APPOINTMENT OF

DEAN
FACULTY OF FINE ARTS AND MUSIC
CONTENTS
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE, p3
THE UNIVERSITY AT A GLANCE, p4
THE FACULTY OF FINE ARTS AND MUSIC, p5
POSITION DESCRIPTION AND
SELECTION CRITERIA, p6
LIVING AND WORKING IN MELBOURNE, p8
PEOPLE AND BENEFITS, p10
FURTHER INFORMATION, p11

Newly Refurbished Art Stables.

Photo by Trevor Mein.

2
THE UNIVERSITY
OF MELBOURNE
Consistently ranked as
Australia’s best, the University
of Melbourne enjoys an
outstanding reputation as
one of the world’s leading
comprehensive research-
intensive universities.
Ranked number 32 in the latest Times Higher
Education World University Rankings*, the
University competes on an international stage
with the best institutions globally, and has an
international outlook and reach to match.
With a rich history stretching over 165 years,
the University of Melbourne also occupies a
special place in the heart of the city. Since
its founding in 1853, the University has been
a public-spirited institution committed
to making distinctive contributions to
intellectual, cultural, social and economic
life in the region and beyond. These values
underpin the University’s entire academic
mission and shape operating practices,
preparing engaged graduates and steering
research that advances the world.
With a wide range of disciplines, the University
of Melbourne currently educates over
72,000 students from over 130 countries.
The University comprises ten faculties that
stimulate, challenge and fulfil the potential
of excellent students from around the world,
leading to personal development, meaningful
careers and profound contributions to society.
*Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019
The alumni network is significant and truly
international, with representation from 160
countries. This international community
includes former Prime Ministers, context
Governors-General, and Nobel Laureates, and
is testament to the world-class education the
University of Melbourne delivers.
The University employs approximately 9,000
staff including internationally recognised
researchers and industry leaders. Our
scholars and high achieving staff include
Nobel Prize Laureate Professor Peter Doherty
AC, who co-discovered how the immune
system recognises virus infected cells;
Professor Andrew Holmes AC, immediate
past President of the Australian Academy of
Science, who received the 2012 Royal Medal
for his groundbreaking research in polymer
chemistry; and Ian Potter Chair of Zoology,
Professor Marilyn Renfree AO, who received
the 2015 Eureka Prize for Outstanding Mentor
of Young Researchers, and the 2019 Carl G.
Hartmann Award from the Society for the
Study of Reproduction for her pioneering
research into mammalian reproduction.
The University of Melbourne operates an
annual budget of almost $3 billion, with
income from research grants, student fees,
government grants, commercial operations,
executive education, investment and
philanthropy. The increased demand for
teaching programs, and the University’s focus
on sustainability and resilience, have allowed
savings to be reinvested into strategic teaching
and research-related initiatives.
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T H E U N I V E R S I T Y AT A G L A N C E
Global rankings

#6
#1 #32 in graduate employability
in Australia in the world worldwide
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019/QS Graduate Employability 2019

9000+ staff (FTE) 33 highly cited Elevate status

researchers

One of only 25 organisations

140+ Indigenous staff Most of any of more than 1100+ nation-
and an internationally Australian wide with an ‘Elevate’
recognised professoriate university Reconciliation Action Plan

72 000+ students 29 000+

In 2018, approximately international
2,400 students enrolled students
in 51 subjects with a
dedicated Indigenous focus
49% grad
400+
Indigenous
students,
51% u/grad including 50+
Graduate
Researchers

Research Grants
income

$179 M
$474 M in NHMRC, ARC
and MRFF grants

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FA C U LT Y O F
F I N E A R TS A N D M U S I C

The Faculty of Fine Arts Situated on the traditional lands of the

Boonwurrung and Wurundjeri people of the
and Music is the home of Kulin Nations, staff and students draw on the
the Victorian College of the strength of more than 1000 generations of
arts practice, and respectfully acknowledge
Arts and the Melbourne the traditional owners who have danced
Conservatorium of Music. their dances, sung their songs and lived their
culture on this land for thousands of years.

The Faculty of Fine Arts and Music is at the
forefront of arts education in Australia,
providing elite-level training and connection
to industry across all areas of the performing
and visual arts, design and screen.
The Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts and
Cultural Development plays a vital role in
connecting Faculty students with these
ancient and contemporary Indigenous arts
practices.

