Dean, School of Media and Communication
Lead a high-performing School of Media and Communication, shaping its future direction, performance and impact
Drive excellence in teaching, research, industry engagement and student outcomes across a dynamic and future-focused portfolio
Executive leadership opportunity within RMIT’s College of Design and Social Context, based at Melbourne CBD campus
About the role
Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Design and Social Context, the Dean, School of Media and Communication provides strategic, academic and operational leadership of one of RMIT’s most distinctive and globally recognised Schools. Accountable for the School’s strategic direction and overall performance, the Dean leads excellence across teaching and learning, research, student experience, financial sustainability, people leadership and industry engagement.
The School of Media and Communication is recognised for pushing the boundaries of digital knowledge creation and future-focused practice, with deep engagement across industry and community to ensure teaching and research respond creatively, innovatively and responsibly to global conditions. Home to a vibrant interdisciplinary community spanning communication, journalism, screen, public relations, advertising, creative writing, publishing, culture, music industry, digital ethnography and new media, the School maintains a strong international focus with programs delivered across Melbourne, Vietnam and Singapore.
As a key member of the College Executive, the Dean leads the School Executive to shape and deliver the School’s strategic vision, ensuring alignment with College and University priorities. The role is responsible for fostering an innovative, inclusive and high-performing academic environment, strengthening research and educational impact, and advancing the School’s profile and partnerships locally, nationally and internationally.
This is an opportunity to lead a School with strong industry engagement, while shaping future-ready education, interdisciplinary research and engagement in a rapidly evolving media and communication landscape.
Key priorities
Lead the strategic direction, performance and long-term sustainability of the School, ensuring alignment with College and University priorities
Provide academic leadership across teaching, learning and research, strengthening the School’s reputation, quality and impact
Foster an innovative, inclusive and contemporary learning environment that supports student success, retention, employability and student experience
Strengthen research excellence, capability and impact through a collaborative, interdisciplinary and high-performing research culture
Drive industry, community and external engagement, building partnerships that inform curriculum, research and work-integrated learning
Advance the School’s profile locally, nationally and internationally through external engagement and partnerships
Lead accreditation and regulatory requirements, ensuring strong governance, quality assurance and compliance across programs and operations
Provide strategic oversight of the School’s financial sustainability, resource allocation and operational performance
Build and lead a high-performing, inclusive and engaged workforce, fostering capability development, collaboration and accountability
Work collaboratively as a member of the College Executive to deliver shared priorities and contribute to University-wide initiatives and transformation
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
Proven senior academic leadership experience within a university environment, with demonstrated success in delivering academic excellence and organisational performance
Significant academic and/or professional standing in disciplines relevant to media and communication, with the credibility to lead a high-performing School
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans, balancing academic priorities, financial sustainability and operational performance in complex environments
Strong track record of building excellence and relevance in teaching, learning and research, including fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation
Demonstrated research achievement and the ability to build research impact, partnerships and collaboration across industry, business and government
Deep understanding of the media and communication sector, including emerging trends and professional requirements
Proven success in building strong external relationships and partnerships across industry, community, alumni, government and professional bodies
Outstanding stakeholder engagement, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to lead collaboratively and make evidence-informed decisions
Strong people leadership capability, with demonstrated success in developing high-performing and engaged teams
A PhD in a relevant discipline, or equivalent, and academic standing consistent with RMIT’s Professorial criteria
Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check.
To Apply
Please submit your CV and covering letter addressing your interest and suitability for this position by clicking on the ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page.
For further information about this position, please see the Position Description or contact Daniela Alvarez via email [email protected] for a confidential discussion regarding this opportunity.
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.
In line with RMIT University’s commitment to a safe, respectful and inclusive environment, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence (GBV) risk factors as part of our recruitment processes. All applicants will be required to complete a gender‑based violence declaration in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence. Preferred candidates will also be required to undertake relevant pre‑employment background checks, including Working With Children Checks. Information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for its relevance to the role and RMIT’s safety obligations.
At RMIT, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to RMIT (including alternate formats of application forms). To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact Dani, via [email protected] or visit our Careers page for more contact information - https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers.
We are a Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant.
