Job Description
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 Built Environment and Design is a key part of our new Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science (ECS). The School offers a vertically and horizontally integrated curriculum, centred on problem-based learning, with undergraduate programs in Construction Management, Architecture, Industrial Design, and Building Design Management, as well as a suite of Master's and PhD research opportunities.
Our research leaders are addressing some of the world's greatest challenges, ensuring housing security, creating healthy built environments, and developing smarter, greener assets through digitalisation and AI. The School is deeply engaged in the transformation of Western Sydney, contributing to major regional projects and fostering industry equity.
The Opportunity
As Dean, you will lead one of the University's largest and most in-demand Schools, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of built environment and design education and research. You will be responsible for developing and enacting the School's strategy in alignment with Faculty and University priorities, ensuring the delivery of high-quality teaching, impactful research, and strong external engagement.
Your leadership will extend to overseeing curriculum development, accreditation, and continuous improvement, maintaining excellence and compliance with evolving industry standards. Central to your role will be fostering a high-quality student experience, championing innovation, retention, and engagement across all cohorts. You will also build and sustain relationships with professional bodies, accreditation agencies, industry, and community partners to enhance curriculum relevance and graduate employability.
In addition, you will manage the School's budget and resources to ensure sustainability and alignment with strategic goals, while leading and supporting academic staff through effective workforce planning, recruitment, performance management, and professional development. As a key member of the Faculty, you will represent the School in Faculty-wide committees and contribute to governance, partnerships, and strategic initiatives across the University.
About You
We are seeking a bold, strategic, and collaborative leader with:
* A doctoral qualification in a Built Environment discipline, with extensive senior leadership experience and achievement.
* Deep knowledge and understanding of the construction industry.
* Extensive senior leadership experience in higher education or a relevant professional domain.
* An established international reputation for research or exceptional strategic and managerial achievement in a relevant discipline.
* Significant experience in built environment 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 knowledge of professional, accreditation, and industry issues and trends relevant to the School's disciplines.
* High-level capability in managing financial, human, and physical resources within a complex organisation.
* Demonstrated ability to lead and manage senior academic staff, fostering collaboration, accountability, and high performance.
* Capacity to maintain and strengthen relationships with industry, professional bodies, and community partners.
* Strategic insight into the future directions of built environment disciplines, including academic innovation, graduate outcomes, and regional and global relevance.
Why Join Us?
At Western Sydney University, you'll join a vibrant, values-driven community that is shaping the future of built environment and design. 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 Engineering, Computing and Science (ECS).
* Access world-class facilities and contribute to transformative projects shaping the future of Western Sydney.
* 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 Penrith campus, with flexibility to support executive commitments.
How to Apply?
To express your interest in the role of Dean, School of Built Environment and Design, 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 Brian Falzon (Executive Dean, ECS) at [email protected] or Michael Baker (Faculty General Manager, ECS) at [email protected].
Closing Date:
11:59pm on Monday 26th 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.