Executive Dean, School of Business, Law and Entrepreneurship

Swinburne University is seeking an exceptional individual to take on the role of Executive Dean, School of Business, Law Entrepreneurship—a pivotal leadership position reporting directly to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Chief Academic Officer.
5 year fixed-term contract/ full-time position at our vibrant Hawthorn campus

About the Role
As Executive Dean School of Business, Law Entrepreneurship, you will be responsible for the strategic direction, performance, and growth of the School, overseeing all facets of its academic, financial, and operational success. This includes enhancing the student experience, ensuring excellence in learning and teaching, driving impactful research, and expanding the School’s entrepreneurial and commercial reach.

You will foster a vibrant innovation ecosystem that connects students, academics, industry, and community partners—transforming ideas into real-world solutions and opportunities. Through a culture of excellence and collaboration, you will empower departments and discipline groups to thrive and make a lasting impact.

As a member of both the Academic Executive Group and the Vice-Chancellor’s Advisory Group, you’ll also play a critical role in shaping the University’s strategic future, contributing to sustainable growth, global positioning, and academic leadership.

We’re seeking a visionary leader with:
A proven record of executive academic leadership in a complex university environment
Deep understanding of current and emerging trends in business, law, and entrepreneurship education
Strong experience in leading academic performance across teaching, research, and engagement
A collaborative, forward-thinking mindset with a demonstrated ability to build strategic partnerships and foster innovation
A passion for cultivating inclusive, future-ready learning environments
Outstanding communication and stakeholder engagement skills, both locally and globally

This is your chance to shape the future of business, legal, and entrepreneurial education in an institution that values innovation, excellence, and social impact.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a highly respected, AACSB-accredited School with a focus on delivering impact through high-quality education, world-class research, and meaningful industry partnerships.

About You
To be suitable for this role you will need to have experience in the below key accountabilities:
Strong business acumen including understanding the commercial context in which the university operates in, and identifying and converting commercial outcomes, managing resources effectively and understanding how the school contributes to the objectives of the university.
Demonstrated profile as an international academic leader in the relevant field, and the ability to lead across broader discipline areas within this field.
Ability to lead and contribute to collaborative cross-disciplinary and cross-sectoral teams and to provide learning and teaching leadership and expertise that contributes to improved student outcomes.
Excellent strategic, analytical, and conceptual skills, together with the proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans in a complex environment.
Demonstrated ability to lead the development of new course offerings in relevant disciplines and leading and managing staff to deliver innovative course design in a multi-disciplinary setting.

Qualifications
A PhD qualification in the relevant discipline.

About Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburne’s strategy draws upon our understanding of future challenges. We choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research.

To Apply
Please submit your CV and cover letter addressing your suitability for this position.

To review the Position Description and to apply, please scroll down to the bottom of the page.

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Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Swinburne Talent Acquisition Team on talentacquisition@swin.edu.au.

Applications Close: Sunday 11th May 2025 at 5pm.

Swinburne offers flexible working options contained in our leave and parenting/carer policies to support work-life balance.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Swinburne has become a world-class university, driving social and economic impacts through science, technology, and innovation. As a dual-sector university, our vision is for people and technology working together to build a better world.

Central to our vision is our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer focused on attracting, retaining, and developing great talent. We work to remove barriers related to gender identity, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and age.

We strongly encourage applicants from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Our Moondani Toombadool Centre leads our Indigenous education and culture at Swinburne, guided by community wisdom and leadership.

We support applicants with disabilities. Adjustments can be requested at any time during the recruitment process. For Reasonable Adjustment requests, including accessible formats for the PD, application form or any other document, please contact at DCR@swin.edu.au or call +61 3 +214 3550.

Victoria’s Commitment to Action: Improving international student employment outcomes
As a signatory to Victoria’s Commitment to Action, Swinburne seeks to remove barriers to international graduate employment. We welcome and encourage applications from international graduates.

As a Circle Back Initiative Employer, we commit to responding to every applicant. Read more