The Faculty encourages curiosity and creative

risk-taking, aims to inspire and cultivate
talent, and provides students the space and
time to explore their imaginative potential. It
offers a range of undergraduate and graduate
courses in composition, conducting, dance,
design, production, ethnomusicology, film
and television, interactive composition,
jazz and improvisation, musicology, music
performance, music psychology, music
theatre, music therapy, theatre and visual arts.

The tertiary experience of Fine Arts and

Music students is enhanced by learning
from some of Melbourne’s most respected
practising artists, designers, performers,
musicians, directors and choreographers,
as well as through the Faculty’s educational
partnerships with Melbourne’s premier
arts organisations, such as the Melbourne
Symphony Orchestra and the National Gallery
of Victoria (NGV).

Credit: Wind Symphony Orchestra

perform at Melbourne Recital Centre.
Photo by Sav Schulman.

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POSITION
DESCRIPTION
AND SELECTION
CRITERIA
POSITION SUMMARY
Our community at the Faculty of Fine Arts
and Music comprises more than 250 full-
time-equivalent academic and professional
staff members. We are also one of the largest
employers of creative artists in Victoria, with
more than 900 sessional and visiting staff and
contractors engaged annually.
More than 3,300 students are enrolled across
our undergraduate, graduate coursework and
graduate research programs. Through our
popular program of breadth subjects, we also
welcome more than 12,000 students annually
to engage with a Fine Arts and Music course or
subject from other parts of the University.
We are highly engaged with communities in
Australia and overseas, with more than 35,000
attendees each year at our public events,
performances, exhibitions and screenings in
Melbourne and around the world.
Total Faculty revenue is approximately
AUD$100 million a year.
The Dean will be a distinguished scholar with
a proven record as a successful academic
leader and manager and must provide strong
leadership and advocacy across the full
range of the Faculty’s disciplinary areas in
the visual and performing arts. The Dean will
be responsible for developing strategic and
operational plans to lead the Faculty of Fine
Arts and Music. The Dean is expected to have
wide scholarly recognition in their field, both
nationally and internationally.
The Dean will be responsible for the academic,
research and resource management of the
Faculty, and plays a major role in University
leadership as a member of the University
Executive. The appointment will be for a term
of five years.
1. SELECTION CRITERIA
1.1 ESSENTIAL
– An appointment at professorial level or
equivalent in a world-class university,
research or arts organisation
– An internationally recognised record of
research and teaching achievements in
a relevant field in the the performing and
visual arts
– Demonstrated ability to lead a complex
organisation including developing and
implementing strategy, driving change, and
inspiring commitment to achieving results
– Experience with financial planning and
management in a university context
– Attracting, engaging, developing and
aligning academic and non-academic
teams in a way that is responsive and
receptive to new ideas
– Managing people within an academic
environment with a focus on improved
performance, fostering a collegial culture
and a commitment to the wellbeing of staff
– A strong commitment to the importance of
teaching at all levels and to innovation in
curriculum design and teaching methods
– A strong commitment to the importance
of world-class research and a good
understanding of how to support and sustain
researchers at each stage of their career
– A strong understanding of the national
and international landscape, particularly
in the Asia Pacific region
– A strong understanding of trends in
research, teaching and engagement and a
capacity to work with Asian partners
– Demonstrated ability to work
collaboratively and effectively with
diverse stakeholders across the Faculty,
the University and outside the University
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locally and internationally (industry,
alumni, government, donors, professional
organisations)
– An understanding of the Higher Education
sector in Australia and internationally,
including a sound knowledge of trends in
management of contemporary universities
in a rapidly changing environment.
1.2 DESIRABLE
– Experience in securing and managing
philanthropic gifts and building strong
relationships with prospective donors,
alumni and volunteer boards
– Working knowledge of Occupational
Health and Safety, as well as Equity and
Diversity principles as they apply in the
Higher Education Sector.
2. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
2.1 STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP
– Providing vision and leadership in the
strategic development of the Faculty and
in the implementation of its initiatives
– Contributing to the leadership of the
University through membership of the
University Executive, through promoting
the interests of the Faculty within the
University, and through contributing to
the on-going success of the University
– Leading an effective Faculty governance
structure to support the strategic and
academic planning functions of the Faculty
– Ensuring the Faculty’s financial
security through effective and efficient
management of its resources
– Maintaining and extending the Faculty’s
active network of international and
external relationships, including those
with alumni, government, universities,
industry and the community
 – Lead the Faculty Executive, to enhance
the national and international reputation
of the Faculty and the University
through the continued development and
implementation of Faculty strategy and
the Advancing Melbourne 2030 agenda
– Lead, guide and ensure that the culture
across the Faculty is in line with university
expectations, and conducive to achieving
the Schools, Faculty’s and the University’s
performance goals.
