Head of School, School of Civil Engineering

• Provide leadership in innovative teaching and research in civil engineering in alignment with Faculty of Engineering’s strategic goals
• Join the leadership team of a preeminent engineering faculty, one of the largest in the world
• Fixed-term role for a period of 4 years with an attractive remuneration package and a professorial continuing appointment in the school

 

About the opportunity

 

The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Sydney is one of the most highly regarded engineering faculties in the world, ranked 2nd in Australia and 57th globally (Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings by Subject 2026). Backed by the reputation, resources and location of Australia’s first university, the Faculty is delivering a clear strategy built on strong foundations, with bold ambition and collective excellence in research and education at its heart.

 

The School of Civil Engineering has been part of the University since 1882 and is world renowned for its work in structures and geomechanics. It is ranked 3rd in Australia and 31st globally for civil and structural engineering (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026). Its academics lead internationally recognised research centres in structural engineering, geomechanics, and wind, waves and water, and their work has shaped Australian Standards® for structural design. With this depth of talent, the School has the potential to further strengthen its international standing and set the benchmark in civil engineering research and education.

 

We are seeking a distinguished academic to lead the School into its next phase as Head of School, School of Civil Engineering. This is a key role within the Faculty Leadership Team, responsible for how the school contributes to the Faculty's strategy and goals. Working with colleagues, you will set the School's direction and define its areas of strength, including emerging opportunities such as AI in civil engineering. You will be responsible for fostering a collegial, inclusive and high-performing community grounded in trust, accountability and collective responsibility for excellence.

 

Key responsibilities include ensuring excellence and impact in teaching and research outcomes, maintaining accreditation standards, enhancing the student experience, and meeting financial targets. The Head of School holds formal financial and people management delegations, with responsibility for effective governance, fair and transparent allocation of resources and workload, risk management and workplace health and safety. The role also leads the recruitment, development and retention of talented staff. Full details are provided in the candidate information pack.

 

This is a role for a leader who wants to make a real impact.

 

About you (skills, capabilities and experience)

 

The successful candidate will hold a PhD and will have a respected scholarly record and recognised international standing in any sub-discipline of civil engineering. You will have a strong commitment to quality in research and education, and the ability to mentor colleagues in their scholarship.

 

You will have demonstrated leadership capability, with extensive experience in people leadership and management within the higher education or knowledge sector. You will have a track record of shaping the academic direction of a school or department, building its strengths in research and education and supporting colleagues to succeed, together with the sound judgement to manage its finances and infrastructure sustainably.

 

You will have experience nurturing a positive, high-performing culture, bringing colleagues with you through clear communication and genuine engagement, and managing difficult conversations with calm and integrity. You will have a clear commitment to equity, collegiality and leadership as service, in alignment with the University’s values of trust, accountability and excellence.

 

You will also bring experience working with industry and a wide network of academic, industry and professional relationships that you can draw on to enhance the standing of the School, the Faculty and the University.

 

Key benefits 

 

• Up to 17% employer superannuation contributions
• Tax-efficient salary packaging, including for cars, laptops and additional superannuation contributions
• Relocation assistance and visa sponsorship if you are moving from interstate or overseas
• Access to Fitness Passport, plus discounted rates at the University's sports and fitness centres
• The opportunity to lead a School at one of the world's leading universities

 

Term and remuneration

 

The successful candidate will be offered a four-year fixed term position on a full-time basis, with the possibility for renewal subject to performance and funding agreement. The appointment is subject to completion of a satisfactory probation period for new appointees.

 

Pre-employment checks

 

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University.  Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. 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.

 

Other

 

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 email at [email protected].

 

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Dr Jackie Besley, Managing Partner, Devereaux Consulting, on +61 (0) 413 633 195 or at [email protected]. Confidential discussions are encouraged and enquiries will be handled with discretion.

© The University of Sydney

 

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

 

Click here to view the Candidate Information Pack for this role.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Sunday 08 November 2026 11:59 PM