About us

Southern Cross University is a dynamic, ambitious institution focused on its purpose of changing lives through revolutionary learning and research with real impact. Our game changing Southern Cross Model brings a deeper, focused learning experience with demonstrated improvement in student success. In 2024, Southern Cross University placed 100th in the world in the Times Higher Education Young University Ranking.

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

About the opportunity

Southern Cross University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering is seeking an Associate Dean (Education). Your core responsibilities will include:

• Provide strategic leadership in teaching and learning across the Faculty, offering expert advice to the Executive Dean, chairing key committees, and fostering strong relationships with internal and external educational partners
• Drive quality assurance and improvement, leading the development and monitoring of strategies to enhance student experience, teaching performance, and alignment with the University’s learning and teaching objectives
• Champion teaching innovation, guiding the implementation and continuous improvement of the Southern Cross Model and supporting the adoption of best practices through collaboration with the Academic Portfolio Office
• Oversee curriculum management and development, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and innovation in course delivery, assessment practices, and alignment with accreditation and strategic goals
• Promote student success and academic excellence, leading initiatives to improve retention, first year experience, and inclusive teaching practices, while managing academic workloads and professional development in partnership with Faculty leadership

About you

You will be passionate about leading transformative learning experiences that shape the future of science and engineering education. With a strong commitment to student success, academic quality and innovative teaching practice, you will take pride in guiding teams, fostering inclusive learning environments, and building meaningful partnerships that enhance both curriculum and professional outcomes. More specifically, you will have:

• A proven record of academic leadership in teaching and learning, with demonstrated impact at the faculty or institutional level
• Evidence of high-quality teaching outcomes, supported by metrics of student success, peer recognition and indicators of teaching excellence
• A strong and sustained commitment to education, with a demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and inspire academic teams through intellectual and strategic guidance
• A nationally or internationally recognised research profile, preferably in the scholarship of teaching and learning or a related discipline
• Well developed organisation, leadership, and collaboration skills, with experience contributing to or leading academic governance, quality assurance, and strategic educational initiativesAdditional requirement at ACAD E – you will be internationally recognised as a distinguished leader in your field, with a sustained record of original and innovative contributions to scholarship. You will demonstrate exceptional academic leadership, influencing teaching, research, and policy development within the University and the broader academic and professional community
  

Salary and benefits

Our staff benefit from flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work models, generous parental and carer’s leave provisions, wellbeing initiatives, employee assistance programs and professional learning opportunities. This is a full-time, continuing position based at our Gold Coast or Lismore campus. Generous relocation support is available to those relocating to commence the appointment. The level of appointment will be commensurate with the candidates’ qualifications and experience

• Academic Level D, Associate Professor. The base salary ranges from $161,784 - $177,948 per annum, plus 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation. The total remuneration package is up to $208,199.
• Academic Level E, Professor. The base salary is $207,573 per annum, plus 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation. The total remuneration package is up to $242,860.

Find out more about working at SCU by visiting Why Work at SCU.

Application requirements

Applicants must apply online and attach a CV and cover letter responding to the selection criteria within the position description for the level of the position you are applying for by the closing date. Information to support you prepare your application is available on our website. If you experience difficulties applying online or need reasonable adjustments at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know by contacting [email protected].

Job applicants must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident or currently hold a visa with ongoing work rights in Australia. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Further information

To view the full position advertisement and details of the application process, please click on the APPLY button where you will be redirected to the Southern Cross University website.

Closing Date: 11.30pm AEST, 17 August 2025

Southern Cross University is committed to ensuring that the University reflects the rich diversity across the region in which the University’s campuses are located.

The University encourages applications from people of all ages, women, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people, people living with disabilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people who are LGBTQI+.

We encourage applications from people with disability and will provide adjustments to the recruitment process upon request.

Together, we are Transforming Tomorrow.