RMIT is a global university of technology, design and enterprise in which teaching, research and engagement are central to achieving positive impact and creating life-changing experiences for its students. One of Australia's original educational institutions founded in 1887, RMIT University now has 83,000 students including 12,000 at postgraduate level.

The University's purpose is to offer life-changing experiences for its students, and to help shape the world with research, innovation, teaching and industry engagement. With strong industry connections forged over 130 years, collaboration with industry remains integral to RMIT's leadership in education, applied and innovative research, and to the development of highly skilled, globally-focused graduates.

The College of Design and Social Context encompasses RMIT University's renowned art, architecture, design, built environment, communication, and social science disciplines. The college has 24,500 students and over 1,000 staff located in 9 schools. See here for further information.

RMIT's School of Fashion and Textiles is the country's premier education and research institution for the fashion and textiles fields with strong global standing and impact. RMIT Fashion and Textiles incorporates all stages of supply chain management from fibre production, textile technology, textile and fashion design, garment production, enterprise formation, merchandising and marketing through to retailing. RMIT Fashion and Textiles offers undergraduate programs, masters, and PhD degrees, making it one of the leading fashion and textile educators throughout Australia.

The School's research focuses on both textile technology and creative practice, with researchers leading the field with projects concerned with the urban environment, and applications for high performance textiles that have the capacity to deliver solutions for safer and healthier lives, from development of protective clothing for firefighters to garments that monitor wellbeing, to new modes of producing and consuming fashion.

The Dean of School is responsible to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President, Design and Social Context for the leadership and management of the School of Fashion and Textiles. The Dean of the School will have a particular responsibility for integrating activities across organisational boundaries and disciplines to meet with needs of students and industry.

As a senior academic management position within the University and a member of the University executive team, the Dean of School is expected to provide leadership in the University in relation to teaching and learning, research, and professional, industry and community engagement, and to contribute to the strategic direction setting of the College and University by working collaboratively with other members of the College and University executive.

• A PhD or demonstrated equivalence, combined with knowledge and achievements that meet the professorial criteria;
• a demonstrated ability to develop and implement a successful vision and business plan for the School, which aligns with the College and University strategic plans;
• significant professional standing in areas relevant to the School including demonstrated capacity to build and foster research within the disciplines;
• successful experience in managing and developing a large complement of academic, administrative and technical staff including the implementation of effective governance structures with transparent decision making processes;
• outstanding leadership skills, including capacity to initiate, lead and manage change in a challenging and dynamic environment while striving to achieve strategic objectives;
• knowledge and successful experience in financial and resources management;
• capacity to exercise academic leadership to enhance the standing of the School and College locally, nationally and internationally including a significant record of achievement in research, publication and/or creative works;
• outstanding interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to collaborate, network and build relationships within the organisation and with external stakeholders;
• proven ability to combine a collegial style with decisive, clear thinking, creative solutions and practical implementation strategies;
• capacity to build teamwork and a collegial environment.

To learn more about this opportunity, please reach out to Ksenia Frolova at Ksenia.frolova@society-search.com for an informal conversation.

The deadline for receipt of applications is midday on Monday, 06 June 2022.

For further information, including the candidate pack please see the Society website. As Society is assisting with this search please apply directly via their website

Dean, School of Fashion and Textiles

RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community, and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.

RMIT is a Disability Confident Recruitment Team, and we are happy to adjust the recruitment process for your accessibility requirements. Please contact Society telling us your preferred type of communication and we will be in touch as soon as possible to discuss your requirements.