Dean - UNSW Student Accommodation (UNSW Colleges)

• Employment Type: Full Time Fixed Term (22 months)

• Remuneration: $127351-$143489 depending on experience + 17% superannuation

• Location:  Kensington NSW (UNSW Colleges)

About the role

UNSW is seeking an experienced and community-driven leader to take on the role of Dean within our UNSW Colleges. This is a live-in position. You'll be immersed in the unique energy of campus life, living alongside students and playing a key role in shaping their university experience. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic, residential environment, and is committed to student wellbeing, mentoring, and community building.

As Dean, you'll oversee the daily operations of the College, including student welfare, leadership of residential staff (Deputy Deans and Resident Mentors), and coordination of key events and initiatives. You'll act as the first point of contact for student issues and wellbeing concerns, providing support and guidance while also facilitating access to specialist services. You'll work closely with the Head of UNSW Accommodation and broader university teams to ensure a cohesive and high-quality residential experience.

In addition to the operational management of the College, you'll lead and support initiatives across UNSW Accommodation, contribute to strategic planning, and help maintain the physical and cultural environment of the College. From managing application and enrolment processes to overseeing orientation, training, and alumni engagement, you'll be deeply involved in all aspects of college life. A key part of the role also includes participation in the overnight on-call roster, attending College events, and maintaining a regular, visible presence within the community.

This is a role that demands flexibility, initiative, and a genuine passion for working with students. As part of the role, onsite residential accommodation is provided at a significantly subsidised rate, supporting your ongoing presence (outside of approved leave) and engagement with the College community.

If you're ready to live where you lead, and help create an inclusive, supportive and high-impact residential experience for UNSW students, we'd love to hear from you.

Explore our Colleges here: 

About You

You are a strong communicator who demonstrates sensitivity, discretion, and a genuine responsiveness to the needs of resident students and staff. This role requires someone who is flexible, calm under pressure, and comfortable living at the centre of a busy, vibrant student community. It's not a typical job — you'll need to balance being approachable and available with maintaining healthy boundaries and self-awareness. We're looking for someone who:

• Is willing to live onsite and be an engaged, visible presence in residential life

• Has a genuine interest in working with young adults and the flexibility to respond to the unpredictable nature of student life

• Brings experience working with university students — ideally in a residential college or pastoral care setting — but we welcome applicants from a range of professional and personal backgrounds

• Has a practical understanding of residential life with a focus on student safety, wellbeing, and personal development

• Brings strong leadership and team management skills, with a collaborative, client-focused approach

• Demonstrates high-level problem-solving, maturity, and discretion, especially in sensitive or complex situations

• Can manage competing priorities, work independently, and contribute positively to a supportive team environment

• Has excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships, navigate conflict, and maintain strong service standards

• Possesses strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing, presentations, and training delivery

• Has experience with project and resource management, and contributing to wider organisational initiatives

• Understands health and safety responsibilities and is committed to completing relevant training

This is a full-time 22-month contract - only candidates with full ongoing working rights will be considered (no sponsorship).

How to apply and recruitment process:Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining why you're interested in the role and what you would bring to it.

Shortlisting will begin after the job ad closes, so don't worry if you don't hear from us immediately.

Applications close:  23 November 2025 at 7PM

Get in Touch for questions/support/adjustments: Anne de Voronine – Talent Acquisition Associate

Applications cannot be accepted if sent directly to the contact listed

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.