The University of Newcastle stands as a global Top 250 University, committed to delivering an exceptional student experience, preparing graduates for life, and with a shared purpose to better our regions and the world. Our Looking Ahead Strategic Plan captures the spirit of looking to the future to imagine and then realise possibilities, enabled by the values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability.
The School of Education within the College of Human and Social Futures is a leading School of Education (top 150 globally) in the preparation of teachers, leaders, and scholars through innovative programs and the use of multiple immersive technologies.
Reporting to the Pro Vice-Chancellor, the role of Head of School and Dean, Education presents an exciting career opportunity for an innovative and visionary leader to shape a contemporary School of Education while pursuing an ambitious agenda to position the University as a leader in education, research and teaching.
The School is focused on the research of critical issues facing education in Australia and internationally with recognised researchers delivering impactful research in a diverse range of areas like quality teaching, physical education, emerging technologies, inclusivity, and pedagogical innovation with two key research centres, the Centre for Active Living and Learning, and the Teaching and Teachers Training Centre.
Deeply committed to becoming leaders in understanding Indigenous ways of learning, the School is proud to be producing the next generation of Indigenous teachers, scholars, and leaders.
The University is seeking a leader with an outstanding record of scholarship and/or relevant research, teaching and engagement coupled with a commitment to equity and social justice. An ability to inspire and motivate a large team, while displaying openness and resilience to change, should be coupled with a focus on contemporary, collaborative approaches to teaching and curriculum development that encompass online and digital mediums. A student-focused approach and commitment to pastoral care is also key to success.
If you are a strategic academic leader with a passion for delivering world class innovation of global significance in Education, then we would like to hear from you.
For confidential enquiries and to request a copy of the candidate information booklet, please contact Janine Fitzgerald on +61 424 164 765 or via email at jfitzgerald@robinsonfitzgerald.com.au or Kate Robinson on +61 409 769 560 or at krobinson@robinsonfitzgerald.com.au quoting reference number RF0263
Applications close 30th March 2026.
About Us
The School of Education is proud to be part of a University committed to equity, excellence and innovation. Our programs focus on academic excellence and a commitment to equity, diversity and innovation. We strive to contribute to the continued development of a just, fair and healthy society through both our research and teaching.
We support prospective students from all backgrounds and walks of life to realise their dream of becoming inspiring educators and innovative leaders in their chosen field of early childhood, primary, secondary, community or higher education. Our School currently educates nearly 4000 undergraduate students, 1100 postgraduate students, and 150 higher degree by research candidates.
For more information about our School, click here.
Our university
The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader with a reputation for excellence in education and research. Ranking in the top 1% of global universities and among the top 40 for impact, our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and create a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision and our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. Strategic Plan 2020-2025 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities.
We are proud to be one of the first two Universities in Australia to achieve SAGE Athena Swan Silver Accreditation for gender equity, diversity, and inclusion (GEDI).
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas and extend respect to Elders past and present. We are committed to strengthening Indigenous higher education and supporting Indigenous students and communities.
For more information click here – The University of Newcastle
Our assessment process
Please refer to the Candidate Brochure for information on the assessment process, including pre-employment checks.
Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.
As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.
The completion and return of the University’s Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.
Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance—it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.
We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you!
The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint #: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Birpai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.
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- Published on 02 Mar 2026, 4:12 AM