Associate Dean

About Southern Cross University

Southern Cross University (SCU) is a dynamic, ambitious institution focused on its purpose of changing lives through revolutionary learning and research with real impact. Their game changing Southern Cross Model brings a deeper learning experience, improving individual student outcomes, quality of life and a better way to learn. World-ranked research is driving positive impact for their communities, environment and economy.

Working at Southern Cross University combines a rare combination of being surrounded by ambitious students, dedicated colleagues and an environment of stunning natural beauty. They are leaders in their communities in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Coffs Harbour and the Gold Coast and take pride in helping shape a better tomorrow.

About the opportunity

Southern Cross University is seeking an exceptional academic leader to step into the pivotal role of
Associate Dean (Education Partnerships)
within the Faculty of Education. This is an opportunity to shape the future of teacher education by strengthening our partnerships across schools, early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings, government, industry, and community- locally, nationally and internationally.

In this role, you will champion innovation in professional experience, lead strategic school-leaver pathways into ITE, and work closely with the Executive Dean and Faculty leadership team to drive the ongoing development and success of the Southern Cross Model. You will play a critical role in enhancing the student experience, building evidence-informed teaching capability, and lifting public confidence in teacher education.

While the role is multi-campus, we have a
strong preference for candidates based close to the Gold Coast or Lismore campuses
, reflecting where the major partnerships and Faculty leadership activities are coordinated.

Key contributions

In this role you will:

• Provide strategic leadership for professional experience across schools and ECEC settings, delivering uplift for students and partners.
• Establish and co-chair the Professional Experience Industry Advisory Board, strengthening engagement with accreditation bodies, schools, ECEC leaders and the profession.
• Lead strategic school-leaver pathways into initial teacher education.
• Build and grow education partnerships across industry, government and community, both domestically and internationally.
• Drive research-led teacher education aligned to national and international policy and accreditation expectations.
• Lead the development of the Faculty's ITE evidence platform, enhancing public understanding of high-quality teacher preparation.
• Oversee quality assurance, continuous improvement, and student success across professional experience.
• Represent the Faculty on committees, forums and University initiatives in partnership, engagement, and future student strategy.

About you

You are an experienced academic leader (Level D or E) with a distinguished track record in professional experience and education partnerships. You are a relationship-builder, a strategic thinker and a passionate advocate for transformational teacher education.

You will bring:

• Proven academic leadership in schools/ECEC professional experience and education partnerships.
• Demonstrated success establishing industry, government and community partnerships that grow student load and strengthen engagement.
• A strong commitment to high-quality teaching and professional learning, with experience guiding and developing teams.
• Extensive professional networks across education, research and the broader sector.
• Experience in research-led school-based and ECEC-based teacher education responding to policy and accreditation imperatives.

Application instructions

To apply: please visit

and click on 'Apply Now" using the reference SCUadp1225, address your cover letter and resume to Andrew Norton of Future Leadership, Call or email for further information.

Close Date:
January 30, :59 AEDT