Head of School, School of Civil Engineering
Lead the School of Civil Engineering at the University of Sydney with a focus on research excellence, strategic innovation, and academic leadership.
Best for:Best for experienced academic leaders with a PhD in civil engineering, a proven track record in research and education leadership, and expertise in strategic management and financial governance.
Overview
This position offers the opportunity to lead the School of Civil Engineering at the University of Sydney, one of the world’s most prestigious engineering faculties. The successful candidate will drive the school’s strategic direction, ensuring excellence in research and education, particularly in emerging areas like AI in civil engineering. The role involves managing a high-performing academic community, overseeing financial and operational governance, and fostering collaboration with industry and global networks. The appointment is a fixed-term, four-year position with a potential for renewal, offering a distinguished academic the chance to shape the future of civil engineering education and research.
What you'll do
- Set the strategic direction of the School of Civil Engineering, aligning with the Faculty of Engineering’s broader goals and objectives.
- Ensure excellence and impact in teaching and research outcomes, maintaining high accreditation standards and fostering innovation.
- Enhance the student experience through curriculum development, mentorship, and support for academic growth.
- Oversee financial management, resource allocation, and budgetary planning to ensure sustainable operations and growth.
- Lead recruitment, development, and retention of academic and administrative staff, fostering a collegial and inclusive work environment.
- Manage governance, risk assessment, and workplace health and safety protocols for the school.
- Build and leverage industry and academic networks to elevate the School’s global standing and research impact.
Requirements
Degree required: PhD in Civil Engineering or a related discipline
Language: English proficiency at a level suitable for academic leadership and administration
Instruction: English
Publications: Respected scholarly record and recognised international standing in civil engineering
- Proven leadership experience in academic administration or higher education management
- Strong track record in research and scholarly publication within civil engineering or a related field
- Demonstrated ability to shape the academic direction of a school or department
- Experience in financial management, budgeting, and resource allocation within an academic setting
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive, high-performing, and collaborative academic community
- Experience in managing large-scale teams and driving organizational change
- No specific nationality or residency restrictions mentioned, but visa sponsorship may be provided for international candidates
- Experience in higher education leadership is strongly preferred
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-08 (Australia/Sydney)
Submit a CV and cover letter outlining how your skills, capabilities, and experience meet the role requirements via email to CivilEng@devereauxconsulting.com. Employees of the University can apply through their Workday account. Confidential discussions are encouraged and can be arranged with Dr Jackie Besley at Devereaux Consulting.
- CV
- Cover letter outlining qualifications and experience
- Candidate Information Pack (optional but recommended)
Contact
Dr Jackie Besley· Managing Partner, Devereaux Consulting
jackiebesley@devereauxconsulting.com
+61 (0) 413 633 195
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