing to a vibrant, inclusive academic community where excellence thrives.

About You

You are a proven leader with a deep understanding of the Australian Higher Education sector, a passion for innovation, and a commitment to academic excellence. You will bring:

• A PhD or equivalent AQF Level 10 qualification, and a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Extensive senior leadership experience in Higher Education, preferably within an Australian Institute of Higher Education, University College or university.
• A strong track record in scholarly activity, teaching excellence, curriculum innovation, and quality assurance.
• In-depth knowledge of the Higher Education Standards, TEQSA and Higher Education compliance, the ESOS Act, and the National Code.
• Exceptional interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to lead change and foster an inclusive and high-performing academic culture.
• A commitment to continuous improvement, operational excellence, and student success.

Desirable

• Research profile in a relevant discipline.
• Understanding of entrepreneurial education initiatives.
• Experience supporting diverse student cohorts, both domestic and international.

Knowledge and Skills

• Deep expertise in Higher Education regulatory compliance, academic governance, curriculum development, quality assurance, and risk management, particularly within the Australian Higher Education Standards Framework and TEQSA requirements.
• Proven leadership in driving academic innovation, research development, industry engagement, and strategic growth across diverse and dynamic learning environments.
• Outstanding ability to build high-performing academic teams, foster a culture of excellence, and deliver exceptional student outcomes through contemporary teaching, learning, and scholarship practices.
• Superior stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and external representation skills, with demonstrated success building partnerships across government, industry, and international networks.
• Strong commitment to equity, diversity, wellbeing, and continuous improvement, underpinned by highly developed financial acumen, strategic thinking, and operational leadership capability.

What We Offer

• A collaborative and supportive work environment where your contribution is valued.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within the college.
• The opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the student and staff experience at Stanley College.

To receive a Candidate Information Pack and full job description which may assist with your application, please email [email protected].

To have a confidential discussion about this role, you can call Bhavna on to organise a suitable time.

Applications close on 24 July 2025 at Midnight AWST.

Please note that shortlisting and interviews for this role will commence after the advertisement has closed.