2.2 PEOPLE LEADERSHIP
– Support the development and
implementation of the University’s
People Strategy to enable the Advancing
Melbourne 2030 strategy, and lead the
formation of a Faculty workforce that
ensures the necessary people capabilities
are in place to achieve strategic objectives
– Maintain and foster a collegial
atmosphere and encouraging effective
and dynamic working relationships
among Faculty staff
– Attract and develop world leading
talent and ensure that all leaders
manage and develop staff to reach
their maximum potential
– Manage staff fairly, provide honest and
fair evaluations of performance, set clear
expectations and engender a culture of
excellent performance
– Participate proactively as part of the
University’s Executive Leadership team
– Drive the implementation of the
University’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
2.3 ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP
– Lead and promote excellence across all
academic endeavour in the Faculty
– Lead and foster excellence and innovation
in teaching and learning, and in research
and research training within the
Faculty. Demonstrate an understanding
and enthusiasm for the wide range
of disciplines within the Faculty and
encourage collaboration across disciplines
– Enable the development of world-
class research activities, domestic and
international collaborations, with a
particular focus on industry-funded
partner research, that delivers significant
new knowledge and innovations, as well
as growth in research income across
a diverse range of funding sources,
including through commercialisation
– Foster a culture of high performance,
including the development of pathways
for graduate, early-career and mid-career
researchers
– Lead and support teaching and
curriculum development, including
leadership of Teaching and Learning
programs. Enable excellence in teaching
and learning at all levels
– Lead the development, implementation
and review of initiatives that drive a
continual focus on improving the quality
of the student experience and lifecycle,
including career outcomes
– Lead the Faculty’s partnership and
engagement activities
– Oversee the development and
implementation of international
collaborations, as a means of expanding
the reach and impact of Faculty’s activities
– Lead the Advancement agenda for the
Faculty, including the engagement of
philanthropic organisations and other key
individuals in the work of the Schools
– Represent and promote the Faculty and
the University locally, nationally and
internationally and play a critical role in
advocating for the performing and visual arts
– Develop a culture of evaluation and
benchmarking and strive for continuous
improvement.
3. OTHER INFORMATION
3.1 FACULTY OF FINE ARTS AND MUSIC
For more information, please consider
finearts-music.unimelb.edu.au
3.2 THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE
The University of Melbourne is a leading
international university with a tradition of
excellence in teaching and research. The
University offers staff many benefits and
prospective staff are encouraged to view the
following web links:
- unimelb.edu.au
- growingesteem.unimelb.edu.au
- staff.unimelb.edu.au/strategy-
planning/strategy-2030
- unimelb.edu.au/careers
4. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY,
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
The University is an equal opportunity
employer and is committed to providing a
workplace free from all forms of unlawful
discrimination, harassment, bullying,
vilification and victimisation. The University
makes decisions on employment, promotion
and reward on the basis of merit.
The University is committed to all aspects of
equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion
in the workplace and to providing all staff,
students, contractors, honorary appointees,
7
volunteers and visitors with a safe, respectful
and rewarding environment free from all
forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment,
vilification and victimisation. This commitment
is set out in the University’s People Strategy
2015-2020 and policies that address diversity
and inclusion, equal employment opportunity,
discrimination, sexual harassment, bullying and
appropriate workplace behaviour. All staff are
required to comply with all University policies.
The University values diversity because
we recognise that the differences in our
people’s age, race, ethnicity, culture, gender,
nationality, sexual orientation, physical ability
and background bring richness to our work
environment. Consequently, the People Strategy
sets out the strategic aim to drive diversity and
inclusion across the University to create an
environment where the compounding benefits
of a diverse workforce are recognised as vital in
our continuous desire to strive for excellence and
reach the targets of Growing Esteem.
4.1 GOVERNANCE
The Vice Chancellor is the Chief Executive
Officer of the University and responsible to
Council for managing the University.
Comprehensive information about the
University of Melbourne and its governance
structure is available at:
unimelb.edu.au/governance
5. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
AND SAFETY (OHS)
All staff are required to take reasonable care
for their own health and safety and that of
other personnel who may be affected by their
conduct. As the Dean is a senior executive
position, OHS management responsibility is
an essential aspect of the position, and one
that cannot be delegated.
OHS responsibilities applicable to positions
are published at:
safety.unimelb.edu.au/people/community/
responsibilities-of-personnel
In particular the guidelines for Divisional Senior
(Executive) Officers apply to this position.
6. UNIVERSITY EXPECTATIONS
OF A PROFESSOR
As the successful incumbent will also be a
Professor in the University, attention is drawn
to the ‘University Expectations of a Professor’:
staff.unimelb.edu.au/human-resources/
academic-careers-@-melbourne/
promotion/Leadership-Roles-of-Melbourne-
Professors-April-2017.pdf
LIVING AND
WORKING IN
MELBOURNE

