Head of School – School of Education
Are you an inspiring academic leader ready to shape the future of education? This is an exceptional opportunity to step into a pivotal leadership role and drive the success of one of our largest and most dynamic programmes.
About Us
Ikon Institute is operated by EDU, an ASX‐listed provider of tertiary education, specialising in Early Childhood Education and Human Services. We foster meaningful careers through high‐quality education across our campuses in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and online.
About the Role
The Head of School, School of Education plays a critical leadership role in driving the delivery, growth and quality of the courses in the discipline. This role will lead a large academic team, oversee programme performance, and ensure the delivery of high‐quality teaching and learning that meets Ikon's vision and goals. The role also ensures academic integrity, learning and teaching design, student engagement and academic progression, and as a member of the Teaching & Learning Committee it focuses on academic management, team leadership and industry engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Academic Delivery
* Manage the operations and delivery of courses.
* Provide exemplary leadership and scholarship, and support the achievement of a high standard of teaching and scholarship across the academic team.
* Manage the quality of teaching within courses, providing academic staff with support and improvement strategies as required.
* Lead the development of industry‐relevant teaching and learning strategies that promote employability outcomes.
* Support the ongoing course review and continuous improvement processes, including moderation and benchmarking, to maintain the quality and currency of the courses and assessments.
* Support the comprehensive course review activities and assist the Accreditation and Development team in preparing documentation associated with renewal of accreditation.
* Manage the development and maintenance of learning resources (including blended and online delivery where relevant) and facilities for courses to ensure adequacy, appropriateness and currency.
Academic Management
* Ensure the proper conduct of all academic matters relating to staff, students and academic results in the school, adhering to organisational policies, procedures and standards.
* Identify, select and recruit appropriately qualified permanent and sessional academic staff, develop and maintain a pool of suitable qualified sessional lecturers and ensure that target teaching loads of permanent staff are achieved.
* Monitor student achievement, progression, retention and completion, identifying risks and issues and actively engaging support and improvement strategies as required.
* Support students identified as 'at risk', offering a supportive and student‐centric approach to improvement.
* Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory frameworks, standards and requirements across all aspects of courses and the team.
* Provide data, analysis and feedback to the Dean and the management team to inform key business decisions.
* Actively engage with marketing and student recruitment staff to facilitate clear communication of course requirements and outcomes.
* Support student recruitment and orientation activities, including participation in open days and information sessions.
* Ensure the quality of teaching, learning and assessment materials made available to students and staff via the Learning Management System.
Course Development and Accreditation
* Sit on Course Advisory Committees relating to new course development.
* Contribute to the development of new courses, including course outcomes, structure, subject outlines and accreditation submissions.
* Participate in planning and launch activities related to new courses.
Team Leadership
* Lead, direct and develop a high‐performing academic team focused on teaching and learning excellence and high student outcomes.
* Engage in scholarly activity, staying abreast of the latest developments in relevant subject areas of teaching and pedagogy.
* Facilitate and support the professional development and scholarship of academic staff.
* Actively develop a positive and supportive culture within the team and across the Institute.
* Provide mentoring and coaching support for team members to assist in their development.
* Provide clear direction and manage the work performance of team members.
* Embrace and model Ikon's fundamental values and ensure these characteristics are consistently applied across all aspects of the school's operation.
Industry Engagement
* Engage with industry and professional bodies to maintain the currency and relevance of courses and pedagogy.
* Manage relations with external associates, including benchmarking partners.
* Develop and maintain relationships with suitable external services that can host Ikon students in practicums and work placements.
* Promote Ikon through relevant professional networks and bodies.
Education, Experience & Skills
* PhD or postgraduate qualification in Early Childhood Education, Primary Education or General Education/Teaching.
* Experience in management, and leading change and innovation within a higher education environment.
* Knowledge of contemporary developments in the discipline or field, informed by continuing scholarship and/or practice.
* Skills in contemporary teaching, learning and assessment principles specific to the discipline or field.
* Experience in developing, leading and managing high‐performance teams.
* Experience in course development and accreditation and curriculum development.
* Demonstrated understanding of regulatory frameworks, especially the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021.
* IT proficiency and systems knowledge.
Why Join Us?
A supportive team – When you work with us, you're part of a community that lifts each other up, values every contribution and thrives on mutual respect.
Career progression – Your ideas matter, your growth is prioritised, and you're empowered to do your best work—because when we succeed, we do it together.
A positive and fun work environment – Work should be more than just a job—it should be an experience you enjoy.
Daily breakfast supplied – We believe a positive work environment starts with the little things, and what's better than breakfast?
Training and Development opportunities – Professional development allowance available to invest in your future and help you stay at the forefront of your field.
Diversity & Inclusion – We celebrate diversity and are committed to reflecting Australian society to serve our students better. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse peoples, people with disabilities, sexually and gender diverse people, and individuals of all ages.
Next Steps
Apply online or send your resume and cover letter to kelly.white@edu.com.au.
Only applicants with the right to live and work in Australia will be considered. Short‐listed candidates will be notified.
We look forward to receiving your application and potentially welcoming you to our team!
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