Head of School, Creative and Performing Arts

The University of Tasmania acknowledges the Palawa/Pakana and Gadigal/Wangal people as the traditional custodians of the land, sea and waters of the areas upon which we live and work. We recognise their valuable contributions and deep connection to country and pay respect to Elders past and present.

Lead the strategic, academic, and operational initiatives, foster a vibrant organisational culture, and strengthen partnerships across government, industry, and the arts.

• Drive excellence in teaching and meaningful and enduring community impact across Tasmania and beyond for art and theatre.
• Shape an innovative and sustainable future for the School of Creative & Performing Arts.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture where teamwork is valued, and individuals are supported to grow and succeed together.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an exceptional leader to shape the future of a dynamic and impactful academic community. The School of Creative and Performing Arts fosters artistic excellence; cultural innovation, and community engagement across Tasmania and beyond. As the Head of School, you will provide strategic, academic, and operational leadership; drive high-quality education and research; cultivate a thriving organisational culture; and lead meaningful and enduring community partnerships. You will join the Arts and Society leadership team, contributing to a collaborative university culture and ensuring the School’s offerings are distinctive, sustainable, and aligned with strategic goals. This is a unique opportunity to lead a School positioned at the heart of creative practice, cultural leadership, and societal impact.

What’s Required

• Qualifications and experience commensurate with the senior academic level in one of the disciplines (Art and Theatre) offered by the School.
• Academic leadership experience, with a strong record of achievement in teaching, research, and engagement within a University or comparable context.
• Strong understanding of curriculum design, teaching quality assurance, and student experience enhancement, including the ability for innovative leadership in the design and delivery of a compelling, high-quality and sustainable Bachelor of Fine Arts.
• Experience in leadership of practice-led research, including fostering collaboration, maintaining research quality and integrity, and securing partnerships and external funding.
• Sound financial and resource management capabilities, including budget development, forecasting, and efficient deployment of people and assets.
• Strong understanding of governance, compliance, and regulatory frameworks relevant to higher education, research, and risk management.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships with industry, government, and community stakeholders to enhance the School’s profile and impact.

About the Portfolio

The University of Tasmania is entering a pivotal phase of growth and renewal, guided by its refreshed Strategic Plan. This plan positions the University as a key enabler of Tasmania’s transition across education, health, productivity, climate resilience, and cultural identity by 2025. The newly formed School of Creative and Performing Arts is one of five academic units under Arts and Society, alongside the Conservatorium of Music and the Schools of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Law. Together, our Arts and Society schools provide world-class research and teaching through undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with presence across three regions in lutruwita/Tasmania: South (Hobart), Northern (Launceston). Our graduates have made significant contributions to Tasmania's cultural footprint, and the University is highly regarded locally, nationally, and internationally.

What’s on Offer?

This is a full-time position based in Tasmania preferably in Hobart or Launceston. In return for your experience, you’ll have access an array of staff benefits and discounts including.

• 26 Weeks paid parental leave for primary care givers
• 17% Superannuation contribution
• Health and fitness membership options
• Accommodation and Car Hire discounts
• Health Insurance and Banking
• Novated Leasing

How to Apply?

If this role is of interest, we look forward to hearing from you.

• Please provide your up-to-date resume with a 1-2 page cover letter outlining your motivation for the role
• Please address the selection criteria outlined in the role specific skills, knowledge and experience section of the PD and how your skills and experience align
• For further information about this position, please contact [email protected]
• Applications for this role will close 11:55pm Sunday 14th September 2025

Position Description Head of School, Creative and Performing Arts August 2025.pdf

To be eligible for this position, you are required to have Australian citizenship, permanent residence or a current valid visa that allows you to fulfill the requirements of this role.