MELBOURNE
Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria
and the second largest city in Australia,
located on the traditional lands of the of
the Boonwurrung and Wurundjeri people
of the Kulin Nations. Now considered to be
Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne is very
much about lifestyle and has been voted by
the Economist seven times in recent years as
the most liveable city in the world.

The City of Melbourne sits beside the Yarra

River, around five kilometres from the bay.
Melbourne is home to 4.5 million people
from a wide range of cultural backgrounds
and accounts for approximately 73% of
the Victorian population. Melbourne’s
metropolitan areas cover more than 8,000
square kilometres.

The City of Melbourne is home to one of the

world’s most harmonious and culturally
diverse communities. The City of Melbourne
includes the city centre and several inner-city
suburbs. Each suburb has its own personality.
Melbourne has many precincts, each with its
own unique character and offering different
cultural experiences – for example Greek
culture around Lonsdale Street, Italian on
Lygon Street Carlton, Chinese in Chinatown
and French on Collins Street.

VCA Dance performs Body.

Photo by Gregory Lorenzutti.

8

SOUTHBANK CAMPUS:
THE BEATING HEART OF
MELBOURNE’S ARTS PRECINCT
The Faculty of Fine Arts and Music is located
across two inner-city campuses: Southbank
and Parkville.
The Southbank campus has undergone
a major transformation in recent years,
thanks to an ambitious $200 million capital
works project. Included in this project
was the construction of the $109 million
Ian Potter Southbank Centre, officially
opened in June 2019, and is a new world-
class facility for the Conservatorium.
Nestled amongst Melbourne’s major arts
and cultural organisations and venues –
including the National Gallery of Victoria,
Melbourne Theatre Company, Australian
Ballet, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra,
Opera Australia, Arts Centre Melbourne, and
Melbourne Recital Centre – the nine-storey Ian
Potter Southbank Centre is the centrepiece of
a once-in-a-generation transformation of arts
training facilities at the Southbank campus.
Designed by leading architect John Wardle,
The Ian Potter Southbank Centre features
a 400-seat concert hall with a balcony for
60 choristers and a 180-seat orchestral
auditorium, providing acoustic excellence
within state-of-the-art teaching, rehearsal,
recording and performance facilities.
The reimagined Southbank campus sees
Conservatorium staff and students co-
located with their Victorian College of the
Arts peers for the first time, bringing together
all of the Faculty’s artistic disciplines,
Melbourne Conservatorium students in one of the city’s iconic laneways.
Photo by John O’Rourke.
composition, conducting, dance, design, PARKVILLE CAMPUS:
production, ethnomusicology, film and THE CONSERVATORIUM’S
television, interactive composition, jazz HISTORIC HOME
and improvisation, musicology, music
Parkville is the main campus of the University
performance, music psychology, music
of Melbourne, situated just north of the city
theatre, music therapy, theatre and visual
centre, and a vibrant learning environment for
arts. A new linear park features spaces for
students across a wide range of study areas,
outdoor performance, cafes, and a cyclist
including (among others) biomedical science,
end-of-trip facility invites interaction between
arts, engineering, law, teaching, finance,
students, the public and local performers.
and music.
Other recently opened facilities on the
The Conservatorium building, which
Southbank campus include The Stables visual
stands proudly on Parkville’s historic tree-
arts studios, which has seen the heritage-
lined Royal Parade, was built in the early
listed former Victoria Police Mounted Branch
1900s to meet the needs of just 80 music
stables reimagined as a best-in-class facility
students. While a concert hall was not
for learning and creative collaboration. As
included in the original plans, it was thanks
part of that facility, the Martyn Myer Arena
to the support of Dame Nellie Melba that
comprises a 260-seat multipurpose arts wing
a 400-seat concert hall – Melba Hall – was
for theatre, dance, music theatre and music
