Job Reference

1665640

In line with Curtin’s 2030 Strategic Plan, Curtin University is committed to optimising employment outcomes for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. Curtin University considers that being an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA). Therefore, only applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people will be considered.

Curtin University is seeking an outstanding academic leader to join our newly established Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous Portfolio as Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous.

Working closely with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous, you will listen to and learn from the people, knowledge and work already present across Curtin, bring colleagues together around a shared vision, and translate the University’s Indigenous strategic priorities into practical academic frameworks, initiatives and outcomes.

We are looking for someone with the academic standing and research credibility to lead and influence at the highest levels of the University, but just as importantly, someone who is deeply relational. You will be a thoughtful listener, a trusted partner and a natural connector who understands that meaningful institutional change is built through strong relationships, shared ownership and a genuine commitment to people.

While this is a new role, you will be supported by a warm and closely connected team that is genuinely committed to working together and making a difference. The role does not currently have direct reports; however, you will help shape the portfolio’s future capability and, as the work grows, play an important role in building and leading a team.



This position will be central to Curtin’s forthcoming Indigenous Strategy and the achievement of one of the University’s key strategic priorities. It is a genuine chance to create strong foundations, influence how the University works and contribute to meaningful outcomes for current and future generations of researchers and students.

The Opportunity

At Curtin, we are deeply committed to placing the voices, knowledges and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at the forefront of our decision-making and creating a University in which everyone can thrive.

The Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous will play an important role in bringing this commitment to life across Curtin’s academic activities. Operating under the strategic direction of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous, you will provide delegated University-wide leadership across Indigenous learning and teaching, curriculum transformation, research and Higher Degree by Research pathways, and broader academic capability development.

This is both a significant academic leadership position and a highly collaborative role. You will work in partnership with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, Faculty Deans Indigenous, the Centre for Aboriginal Studies, faculties,



research institutes and professional portfolios to develop coordinated approaches that deliver meaningful and measurable outcomes.

As an inaugural appointment within the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous portfolio, you will have a unique opportunity to help shape the role, establish priorities and contribute to the development of the University's approach to Indigenous academic leadership. Drawing on strengths already present across Curtin, you will identify opportunities, foster collaboration and help create the structures and momentum needed to support lasting change.

In this role, you will

- Provide visible and trusted academic leadership across Indigenous learning, teaching, research and Higher Degree by Research pathways.
- Help translate Curtin’s Indigenous Strategy into coordinated initiatives that deliver meaningful and measurable outcomes.
- Champion the embedding of Indigenous knowledges, perspectives and pedagogies across curriculum, research and academic practice.
- Strengthen Indigenous-led and Indigenous-engaged research, researcher capability, collaboration and impact.
- Build respectful and reciprocal relationships across Curtin and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and sector partners.
- Lead and support a connected, high-performing team while establishing the governance and shared accountability needed to sustain progress.
- Represent Curtin and advocate for Indigenous scholarship, excellence and success across the University and broader higher education sector.

About you

We are looking for an accomplished academic leader with the standing, experience and credibility to influence across a complex university environment. You will bring a solid research background and a deep understanding of Indigenous high

📌 Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous (Perth)
🏢 Curtin University
📍 Perth