Dean, Faculty of Psychology, Counselling and Psychotherapy

DEAN, FACULTY OF PSYCHOLOGY, COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY

Location: Hawthorn East Employment type: Full-time, ongoing Reports to: CEO and Provost

The Cairnmillar Institute is seeking an outstanding academic and executive leader to join its Executive Leadership Team as Dean of the Faculty of Psychology, Counselling and Psychotherapy.

The Dean will provide strategic, academic, financial and organisational leadership across education, research, academic governance, accreditation, workforce capability, student success, financial sustainability and external engagement. Working through a collaborative Faculty Leadership Group comprising the Deputy Dean, Associate Dean(s), Course Coordinators and other senior academic leaders, the Dean will lead the Faculty’s strategic direction, ensure high-quality academic and operational delivery, and support the continued growth and impact of the Institute.

About The Cairnmillar Institute:

The Cairnmillar Institute is a not-for-profit provider of psychological services and higher education, with a 65-year history of supporting mental health and training the next generation of practitioners. We offer clinics, short courses, vocational training and accredited postgraduate programs in psychology, counselling and psychotherapy.

The successful candidate:

The successful candidate will bring strong academic standing, executive leadership capability, expertise in Australian higher education quality and accreditation, a distinguished research profile, financial and resource management experience, and exceptional people leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.

This is an opportunity to have a genuine and visible impact within a values-driven, specialist higher education provider.Cairnmillar’s size, focus and organisational nimbleness create the opportunity for the Dean to shape strategy, influence institutional direction, build meaningful partnerships and contribute directly to the future of the psychology, counselling and psychotherapy workforce.

Application closing date: 17 August 2026

To apply: Please apply with a cover letter, CV and response to the selection criteria.

Please refer to the full Position Description for detailed responsibilities and requirements.

Please direct any questions to the current dean ••••@cairnmillar.edu.au, or CEO and Provost at ••••@cairnmillar.org.au

A Police Check and Working with Children Check will be required from the successful applicant as a condition of employment. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Why join Cairnmillar:

• Supportive environment
• Inclusive and collaborative team culture
• Purpose-driven work in values-aligned organisation
• Salary packaging options available

Our organisation is committed to child safety. We have zero tolerance for child abuse.

Cairnmillar is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and developing a diverse workforce that reflects the community it serves.