opened in 1913. Since then, there has been
performances. Meanwhile, the new Buxton
a tenfold increase in the number of music
Contemporary art museum, redeveloped
students at the Conservatorium. While
Southbank Library, Student Hub and purpose-
many of the Conservatorium’s teaching and
built Print Workshop also contribute to the
performance programs have relocated to
Faculty’s standing as a world-leading arts
The Ian Potter Southbank Centre in 2019,
education institution with cutting-edge
the Conservatorium building in Parkville
facilities in the heart of Melbourne’s thriving
continues to be used as a teaching base for
Arts Precinct.
academic and performance programs, and
The development of Melbourne’s Arts Precinct Melba Hall will continue to host concerts well
Blueprint sees Southbank become more into the future.
connected to the vibrant energy of Melbourne’s
For more information on the Faculty, please
city district, with greener spaces, better
visit: finearts-music.unimelb.edu.au
infrastructure and greater pedestrian access.
The University of Melbourne has been
involved in the Blueprint’s development since
it was first announced in 2011 – and its vision
for the Southbank campus plays a big part in
bringing the City’s aspirations to life.
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PEOPLE AND
B E N E F I TS
The University is committed
to providing an intellectually
stimulating and personally
rewarding workplace which
attracts people who are the
best in their professional,
academic and teaching fields.
Outstanding academic staff are at the heart
of the University’s teaching, research and
engagement endeavours. The University
is proud of its many staff that have been
recognised through prestigious national
and international awards and through
membership of Australia’s learned academics.
Among the many scholars of international
renown at the University is the winner of
the Nobel Prize – Professor Peter Doherty
(Physiology and Medicine) and many other
public intellectuals and scientific leaders.
THE BENEFITS
The University offers staff more than just a
job – it offers them an opportunity to be part
of a dynamic world class organisation which
provides its staff with exceptional benefits and
support at every stage of their life and career.
These benefits include:
– Working in a culturally inclusive
environment
– Engaging in an active and vibrant campus life
– A focus on health and wellbeing
– Outstanding staff benefits in addition to
competitive salary packages
Staff benefits on offer at the University include
the opportunity to salary package everything
from childcare and additional superannuation
to subscriptions to the Melbourne Theatre
Company. Benefits can be tailored to best suit
individual needs and circumstances, including
generous relocation support. Course fees
can also be salary packaged and come at a
25% discount for staff and their immediate
families. Unsurprisingly, the University has
high numbers of women returning to work.
It was one of the first winners of the Fair and
Flexible Employer Recognition award.
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 FURTHER
INFORMATION
AND WEBSITE
ADDRESSES

General information about

the University of Melbourne is
available through its website at
www.unimelb.edu.au

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

about.unimelb.edu.au

FACULTY OF FINE ARTS AND MUSIC

finearts-music.unimelb.edu.au

SOUTHBANK CAMPUS REDEVELOPMENT

finearts-music.unimelb.edu.au/campus-
experience

RESEARCH
University of Melbourne research strategy
and implementation
research.unimelb.edu.au

TEACHING
Teaching and Learning at the
University of Melbourne
provost.unimelb.edu.au

ENGAGEMENT
University of Melbourne Engagement strategy
about.unimelb.edu.au/strategy-and-
leadership/engagement

VCA_Production_Exhibition

Photo by Drew Echberg

11
Connect with us Enquiries
finearts-music.unimelb.edu.au Enquiries can be made to The Insight
Group: Dr Rohan Carr or Ms Emily Witts
@vca.mcm
+61 3 9654 3288
twitter.com/vca_mcm
rohancarr@insightgroup.com.au
youtube.com/FacultyofFineArtsandMusic emilywitts@insightgroup.com.au

instagram.com/vca_mcm The Council reserves the right to fill the

position by invitation at any time.

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