Job Reference: 1694813

Curtin University is seeking an exceptional and transformational academic leader to become the next Head of School, Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry.

Curtin University's School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry (MCASI) brings together a distinctive and diverse academic community spanning the creative arts, media and communication, humanities and social sciences. Combining critical inquiry, creative practice and professional education, the School’s mission is to “imagine and realise better futures through critical thinking and powerful storytelling”.

About the Role

Reporting to the Pro Vice-Chancellor - Faculty of Humanities, the Head of School will provide strategic, academic and operational leadership to a diverse community of academics, professional staff and students.

The successful candidate will lead the School through its next phase of growth and impact, strengthening its disciplinary breadth through responsive and sustainable teaching, research, creative practice, and industry and community partnerships. You will foster a culture of collegiality, creativity and innovation, with a focus on renewal of teaching programmes, expansion of high-quality research, sustainable workforce planning and data-informed, equitable decision-making. As a key member of the Faculty leadership team, you will contribute to Curtin’s broader strategic priorities while strengthening the School’s culture, reputation, influence and partnerships.

This role offers the chance to:

- Shape the future direction of a School central to Curtin's vision for Learning Futures.
- Inspire and develop high-performing culture with academic and skilled teams.
- Enhance the School's research profile and impact.
- Strengthen relationships with government, industry, professional bodies and community partners.
- Enable innovation in educational practice, curriculum design and student experience.
- Contribute to the strategic leadership of one of Australia's leading global universities.

About You You are a values‑led and transformational academic leader who brings empathy, sound judgement and purpose to leadership.



You bring a strong understanding of contemporary higher education, the evolving education landscape and the opportunities emerging from technological, societal and workforce transformation. With a strong track record of positive impact and working collaboratively, you are committed to empowering others and creating environments where people and ideas thrive. The ideal candidate will have:

- A doctoral qualification in a related discipline.
- A distinguished record of academic achievement and transformational leadership, with experience leading high-performing teams in complex environments.
- A strong record of leading impactful innovation in the Higher Education sector.
- Strong strategic, financial and operational leadership capability with exceptional stakeholder engagement skills.
- Well developed skills in establishing and maintaining productive industry partnerships
- A strong track record of creating and leading management teams operating across diverse portfolios, including research centres.
- Understanding of contemporary national and international Higher Education sectors including opportunities in regional, rural, and remote communities.
- Experience in developing productive cross-institutional partnerships
- A demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, innovation and continuous improvement.
- Current substantive appointment as Professor (desirable).

Your Team: School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry With origins extending to Curtin’s Department of General Studies in 1972, MCASI connects established disciplines with emerging fields of inquiry. Its research and creative practice span culture and technology, digital media, social justice, sustainability, international relations and public policy.



The School’s 2025-2030 Research and Creative Practice Strategy prioritises interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative methods, stronger connections between research and teaching, and work with social impact. Collaboration is supported by centres including the Centre for Culture and Technology, Korean Research and Engagement Centre and Centre for Human Rights Education.https://www.curtin.edu.au/about/learning-teaching/humanities/education/

What We Offer You

This full-time position attracts a remuneration package of $229,829 (ALE) + 10% Head of School allowance + 17% superannuation.

Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more.

For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/

Join Us!

If this sounds like your next role, please click APPLY NOW ensuring to attach the following documents:

- a current curriculum vitae
- a cover letter outlining interest in the role and demonstrating how your experience, leadership approach and values align with the responsibilities and capabilities described above.

If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on [email protected] or 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Please note applications will not be accepted via this email address. Applications close: 11.30PM (AWST), Sunday 6 December 2026

Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time. We reserve the right to remove the advert earlier than the date on the advert.

📌 Head of School | School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry (Perth)
🏢 Curtin University
📍 Perth