Company Description
Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.
Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them.
Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.
Arts, Education and Law
Griffith’s Arts, Education and Law Group is the largest and most diverse academic group in the University, encompassing creative and performing arts, law, education, criminology, social science and humanities, and has presence across all six campuses. Focusing on developing programs to prepare students for a changing world, it is also an environment where research can flourish, and our academic community can undertake outstanding scholarship research that makes a major contribution to society.
The School of Education and Professional Studies is ranked in the top 150 of similar schools worldwide and our graduates have employment success such that one in five teachers working in Queensland graduated from Griffith University. The School is also home to the Autism Centre of Excellence and additionally and the Griffith Institute for Educational Research both provide research leadership to professions facing complex educational challenges.
Job Description
We are seeking an outstanding academic leader to join our School in the role of Deputy Head of School (Learning & Teaching). This is a key senior leadership position offering the opportunity to shape and embed high‑quality, evidence‑based learning and teaching that is engaging, contemporary and responsive to student and industry needs.
The Deputy Head of School (Learning & Teaching) provides visionary, strategic leadership across the School’s learning and teaching portfolio. Working closely with the Head of School, the School Executive, the Dean (Learning & Teaching) and colleagues across the University, you will play a pivotal role in driving educational excellence and continuous improvement.
You will lead the implementation of learning and teaching strategies that align with University and Group priorities, support accreditation and quality assurance requirements, and contribute directly to achieving institutional learning and teaching KPIs.
In this role, you will:
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Provide strategic leadership for learning and teaching within the School, ensuring alignment with University priorities and sector best practice
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Embed evidence‑based approaches to teaching, learning and assessment that enhance student success, retention and satisfaction
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Lead and support Program Directors, providing guidance and oversight of learning and teaching responsibilities
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Build academic staff capability through mentoring, professional development and the promotion of innovative teaching practice
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Foster and support scholarship of learning and teaching, including dissemination and recognition of best practice
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Ensure learning and teaching approaches are flexible, inclusive and industry‑responsive, preparing graduates for evolving professional contexts
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Collaborate effectively across the University to support accreditation, course review, quality assurance and continuous improvement processes
About you
The successful candidate will have a PhD in a relevant discipline.
You will demonstrate:
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A strong academic profile with demonstrated leadership in learning and teaching at program or school level
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Deep understanding of contemporary higher education pedagogy, assessment design and quality assurance frameworks
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A proven ability to lead, inspire and support academic staff in diverse disciplinary contexts
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Experience supervising or supporting Program Directors or equivalent academic leadership roles
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A collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence, build relationships and drive change
What we can offer
The initial term will be for a period of three years with the possibility of renewal. This is a full-time position primarily based at Griffith University Gold Coast or Brisbane South (Nathan). As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations. Griffith University’s campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.
The successful candidate will also be offered an underlying continuing appointment at Level D or Level E.
The full-time equivalent base salary for an Associate Professor (Level D) is in the range $172,686 - $190,248 per annum + 17% superannuation. The total FTE package will be in the range $202,043 - $222,590 per annum.
The full-time equivalent base salary for a Professor (Level E) is $222,445 per annum + 17% superannuation. The total FTE package will be $260,261 per annum.
Additional Information
Why Griffith?
As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:
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Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment
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Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
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Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading
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Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities
How to apply
At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.
Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Our University is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all. In alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (2025), Griffith University includes a declaration as part of the recruitment journey to uphold the values and standards of our community. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy.
Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:
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A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role (please refer to the About you section above and the position description)
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Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details
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Names and contact details of at least three professional referees (no contact will be made without your permission)
Applicants must have unrestricted working rights. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Successful candidates may be subject to a criminal history check.
For further information specifically about this role, please contact Professor Debbie Heck, Head, School of Education and Professional Studies at [email protected].
For application and recruitment advice, please contact Theresa Burke, Talent Acquisition Partner at [email protected].
Closing date: Sunday, 23 August 2026 at 11:59pm AEST. All applications must be submitted online.
Please allow at least 1 – 2 weeks from the closing date to expect an application update.
