Dean of Students

Job description

• The Dean of Students provides strategic leadership for the University’s student affairs and support services portfolio, advancing a holistic, inclusive and supportive student experience.
• The incumbent will lead the development, implementation, monitoring and review of the Division’s strategy, policies and programmes, aligning these with the University’s teaching and learning priorities and its commitment to student wellbeing, development and success.
• Working closely with academic leadership, including College Deans of Teaching and Learning, professional services and student representative structures, the Dean will strengthen the integration of academic and non-academic support throughout the student journey.
• The role will contribute to student engagement, retention, progression and completion by coordinating responsive support services, monitoring the effectiveness of student support processes, strengthening referral mechanisms and addressing barriers to meaningful participation in university life.
• The Dean of Students provides a critical link between the broader functions and operations of the Student Services Division and the academic programme, supporting development in and out of the academic sphere.
• Attributes the incumbent will be expected to have include: positive interpersonal skills and the ability to understand the behavior and environment of students, in order to create and engage in civil and respectful working relationships; the ability to communicate effectively with a range of other stakeholders, and draft reports, operating and regulatory documents; problem-solving and decisive decision-making skill, in a complex and pressurized environment.
• The incumbent will report to the Deputy-Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning Division.

• A PhD/Doctoral qualification in an appropriate field;
• Ten (10) years of relevant experience, of which at least five (5) years’ experience must be in a higher education environment;
• At least three (3) years’ senior managerial experience within the higher education sector;
• Evidence of the ability to work with and within collectives, collaborating with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders and other team members, in support of student success;
• Evidence of involvement in conflict management and resolution processes and student disciplinary procedures.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 17 November 2026