Deputy Director, Teaching and Learning

Australian Film Television and Radio School; Sydney; On-site; AUD 190,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

15.4% employer superannuation

Job summary

Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) seeks a Deputy Director, Teaching and Learning to lead curriculum design, governance and student experience across its award programs. The role focuses on integrating First Nations knowledge from the outset and working with community partners.

The successful candidate will oversee the Head of Curriculum, collaborate with teachers and learning designers, and drive strategic projects that enhance learning outcomes in a creative education

Qualifications

• Experience in academic governance and course development in higher education.
• Ability to embed First Nations knowledge and perspectives into curriculum with community relationships.
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead integration of First Nations knowledge and perspectives into curriculum design.
• Oversee the Head of Curriculum and work with teachers and learning designers to strengthen practice.
• Drive academic governance, policy oversight and risk management for AFTRS learning programs.
• Contribute to divisional planning and student experience improvements across award programs.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum design

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS)

Deputy Director, Teaching and Learning

This position is only open to candidates who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

About the Organisation

The Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) is a Commonwealth statutory authority established under the Australian Film, Television and Radio School Act 1973. AFTRS is Australia’s national screen and audio school, delivering education, training and research in collaboration with industry.

AFTRS is a values-led organisation committed to excellence, courage, community, creativity and generosity. It plays an important role in supporting storytelling and creative practice across Australia, while fostering a collaborative environment that supports creativity, wellbeing and inclusion for both students and staff.

About the role

Reporting to the Director, Teaching and Learning, the Deputy Director plays a pivotal role in in strengthening the school’s teaching, learning and student experience across its award programs. The Deputy Director contributes to academic governance, course design, curriculum development and quality assurance, helping ensure that AFTRS’ learning environments are contemporary, well-structured and responsive to the needs of emerging creative practitioners. A central focus of the role is leading the integration of First Nations knowledge, perspectives and pedagogy from the outset of curriculum design, supported by strong community relationships and culturally grounded consultation.

This role suits an educator who is organised, pragmatic and comfortable working in a creative environment where collaboration, flexibility and thoughtful engagement are essential. The Deputy Director will lead key projects, support academic processes, oversee the Head of Curriculum, and work closely with teachers and learning designers to strengthen practice and support student outcomes.

The position also contributes to divisional planning, policy oversight and academic risk management, and may act for the Director when required. For someone with strong project management capability, a commitment to student-centred learning and an interest in shaping the future of screen and broadcast education, this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to AFTRS’ teaching and learning culture.

About you

This role would be suitable for a First Nations educator with experience in academic governance, curriculum design and/or student-centred teaching practice, ideally within a creative or higher-education setting. You bring strong community relationships and the confidence to embed First Nations knowledge and perspectives into curriculum from the outset. You’re organised, pragmatic and able to manage complex projects while working collaboratively with creative teachers and learning designers.

Key Selection Criteria

• Experience in academic governance, curriculum design and course development in a higher-education setting.
• Ability to embed First Nations knowledge and perspectives into curriculum, supported by strong community relationships.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes.
• Ability to work collaboratively with creative educators and build positive, productive relationships across a team.
• Capacity for strategic thinking and readiness to step into broader leadership when required.

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to contribute to a school committed to creative excellence, cultural integrity and high-quality teaching and learning.
• A role where you help shape curriculum, academic governance and student experience across AFTRS’ award programs.
• The chance to lead key strategic projects, including the integration of First Nations knowledge and perspectives into curriculum design.
• A collaborative environment where your relationships with community, educators and students support meaningful and lasting impact.
• 15.4% employer superannuation

Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday, 13th of September 2026