Head of School and Dean - School of Architecture and Built Environment

Salary: Highly competitive salary available

Position: Full -time, 5 years fixed term 

Location: Callaghan Campus

About the Role

This role offers an opportunity to meaningfully contribute to the University of Newcastle’s mission of delivering excellence in education, research, and professional service. As the Head of School and Dean of the School of Architecture and Built Environment, you will set the strategic direction to ensure the delivery of high-quality outcomes that support students, staff, and the broader community.

As a member of the College of Engineering, Science and Environment’s Executive Team you will play a crucial role in aligning and delivering the School and College’s strategies within the University’s strategic plan. This is a unique opportunity to lead the next phase of growth and advancement, shaping a forward-looking School that responds to global challenges in the built environment with a strong emphasis on sustainability, urban resilience and design excellence. 

You will be joining a community of professionals who are passionate about creating a better future for our regions and the world and will be supported by and contribute to a dynamic and inclusive workplace culture that encourages growth, innovation, and meaningful impact.

About you

You are dedicated and forward-thinking with a personal record of academic success and leadership in Architecture, Construction Management or equivalent field. You bring highly developed skills in academic leadership and management, innovative teaching and curriculum development and a passion for advancing knowledge and practice in your field.

You value diverse perspectives and actively contribute to a culture that supports mutual respect, innovation, and continuous improvement. You are eager to work alongside talented colleagues who are passionate about making a meaningful impact through education, research, and community engagement.

For the full list of essential and desirable selection criteria, please review the Position Description.

If you’re ready to join a university that’s committed to equity and excellence, and to contribute to a community that values your expertise and vision, we encourage you to apply.

About Us

The School of Architecture and Built Environment is a dynamic part of the College of Engineering, Science and Environment at the University of Newcastle. With core disciplines in Architecture and Construction Management, the School fosters excellence in the design, development, and delivery of the built environment. Operating across the Callaghan and Central Coast campuses, and extending its reach internationally through programs in Singapore, the School offers a vibrant and globally connected academic environment. 

Renowned for its impact-driven, interdisciplinary research, the School is committed to addressing real-world challenges in sustainability, urban resilience, and equitable community design. Its contributions have helped position the University of Newcastle among the global leaders in sustainability, as reflected in the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. These achievements underscore the School’s dedication to shaping liveable communities and advancing social and environmental outcomes both locally and internationally.

Our university

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. 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, the University of Newcastle’s Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2020-2025 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities.

For more information please visit our website – The University of Newcastle

What we offer

The university offers a comprehensive and inclusive benefits package designed to support employee wellbeing, career development, and work-life balance for all staff, including:

• Flexible working arrangements in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy, supporting diverse family and personal commitments
• 17% superannuation, access to salary packaging options and annual leave loading
• Generous leave entitlements, including:
• Additional University holidays
• Life Leave to support personal and family needs
• Cultural Leave
• Parental leave and support for carers
• Wellbeing and support programs that promote mental, physical, and emotional health
• Great Lifestyle – Enjoy the best of coastal living in Newcastle, with stunning natural beauty, a thriving cultural scene, and easy connectivity to Sydney and other major cities. Visit the City of Newcastle site to imagine your future in Newcastle. 

For further information on our benefits and perks, please visit our website.

Your next steps 

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role. It’s important you read this document to ensure you are providing all the requirements of your application. 

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to reach the University's website, where copies of the Position Descriptions can be accessed. Please download the relevant copy before commencing your application. 

Your application must include:

• Your ORCID ID (if relevant)
• A URL link to your University Academic Profile (or equivalent)
• A Cover Letter:
• include contact details for a minimum of three relevant referees.
• A statement formally addressing each criterion of the Essential and Desirable Criteria, as provided in the relevant Position Description attached below.
• Your CV, which should be a maximum of five pages and be succinct and discipline appropriate. 

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document. 

Your Cover Letter should not exceed 1 page and Response to the Essential and Desirable Criteria should not exceed 4 pages.

For the full list of the selection criteria and role responsibilities, please download the relevant Position Description for which you are applying (available in the Related Documents section below).

For specific position enquiries, please contact Eliza Roughley, Executive Assistant to Office PVC – Engineering, Science and Environment at eliza.roughley@newcastle.edu.au or on (02) 4921 5906. 

To request a copy of the candidate booklet, please contact Claire Hankinson, Talent Acquisition Specialist at Claire.Hankinson@newcastle.edu.au

Reasonable Adjustments 

If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process to support your application, please let us know. This information will help us understand how best to support you and ensure an equitable and inclusive recruitment process. 

Please be assured that anything you share will be treated respectfully and appropriately. Our goal is to provide the best environment for every candidate to demonstrate their suitable skills and experience.

Please reach out to employment@newcastle.edu.au if you are experiencing any difficulties or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments.

Closing date: Thursday, 4 September 2025 at 11.59pm AEST

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 areas: 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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