About Southern Cross Education Institute – Higher Education (SCEI-HE) Southern Cross Education Institute – Higher Education is a dynamic and growing higher education provider delivering industry-aligned programs to domestic and international students across Australia. SCEI-HE is committed to academic excellence, professional relevance, inclusive education, and outstanding student outcomes in education, health, and community-focused programs, including the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) and the Bachelor of Human and Community Services (CWA).

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and high-calibre Academic Discipline Lead (at Professor level) to provide senior academic leadership and management for the Master of Social Work (Qualifying), Bachelor of Human and Community Services (CWA), and related Community and Social Work programs. Reporting directly to the Academic Director / CEO, you will drive curriculum quality, teaching excellence, academic staffing, student success, research culture, accreditation compliance, and continuous improvement. This is a prestigious leadership role offering the opportunity to shape the future of Social Work and Community Services education in Australia.

Key Responsibilities
• Provide strategic academic leadership for the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) and Bachelor of Human and Community Services (CWA) programs.
• Oversee curriculum design, delivery, assessment, moderation, and learning outcomes.
• Ensure full compliance with ASWEAS, TEQSA, Higher Education Standards Framework, and other regulatory requirements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), Community Work Australia (CWA), industry partners, and community organisations.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of academic staff.
• Deliver research-informed teaching and maintain an active research and scholarly profile.
• Lead course reviews, quality assurance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor and support student progression, engagement, and success,



with focus on at-risk and diverse cohorts.
• Contribute to accreditation, governance, reporting, and academic committees.
• Support student recruitment, industry engagement, and community partnerships.
• Represent SCEI-HE with professional bodies, government agencies, and external stakeholders (some travel required). Essential Criteria
• Professor title (or eligibility for Professorial appointment) in Social Work or a closely related discipline.
• PhD in Social Work or a closely related discipline.
• Full membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
• 5–7 years of relevant academic leadership experience in higher education at senior level.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating Social Work (including Qualifying programs) or Human and Community Services programs.
• Strong working knowledge of ASWEAS, TEQSA, Higher Education Standards, and ESOS.
• Proven track record in curriculum design, assessment, and academic quality assurance.
• Substantial research and publication record with experience supervising research students or projects.
• Experience leading and developing academic teams.
• Strong engagement with Social Work and Community Services professional networks.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organisational, and report-writing skills.
• Cultural competence and experience supporting diverse (including international and Indigenous) student cohorts.
• Australian working rights. Desirable
• Experience with international student compliance and support.
• Expertise in online/blended learning design and delivery.
• Track record in securing research grants and project management.
• Membership with other relevant bodies (including CWA).




• Qualifications in cultural capability, academic integrity, or educational leadership. Personal Attributes
• Strategic leadership capability with sound professional judgement.
• Collaborative, inclusive, and student-centred approach.
• Deep commitment to academic quality, equity, and student success.
• High level of professionalism, accountability, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently when required.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Why Join SCEI-HE?
• Play a pivotal leadership role in two key professional programs: Master of Social Work (Qualifying) and Bachelor of Human and Community Services (CWA).
• Make a genuine impact on curriculum innovation, research culture, teaching quality, and student outcomes.
• Work closely with industry, professional bodies (AASW & CWA), and community organisations.
• Join a supportive, collaborative, and culturally diverse higher education setting.
• Contribute meaningfully to the development of the next generation of Social Workers and Community Services professionals. SCEI-HE provides equal opportunity in employment to all suitably able people, without discrimination or harassment based on a personal characteristic, protected under the Equal Opportunity Act. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply. Southern Cross Education Institute
- Higher Education is continually working towards increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce representation. We aim to attract, recruit, and retain Indigenous staff in various roles in our businesses.

How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a cover letter addressing your:
• Academic leadership experience at Professorial level
• Social Work / Human and Community Services qualifications
• Professional memberships (AASW and any CWA involvement)
• Research record
• Experience supporting higher education programs (especially Qualifying Master of Social Work)

📌 Professor and Discipline Lead (Melbourne)
🏢 Southern Cross Education Institute Higher Education
📍 Melbourne