Dean, School of Law

Job Description

Overview: Dean, School of Law Lead the Future of Legal Education at RMIT. Inaugural leadership opportunity to shape RMIT’s School of Law. Strengthen industry connections and drive innovative legal education. 3–5-year Fixed Term Executive role with underlying continuing academic appointment in the School. About the Role RMIT is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as the inaugural Dean of the School of Law, a newly established school within the College of Business & Law (CoBL). A member of the College Executive, the role presents the opportunity to shape the vision, strategy, and future growth of the school while building upon RMIT’s strong reputation for industry-connected legal education and impactful research. The School of Law offers both undergraduate and postgraduate law programs, including a Juris Doctor (JD) program and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program. With a deep commitment to practice-oriented legal education, RMIT is positioned as a leader in technology-related law, social justice, and industry engagement. Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the College of Business & Law (CoBL), the Dean will provide strategic leadership across teaching and learning, research, industry engagement, and governance. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced and visionary legal academic leader to drive innovation, attract world-class talent, and expand the School’s influence across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Key Responsibilities include: Develop and implement a compelling vision for the School of Law, ensuring alignment with RMIT’s Knowledge with Action Strategy and CoBL’s objectives. Oversee the growth, quality, and continuous improvement of the school’s academic programs, research, and student outcomes. Foster a high-performance research culture, driving excellence in legal scholarship and practice-based research. Lead and develop a team of academic and professional staff, fostering a collaborative, diverse, and high-performing school culture. Manage the school’s budget, resources, and strategic growth initiatives, ensuring sustainability and innovation in law education. To be successful in this position, you will bring: A distinguished academic career as a leader in legal education and research. A PhD in Law and/or equivalent qualifications and experience from a comparable legal jurisdiction. Demonstrated success in developing innovative programs, strengthening teaching and learning outcomes, and expanding industry partnerships. Deep knowledge of the Australian and/or international legal sector, with strong industry connections and experience in legal education governance. Proven ability to attract, develop, and retain world-class legal academic talent to support the school’s growth. Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with a collaborative and future-focused approach. Ideally hold or have held law practice certification and have experience of the practice of law and working in or with law-related entities. About the School of Law & College of Business & Law (CoBL) The School of Law was established in late 2024, evolving from the former Graduate School of Business & Law. It offers a practice-focused and industry-connected curriculum, preparing students for success in legal practice, policy-making, and emerging areas of law. The Centre for Innovative Justice (CIJ), housed within the School, is recognized for its cutting-edge research and policy work in criminal and civil justice reform, further cementing RMIT’s commitment to social impact and progressive legal education. As part of RMIT’s College of Business & Law (CoBL), the School of Law operates within one of the largest business and law faculties in the Asia-Pacific region, delivering programs to over 28,000 students across Australia, Vietnam, Singapore, and Shanghai. To Apply Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest and suitability for this position by clicking on the ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page. For further information about this position, please see the Position Description hyperlinked below or contact Ben Cass via email . Position Description: Dean of Law Applications close on Sunday 13th of April at 11:59 PM . Please note, if you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to RMIT's Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page. RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community. At RMIT, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to RMIT (including alternate formats of application forms). We are a Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant. #J-18808-Ljbffr