Head of School and Dean, The University of Sydney School of Dentistry

• 5-year fixed-term executive academic leadership role
• Member of the Faculty Leadership Group with responsibility for leading the academic, educational and research strategy of the School
• Opportunity to shape the direction, culture and impact of one of Australia's leading dental schools

The Faculty of Medicine and Health (FMH) at our esteemed University is the largest faculty, encompassing medicine, dentistry, medical sciences, nursing and midwifery, pharmacy, health sciences, and public health. Our faculty takes pride in fostering a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to address contemporary healthcare challenges.The University of Sydney School of Dentistry has provided exceptional education, clinical practice and integrated research in dental and oral health for over 100 years. Our students gain hands-on experience in functioning dental hospitals and simulation clinics, deepen their understanding of real-world healthcare issues and learn from leading dental and medical professionals. Our education is underpinned by our connections to Sydney Dental Hospital, Nepean Centre for Oral Health, Westmead Centre for Oral Health and oral health centres in regional and rural NSW.
About the opportunity
We are seeking to appoint an outstanding academic leader at the level of Professor (Level E) as Head of School and Dean, The University of Sydney School of Dentistry. This is a senior executive leadership role within the Faculty of Medicine and Health.
Reporting to the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health, and located at our Camperdown Campus, the Head of School and Dean is a member of the Faculty Leadership Group and head of the leadership team for the Sydney School of Dentistry. The role is responsible for setting and delivering the School's academic, educational and research vision; leading cultural and organisational development; and strengthening the School's national and international standing. Working in partnership with faculty leadership, the Head of School and Dean plays a key role in shaping and delivering faculty strategy at the school level.
The Head of School and Dean provides strategic and operational leadership across education, research and clinical training, actively managing academic performance and fostering the development of staff and future leaders. The role holds responsibility for the School's financial sustainability, including budget management and resource allocation, and leads engagement with key external stakeholders such as health services, professional bodies, industry partners and philanthropic supporters. The position also ensures compliance with all relevant accreditation, work health and safety, and University policies and governance requirements.
About you (skills, capabilities and experience)
You will be an accomplished academic leader with the credibility, vision and capability to lead a complex school through its next phase of growth and impact.
The successful candidate will possess:

• A PhD or equivalent qualification in dentistry, oral health, biomedical sciences, public health, education or another relevant cognate discipline and an international reputation for outstanding scholarship and research
• Proven experience in senior academic leadership, including people leadership, culture building and change management
• Knowledge and understanding of the key strategic issues in the higher education sector, nationally and internationally, with an established network of academic, industry and professional relationships
• Demonstrated experience in people leadership and management within the higher education/knowledge worker sector
• Proven skills and experience in financial and operational management
• An outstanding track record in obtaining peer review grants and in competitive grant support, as well as an exceptional publication record with original contributions in the field of Dentistry or a relevant discipline
• A strong commitment to academic excellence, spanning curriculum design, education leadership and research development
• The ability to create an environment where all students (including higher degree students) can flourish
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and proven ability and experience in working cooperatively and collegially in inclusive decision-making environments

Registration as a dentist is desirable but not essential. Candidates from aligned health, biomedical or relevant disciplines are encouraged to apply.
Key benefits

• University contribution of 17% of your base salary to your superannuation fund
• Access to tax-effective salary packaging, including vehicles, laptops and additional superannuation contributions
• Generous relocation allowance if moving from interstate or overseas
• Access to fitness passport, as well as discounted rates on university sports and fitness centres
• The opportunity to work at one of Australia's leading universities.

Sponsorship/work rights for Australia
Visa Sponsorship and relocation assistance will be provided if required.
Term and remuneration
The successful candidate will be offered a 5-year fixed-term position on a full-time basis. The successful candidate will be offered a competitive remuneration package commensurate with the responsibilities of the position and the candidate's relevant experience and qualifications.
Pre-employment checks
Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.
To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.
EEO statement
At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.
How to apply
Applications (including a CV and cover letter outlining how your skills, capabilities and experience meet the requirements for the role) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. Please refer to the candidate information brochure/position description for further details.
Candidate Information Brochure
Click to view the Position Description for this role.
The University of Sydney is partnering with Universe Search for this appointment. For a confidential discussion about the opportunity, please contact Kym Matthews, Director, Universe Search, on the details provided below.
For a copy of the candidate information brochure, a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require
reasonable adjustment or support in filling out your application, please contact:
Kym Matthews, Director, Universe Search at:E: kym@universesearch.com.auM: 0407 084 785
© The University of Sydney
The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
Applications CloseTuesday 10 February 2026 11:59 PM
Desired Skills and Experience* A PhD or equivalent qualification in dentistry, oral health, biomedical sciences, public health, education or another relevant cognate discipline and an international reputation for outstanding scholarship and research