Head of School of Computing

Since our foundation in 1964, we’ve aspired to be a different type of university: one that focuses on fostering collaboration between students, academics, industry and society. As a collective, we’re advancing world-class theoretical thinking and translating it into real-world solutions.

We’re ranked among the top one per cent of universities in the world, and we’re known globally for our strong tradition of innovation – we pioneered the technology that underpins wi-fi, and today we’re applying that same spirit to many of the complex challenges shaping our world.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering is driven by the spirit of innovation. We nurture the next generation of science and technology innovators. The pairing of engineering and science in a single faculty means many of our research discoveries see direct technological applications.

We are active within many industry partnerships, commercial collaborations and joint enterprise initiatives with government, industry and business partners.

The School of Computing is the second-largest school in the faculty, with a strong focus on coursework and an increasing presence in research. All degrees in the school are accredited by the Australian Computer Society.

The School of Computing is a leader in cybersecurity, with the Macquarie University Cyber Security Hub fostering collaboration between partners in business, government, research and education. The school is also home to research centres in advanced drone systems, applied AI and frontier AI research. Our data science and artificial intelligence discipline is ranked among the world’s top 100 in the QS World Rankings by Subject 2025.

Macquarie University is proud to be recognised as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency for our progress towards gender equity, and we are focused on long-term systemic change.

We are looking for an accomplished and visionary leader as Head of School of Computing.

You will:

• bring successful academic leadership and management experience, and proven success in the development and implementation of strategic plans aligned with organisational priorities.
• be skilled at enabling the collegial development of a school and be an advocate for diversity, inclusion and belonging.
• possess a highly regarded external profile with current and prospective partners, industry, government, students, institutions and alumni.

• be recognised as an authority in your discipline, with a track record of academic and research excellence.
• have enabled collaborations and played an active role in connecting researchers across the discipline, faculty and academic community.
• have proven expertise in curr/iculum design and innovation, and in the delivery and assessment of quality teaching programs.

Your modelling of core academic and university values, and your ability to inspire teams and build trust while fostering innovation and excellence, will position you to succeed in this role.

As Head of School of Computing, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of experiential education, advancing impactful research and fostering purposeful partnerships. The school is committed to strengthening its academic community, and we seek an authentic and transformational leader who excels in attracting, developing and retaining top talent.

The successful candidate will be instrumental in crafting and sustaining a holistic vision for the School of Computing, guiding its programs while championing a collaborative and inclusive culture.

You will:

• lead the development of strategic initiatives
• set directions for discovery
• enhance educational excellence
• drive industry engagement to ensure long-term growth and innovation.

Reports to

• Executive Dean, Faculty of Science and Engineering

Direct reports

• The position will have oversight and management of the School of Computing.

Key relationships

• Members of the Faculty Executive and leadership team
• Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)
• Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
• Heads of Schools and Departments
• Key state and federal bodies and government departments
• Accreditation bodies
• Industry

Location

Wallumattagal Campus
Macquarie University
Macquarie Park NSW 2109
Sydney, Australia

Selection criteria

Transformational and visionary leadership

• Proven ability to lead through change, build morale and create purpose
• Experience developing and delivering a compelling vision aligned with university and societal priorities
• Skilled at uniting teams focused on the delivery of common goals

Academic credibility and strategic insight

• Strong academic standing in a relevant discipline, with peer recognition
• Insight into emerging trends in computing, including interdisciplinary and applied research
• Experience aligning research strengths with institutional and funding priorities

Educational leadership and innovation

• Leadership in teaching programs
• Record of innovative, student-centred curriculum design
• Ability to lead a shift towards applied offerings in collaboration with other faculties

Inclusive and collaborative leadership style

• Values-driven leadership that fosters inclusion and equity
• Strong relationship-building and listening skills to unify diverse teams
• Transparent communicator who builds trust through open dialogue

Operational and organisational acumen

• Experience managing budgets, resources and workforce planning in constrained settings
• Ability to align academic profiles with teaching and research needs
• Skills in balancing institutional goals with staff wellbeing and academic quality

External engagement and strategic partnerships

• Proven success in building partnerships with industry, government and funders
• Strategic approach to student recruitment and course positioning
• Experience fostering interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaborations

Reputation as a builder and change agent

• Track record of rebuilding or growing academic units in size, morale or performance
• Experience in repositioning disciplines to meet market or societal needs
• A proactive, future-focused leader committed to transformation

Vision

We aspire to be a transformative power. We will be renowned for the exceptional quality of our education and the experiences of our students, our world-class research with far-reaching impact, and the highest standards in Australia in our progressive academic health system. Macquarie University will respond to the needs of a rapidly changing world and shape its future, becoming:

• a destination of choice for students
• a continuously accelerating powerhouse of impactful research
• an employer of choice for our staff
• a provider of choice for people engaged with our health enterprise
• a community where everyone is valued, included and respected
• more deeply aligned with First Nations peoples
• a nexus for partnership and innovation in Australia and around the world
• a place of pride for graduates and alumni
• agile in response to the rapidly changing national and global landscape
• enduring and sustainable.

Values

As the current custodians of Macquarie University and all that it stands for, we deeply value and commit to:

• Collective ambition
  We harness the diversity of individual talent and the power of the collective to excel in everything we do, creating positive impact.
• Purposeful collaboration
  We are results focused and actively collaborate to achieve our shared mission and our mutual objectives. We thrive on the open exchange of ideas, sharing expertise and resources within and far beyond the University.
• Bold innovation
  We are courageous in our pursuit of groundbreaking ideas and transformative solutions. We go beyond the ordinary through creative enquiry and unceasing curiosity.
• Genuine care
  We demonstrate care, empathy and concern for the wellbeing of individuals across our community and act with integrity and inclusion to foster the reputation and success of the University.