Lead the future of education

The University of Newcastle is a top 1% global institution*, recognised for its leadership in equity, access and community impact. The University is distinctive in its strong commitment to serving its regions, bringing people to higher education who have not traditionally accessed it, and partnering across communities to deliver meaningful, place-based outcomes.

Guided by its Looking Ahead 2030 strategy, the University has a clear ambition to be a world-leading university for its regions, driving opportunity, inclusion and transformation locally and nationally.

Reporting to the Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Global), the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education Innovation) will lead the University's education strategy, driving transformation across curriculum, learning and teaching, educational quality and the student experience.

Working across the University and with industry, government and community partners, you will lead an ambitious agenda that strengthens student success and graduate outcomes. Working with academic leaders, you will develop the education plan for the university, enhancing the first-year experience, embedding career development and industry readiness throughout the curriculum, and expanding work-integrated learning so that every student graduates with the capabilities, confidence and experiences to thrive in a changing workforce.

You will lead curriculum renewal and educational innovation, bringing deep expertise in curriculum transformation, the integration of an AI curriculum, contemporary inclusive pedagogy, assessment and universal learning design. You will guide the University's response to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, ensuring these capabilities are integrated thoughtfully into learning, teaching and curriculum design to enhance educational quality and prepare graduates for the future of work.

As a member of the University's senior leadership team, you will provide strategic direction across the education portfolio, leading the development and implementation of the University's Education Plan and ensuring strong governance, academic quality and regulatory compliance. You will bring a sophisticated understanding of the higher education sector, with the ability to anticipate emerging policy, funding and regulatory developments and translate these into institutional strategy and innovation. You will build trusted relationships across the University and externally, representing the University of Newcastle nationally and internationally while fostering partnerships that strengthen educational outcomes and graduate success.

The successful candidate will have a distinguished record of executive leadership in higher education, education strategy or academic innovation, with demonstrated success leading institution-wide innovation in complex organisations. You will combine strategic thinking with strong execution, bringing credibility in governance, educational quality and organisational leadership. Equally important will be your ability to inspire others, build high-performing teams and influence across diverse stakeholder groups to deliver lasting institutional impact.

*QS World University Rankings 2027

How to Apply

The University of Newcastle Australia is supported by Heidrick & Struggles for this global search process.

For further information about the opportunity or for a confidential conversation please contact Janelle Entwistle or Tanu Mehta at newcastlepvc@heidrick.com or on +61 411 419 680. 

Applications close on Tuesday 15 September 2026 at 11.59pm AEST

The University of Newcastle is proud to be one of the first two Universities in Australia to achieve SAGE Athena Swan Silver Accreditation for gender equity, diversity, and inclusion (GEDI).

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.

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