Curriculum Futures Lead

• A unique opportunity to work on University’s strategic priorities supporting curriculum, teaching, and learning initiatives as part of Collective Excellence 2026 – 2028 education priorities
• Part-time (Level C: FTE 0.8 / Level D: FTE 0.6), fixed term contract until 31 December 2027
• Academic Level C/D Base Salary $162,347 - $215,352 (pro-rata) + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

As the Curriculum Futures Lead (Sydney Conservatorium of Music), you will be embedded within the School, and advance the School’s implementation of the University’s Curriculum Quality and Sustainability initiative. Working in close partnership with the Associate Dean (Education), you will shape and deliver curriculum reform aligned with the University’s education strategy and School priorities.

Reporting to the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Curriculum Futures) within the Education and Students portfolio, and working closely with Associate Dean (Education), Sydney Conservatorium of Music (SCM) leadership, and academic and professional staff, you will guide the translation of the University’s Curriculum Design Requirements into SCM-specific planning and implementation. You will provide expert academic guidance to shape curriculum and assessment redesign, ensuring consistency with University-wide principles and requirements.

You will exercise sound academic judgement and provide evidence-based advice to support SCM planning and decision-making. Working within agreed School governance arrangements, you will guide curriculum reform activities, support the development of proposals for School-level decision-making and assist colleagues to navigate curriculum governance requirements. You will work collaboratively with academic teams and central portfolios to ensure curriculum changes are well coordinated, responsive to School needs and aligned with the University's strategic priorities.

You will also play a key role in strengthening academic engagement and collaboration across the University to support the effective implementation and long-term sustainability of curriculum reform.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• lead Sydney Conservatorium of Music’s response to, and implementation of the University’s Curriculum Quality and Sustainability initiative, under the direction of School leadership, and in alignment with the approved Curriculum Design Requirements and agreed School priorities
• work collaboratively with academics to guide the redesign of courses and components in accordance with the approved Curriculum Design Requirements, recognising disciplinary context and supporting coherent curriculum structures
• translate the approved Curriculum Design Requirements and the corresponding University-wide implementation plan into SCM-specific implementation plan, working with School leadership and curriculum teams to guide key activities, governance requirements and milestones
• provide expert advice and guidance to academic teams on the interpretation and application of the Curriculum Design Requirements within relevant disciplinary and program contexts
• build collaborative relationships with SCM School leadership, academic and professional staff, working with existing School teams to guide curriculum development and support the preparation of proposals through School and University governance processes
• work in partnership with the Curriculum Quality and Sustainability team, contributing School perspectives and expertise to the University-wide implementation of curriculum reform activities
• undertake other duties appropriate within the classification level as required.

About you

You are an experienced academic leader with a strong understanding of curriculum design, assessment and governance within a higher education environment. You bring a collaborative and strategic approach to driving educational reform, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and translate University-wide priorities into practical School-level outcomes.

You will bring:

• hold a doctorate or PhD in a relevant field
• demonstrated academic leadership experience within higher education, with expertise in curriculum design, assessment and educational reform
• a strong understanding of contemporary curriculum and assessment principles, University governance frameworks, policies and approval processes
• demonstrated strategic leadership and decision-making capabilities, with the ability to exercise independent academic judgement and provide expert advice
• proven experience leading curriculum development, academic engagement and educational reform initiatives within complex University environments
• highly developed communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build collaborative relationships and navigate competing priorities.

*In your cover letter, please specify if you’re applying for a level C or D position.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

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.

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 LGBTIQ+. 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 must include the following:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• A 2-page cover letter addressing how this role aligns with your career goals
• Endorsement from your Head of School (email is fine)
• Proof of doctorate or PhD qualification
• Any additional supporting documentation you would like to provide.

Submit the above documentation via the Apply button at the top of the page. 

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 about the role, please contact Prof. Garry Barrett (PVC, Curriculum Futures) [email protected], and Ass. Prof. Vladimir Gorbach (Associate Dean (Education) [email protected]

If you require reasonable adjustment or have any questions regarding application, please contact Lena Jiang, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected].

© The University of Sydney

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

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Sunday 15 November 2026 11:59 PM