Dean, School of Media and Communication

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.