Swinburne University of Technology

Key academic leadership position within the School of Social Sciences, Media, Film and Education Full-time, 2-years fixed term role as Associate Dean (with possible extension) and underlying ongoing position Academic Level D salary + 17% super and additional salary loading for the duration of the fixed term appointment About the Role Swinburne University of Technology is seeking an exceptional academic leader to join us as an Associate Dean, Innovation and Engagement (I&E). This is a unique opportunity to be a key member of the School Executive team and provide senior academic leadership to activate Swinburne’s entrepreneurial ecosystem across teaching, research, innovation and engagement. As the Associate Dean I&E, you will be responsible for embedding enterprise capability and industry collaboration across the School and in turn, the Academic portfolio through learner-powered industry innovation and experience, including the systematic integration of Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) within curriculum design, delivery models, and assessment. This ensures that industry engagement, WIL, and innovation are coherently designed and delivered as part of the learning experience, resulting in high-quality industry-connected education, future-ready graduates, and demonstrable impact. As a member of the School’s senior leadership team, you will lead enterprise-driven learning and innovation initiatives across domestic and global contexts. This includes engaging and collaborating with stakeholders to deliver learner powered industry innovation, strategy, and working in collaboration with other Associate Deans to integrate industry-connected curriculum and pedagogy, enabling innovation outcomes and industry-linked learning models, and advancing the commercialisation of research, industry-focused educational products, and student and staff ventures to create impact at scale and support sustainable growth.  This position stewards entrepreneurship, commercialisation and industry-connected innovation across all sectors and cohorts, positioning Swinburne as a global leader in entrepreneurial education, industry-engaged learning, and commercial impact. You will champion innovation and engagement in the School in support of the University’s strategic plan - Ad Astra, and play a major role in activating School academics to participate and lead I&E activities. *The appointment as Associate Dean is for a fixed term of two years and attracts a 10% salary loading for the duration of the appointment. This appointment is underpinned by an ongoing, substantive Associate Professor (open discipline within the School) position at level D. About You To be suitable for this role you will need to have experience in the below key accountabilities: Demonstrated experience providing senior academic leadership in a complex tertiary education environment, with evidence of shaping strategy, influencing decision-making, and delivering sustained organisational outcomes. Proven ability to lead or significantly contribute to enterprise-driven learning, industry engagement, Work Integrated Learning (WIL), or applied education initiatives that improve student employability and external engagement. Demonstrated experience identifying, structuring, and progressing industry engagement and commercialisation opportunities in an education and/or research context, including shaping value propositions, aligning academic capability to industry need, navigating governance and approval processes, and contributing to revenue-generating or impact-driven outcomes. Demonstrated understanding of the commercial dimensions of education, research, and industry engagement, with experience contributing to decisions that balance academic quality, student and research outcomes, and financial sustainability. Highly developed interpersonal, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships, lead through influence, and align academic, professional and external stakeholders in complex, matrixed or dual-accountability environments. Exposure to innovation precincts, start-ups, short courses, micro-credentials, professional learning, and/or commercialisation initiatives in an education or relevant industry context. Qualifications A doctoral qualification or equivalent standing, demonstrated through senior leadership experience and substantial contribution to education and professional practice relevant to the role. About Swinburne University of Technology  Swinburne’s strategy draws upon our understanding of future challenges. We choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research. Our Ad Astra strategy is the cornerstone of Swinburne’s bold ambition to lead globally in technology-driven education and research. This strategy positions us to create transformative solutions, empower learners, and partner with industry to thrive in an ever-changing world. What We Offer You! Work your way with flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options and generous parental leave to support a balanced lifestyle.  Exclusive staff discounts, including discounted Medibank health insurance, 50% off Swinburne courses and other partner offers. Swinburne offers 17% super and salary packaging options, including car leasing and extra super contributions. Want to learn more? Head over to our benefits page! To Apply  Please submit the following:  CV Cover Letter Responses to the Key Selection Criteria To review the Position Description and to apply, please scroll down to the bottom of the page.  If you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to Swinburne’s Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page. Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check.  If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Swinburne Talent Acquisition Team on talentacquisition@swin.edu.au  Applications Close: Sunday, 30 August 2026 at 11:30pm.  Swinburne offers flexible working options contained in our leave and parenting/carer policies to support work-life balance. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Swinburne has become a world-class university, driving social and economic impacts through science, technology, and innovation. As a dual-sector university, our vision is for people and technology working together to build a better world. Central to our vision is our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer focused on attracting, retaining, and developing great talent. We work to remove barriers related to gender identity, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and age. Swinburne is proud to be recognised as an AWEI Gold Employer, reflecting our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where LGBTQIA+ employees, students and communities can thrive. We strongly encourage applicants from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Our Moondani Toombadool Centre leads our Indigenous education and culture at Swinburne, guided by community wisdom and leadership. We support applicants with disabilities, and reasonable adjustments can be requested at any stage of the recruitment process. For reasonable adjustment requests - including accessible formats of the position description, application form, or other documents, please contact talentacquisition@swin.edu.au or call +61 3 9214 3550. Please note: this phone number is for disability and reasonable adjustment enquiries only. General enquiries about the role can also be emailed to talentacquisition@swin.edu.au. Victoria’s Commitment to Action: Improving international student employment outcomes. As a signatory to Victoria’s Commitment to Action, Swinburne seeks to remove barriers to international graduate employment. We welcome and encourage applications from international graduates. As a Circle Back Initiative Employer, we commit to responding to every applicant. #LI-SW Position Description - Associate Dean, Innovation and Engagement Position Description - Associate Professor (Open Discipline - SoSSMFE) How to apply: Start your application by clicking the "begin" button. 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