Dean, School of Health Sciences

Job Description

• Lead Health Workforce Transformation – Shape the future of allied health, health sciences, and sport and exercise education at a globally recognised university, driving innovation and impact across Western Sydney and beyond.
• Champion Equity, Excellence, and Inclusion – Foster a culture that values diversity, integrity, and boldness, ensuring transformative education and healthcare for all communities.
• Build Enduring Partnerships – Collaborate with leading clinicians, researchers, industry, and community partners to address the most pressing health challenges and improve life outcomes.

About Us
Western Sydney University is a modern, globally recognised institution at the heart of one of Australia’s most dynamic and diverse regions. Ranked number one worldwide in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings (2019–2025), we are committed to research, teaching, sustainability, and partnerships that improve lives and promote equity.

The School of Health Sciences, based at our Campbelltown Campus, delivers teaching and research in Allied Health, Health Sciences/Services, and Sport and Exercise Science and Physical Education. Our exceptional facilities and the Uniclinic provide students with hands-on experience, while our integrated curriculum spans Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Podiatry, Speech Pathology, Paramedicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Recreation Therapy, Health Promotion, Health Services Management, and more.

We are deeply embedded in our community, working closely with Local Health Districts, Primary Health Networks, Indigenous medical services, and all five of the University’s flagship Research Institutes. Our research is broad and impactful, improving outcomes for Indigenous Australians, migrant and diverse groups, and priority populations across the region.

The Opportunity
As Dean of the School of Health Sciences, you will play a pivotal role in shaping a culture of innovation, excellence, and inclusion across teaching, research, and external engagement. You will lead the development and activation of a School strategy that aligns with Faculty and University priorities, ensuring the delivery of high-quality education and impactful research outcomes. Strengthening partnerships with health districts, professional bodies, accreditation agencies, industry, and community partners will be central to your role, enhancing curriculum relevance and graduate employability.

You will oversee curriculum development, accreditation processes, and continuous improvement initiatives, maintaining excellence in educational pathways and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Fostering a high-quality student experience will be at the heart of your work, as you support innovation, retention, and engagement across all cohorts. In addition, you will drive research performance and interdisciplinary collaboration, mentoring the next generation of health professionals and researchers.

Financial and strategic stewardship will also be a key aspect of your role, as you manage the School’s budget and resources to ensure sustainability and alignment with broader institutional goals. As a key member of the Faculty, you will represent the School in Faculty-wide committees and contribute to governance and strategic initiatives. Importantly, you will also support and activate an inclusive environment and excellence in Indigenous acceleration, working in close collaboration with the Division of Indigenous Leadership.

About You
We are seeking a bold, strategic, and collaborative leader with:

• A PhD or equivalent in health, and extensive senior leadership experience in higher education or a relevant health domain.
• An established national and international reputation, demonstrated through an excellent research track record or exceptional strategic and managerial achievement in health sciences.
• Significant experience in health sciences education, with a track record of positive outcomes for student success and equity.
• Proven ability to lead and manage senior academic staff, fostering collaboration, accountability, and high performance.
• Strong understanding of future directions in health sciences, including employability trends, industry needs, and opportunities for innovation.
• High-level capability in managing financial, human, and physical resources within a complex organisation.
• Comprehensive understanding of the higher education regulatory and policy environment.

Why Join Us?
At Western Sydney University, you’ll join a vibrant, values-driven community that is shaping the future of health sciences. We offer:

• The opportunity to lead a School at a globally ranked university, making a tangible difference to communities locally and globally.
• A dynamic, supportive leadership team and a collaborative, interdisciplinary Faculty of Health.
• Access to world-class facilities and a strong network of community and industry connections.
• A competitive executive salary and benefits package.
• The chance to work in one of Australia’s most diverse and rapidly growing regions, with strong community and industry connections.

This role is based at our Campbelltown campus, with flexibility to support executive commitments.

How to Apply?
To express your interest in the role of Dean, School of Health Sciences, please prepare the following application materials:

• A comprehensive academic CV detailing your positions held (with dates), key achievements, education, professional training, qualifications (including dates of completion), and a summary of your research activity and outputs.
• A candidate statement (maximum five pages) outlining your vision for the role, what you hope to accomplish, and how your experience and skills align with the selection criteria.
• Contact details for three referees, including your relationship to each referee and why you have nominated them. Referees will only be contacted after prior consultation with you.
• Your earliest possible start date.

Please submit your application via the Western Sydney University careers page.

For further details about the role and the application process, please review the Candidate Brief.

Position Enquiries:
For a confidential discussion or to apply, please email Sarah Lewis (Executive Dean, Health) at [email protected] or Iona Reid (Faculty General Manager, Health) at [email protected].

Closing Date:
11:59pm on Monday 12th January 2026

Immigration Sponsorship
Employer Visa sponsorship will be provided if required.

Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered.