Dean (People and Resources)

Position Details

Five Years Fixed Term | Full-time I AU$255,447 | 17% Superannuation

Location: Bedford Park / Kaurna Country/ Australia

View Candidate Information Brochure and Position Description

About the Position Flinders University’s College of Human Sciences and Culture is seeking an accomplished and strategic academic leader to appoint as Dean (People and Resources).

As the College moves through an exciting phase of strategic and organisational change, we are seeking a leader with proven experience and confidence in managing change within complex academic environments. This senior leadership role is pivotal in delivering the University’s strategic objectives through leadership of academic workforce strategy, staffing and performance frameworks, resource planning, and senior advice on complex academic people matters.

The successful candidate will also:

Lead the development and implementation of academic staffing plans aligned with University strategy and College KPIs.

Lead academic workload, space, and resource planning to optimise organisational effectiveness and sustainability.

Drive staff attraction and retention initiatives to ensure optimal workforce capability and configuration.

Provide leadership in academic staff development, performance management, and related matters.

This position is open to international and domestic candidates. Relocation and visa support is available.

About You You are a dynamic and experienced academic leader with a proven ability to shape strategy, drive performance, and lead with integrity in a complex higher education environment. With a strong foundation in people and resource management, you bring a deep understanding of academic life and a commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, inclusion, and innovation.

You thrive in collaborative environments, effectively engaging with diverse stakeholders and leading through change with confidence. Your ability to align academic and organisational objectives, interpret complex data, and develop evidence-based workforce solutions positions you as a key contributor to the long-term success of the College and the University.

Additionally, the Dean (People and Resources) will have:

A PhD or equivalent qualification.

A strong academic track record aligned with the University’s vision.

Proven strategic, organisational, and change management skills.

Sound knowledge of employee and industrial relations legislation and processes.

About the College of Human Sciences and Culture The College of Human Sciences and Culture is dedicated to understanding people and social impact across psychology, education, sport, social work, humanities, and social sciences. We champion creative thinking, diverse ways of knowing, impactful research, and learning that changes lives. With student success at our core, we equip graduates to create meaningful change for individuals and society.

Life at Flinders We are transforming and investing in our people and facilities to create contemporary, stimulating and rewarding learning and work environments that reflect our core values of excellence, innovation, courage and integrity. Guided by our bold ambition to Change 10 Million Lives by 2035, Flinders is sharpening its strategic focus to elevate performance, with the goal of being a top ten Australian university and among the top 1% globally. The Dean (People and Resources) ensures the College is well positioned to deliver on its strategic priorities and contribute meaningfully to the University’s 2035 ambition.

Reaching beyond the limits of buildings, borders and backgrounds, ours is an inclusive culture that believes absolutely in equality and opportunity for all. We do not simply accommodate difference; we embrace and celebrate it.

So why work at Flinders?

Ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide.

17% Superannuation + salary packaging options

Flexible working arrangements

Wide range of professional development activities and services

We embrace diversity and promote equity and inclusion for all students and staff

Vibrant campus life and amenities including on campus health care services, gym and childcare centre (Bedford Park, South Australia).

Our Commitment to Reconciliation and Indigenous Employment Flinders University is proud to be an organisation that is committed to our Reconciliation Action Plan and Indigenous Workforce Strategy. Our vision is to be a preferred employer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Please see here for our Reconciliation Action Plan

Please see here for our Indigenous Workforce Strategy

Prescribed Conditions for Employment

A valid Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check which is satisfactory to the University will also be required before the successful applicant can commence in this position.

How to Apply and Information

You are required to submit a CV along with a Suitability Statement of no more than three pages, addressing the Key Position Capabilities of the position description.

For more information regarding this position, please contact the Vice-President and Executive Dean of the College, Professor Deborah West.

Applications to be submitted before 10:00 pm (ACDT) on Friday, 27 March 2026.

Please note, late applications and applications sent via agencies will not be accepted.

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Flinders. Fearless.

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