Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous (s50d)

Curtin University; Perth; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Curtin University in Bentley, Western Australia, seeks an outstanding academic leader to join our Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous Portfolio as Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous.

You will provide delegated university‑wide leadership across Indigenous learning, curriculum transformation, research pathways and broader academic capability development, partnering with Deans, centres and faculties to translate Indigenous priorities into practical academic frameworks and measurable

Job description

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 opportunity 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 strong research background and a deep understanding of Indigenous higher education, research and policy in Australia.

• A PhD or equivalent record of scholarly, professional and/or executive achievement leadership, and academic standing consistent with appointment at Professor level.
• Demonstrated academic leadership and achievement in Indigenous education, research, research training or a related area.
• Experience leading university-wide academic initiatives and influencing outcomes in a complex higher education environment.
• A strong understanding of academic governance, including boards, committees and university decision‑making processes.
• A track record of developing and delivering initiatives that strengthen Indigenous participation, success and excellence in higher education.
• Experience building research capability and/or leading curriculum transformation in an Indigenous higher education context.
• A strong understanding of the national Indigenous higher education, research and policy landscape.
• Strong connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and cultures.
• The ability to build respectful, collaborative relationships across faculties, disciplines, communities and stakeholder groups with integrity and collegiality.
• Experience leading academic and professional staff and developing connected, capable and high‑performing teams.
• Highly developed communication, relationship‑building, influencing and advocacy skills.
• A leadership approach grounded in respect, integrity, cultural safety, care and accountability.
• A strong commitment to Curtin’s values, strategic priorities and aspirations for Indigenous success.

Senior leadership experience within the higher education sector, together with experience working collaboratively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to advance education, research and knowledge development, will be highly regarded.

If your qualifications or experience look different from whatwe'vedescribed above, but you feel your skills and potential are a match to the capabilities we need, please apply. We are looking for diversity in experience,thoughtand approach.

For more information

For more information about this opportunity, including the full position description and selection criteria please review the Candidate Brochure via the following link: https://tinyurl.com/ADVCI-Curtin

Role Requirements

• You will require current work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role to be considered.
• Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction

About Curtin University

Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2025 rankings. We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live.

What We Offer You

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.

Beyond these benefits, this is an opportunity to:

• Build something meaningful by creating new programs, partnerships and pathways with university-wide impact.
• Broaden your leadership experience through engagement with faculties, Academic Board, research leaders and senior executives.
• Connect education and research across Indigenous curriculum, research excellence, HDR development and academic workforce capability.
• Join a passionate and well‑supported team, working closely with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous and other senior academic leaders.

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