Associate Dean (Indigenous), Faculty of Health

• Ongoing academic role with a 3-year secondment.
• Faculty of Health, Western Sydney University.

Identified Position
This is an identified position and applicants must be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Person. Being an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational qualification as authorised under Section 14(D) of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

Please refer to the Guidelines for Confirmation of Identity for Indigenous Australians for the requirements of this position.

• Click here to view Confirmation of Identity for Indigenous Australian Staff
• Click here to view the Community Confirmation Template
• Click here to view the Statutory Declaration Form

The Opportunity
Provide strategic Indigenous leadership to shape education, research, and engagement across Health.

Western Sydney University is seeking an Associate Dean (Indigenous) to provide senior academic leadership across the Faculty of Health. This role advances Indigenous engagement, education, research, and success, while embedding Indigenous knowledges, perspectives, and participation throughout teaching, research, and governance.

Reporting to the Executive Dean, the Associate Dean (Indigenous) works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to implement the University’s Indigenous Strategy and Faculty-specific initiatives. The role plays a critical leadership function in strengthening Indigenous excellence and cultural capability across all areas of academic life.

This position is an ongoing academic appointment within a relevant School in the Faculty of Health, with the Associate Dean (Indigenous) responsibilities held as a 3-year secondment. The role supports strong Indigenous student enrolment, partnerships with communities and organisations, and the success of Indigenous graduates.

What Success Looks Like

• Lead and implement Faculty-aligned Indigenous strategies and initiatives.
• Advance Indigenous participation, success, and leadership in higher education.
• Embed Indigenous knowledges and perspectives in curriculum and learning.
• Strengthen Indigenous-led and Indigenous-engaged research and partnerships.
• Provide cultural leadership and advocacy within Faculty governance.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

• Doctoral qualification in a relevant discipline.
• Appointment at Academic Level D or E.
• Demonstrated academic leadership and engagement with Indigenous communities.
• Deep understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.
• Strong collaborative, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Benefits
We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Beyond a rewarding career, we offer a suite of benefits designed to support your physical, financial, and family wellbeing:

• Fitness Passport: Access hundreds of gyms and pools across the state through salary-packaging options.
• Onsite Childcare: Convenient facilities with exclusive staff discounts and salary packaging options.
• Financial Benefits: Salary sacrifice options for onsite parking and novated motor vehicle leasing,
• Holistic Support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) along with discounted retail and private health cover.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Direct to Professor Sarah Lewis, Executive Dean, Faculty of Health, via [email protected] or Kurt Watts [email protected]. Please quote REF1182D. 
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Sunday 29 April 2026.
• Working Rights: You must provide evidence of full-time working rights in Australia at application.
• How to Apply: Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered.

Belonging at Western
We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For Reasonable Adjustments during the application process, please contact [email protected].

About Western
This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

For the latest please visit our website and LinkedIn.