Sir Zelman Cowen Dean of Law

About VU: 

At VU, we aim to be one of the leading impact universities in the world. VU is an impact driven university committed to equity, excellence and opportunity. Based in Melbourne’s west and connected globally, we put students first through the VU Block Model®, dual sector pathways and strong industry partnerships. We are a values led, inclusive workplace where diverse talent is supported to make a real difference. 

Find out more about VU and the role in our Candidate Information Pack!

About the Law School 

Located in the heart of Melbourne’s legal precinct, the Victoria Law School (VLS) is positioned for deep engagement with courts, the profession, government, and industry. The School is known for its commitment to accessible pathways, experiential learning, applied legal education, and strong community and professional partnerships.  

It delivers diplomas through to postgraduate coursework and research degrees, supported by academic and professional teams dedicated to high quality teaching, research, knowledge exchange, and public service. 

VULS hosts flagship public intellectual forums, including the Sir Zelman Cowen Lecture and the Hon. Michael Kirby Justice Oration, positioning VU as a national forum for principled legal debate, democratic values and progressive legal thought. 

The School is also recognised for its renowned mooting and advocacy program, including the annual Michael Kirby Contract Law Moot Competition, reinforcing excellence in legal reasoning, advocacy and professional identity. 

About the Role 

The Sir Zelman Cowen Dean of Law is a pivotal academic and professional leader responsible for advancing VU’s mission through strategic, academic, and operational leadership of the Law School.  

Named in honour of one of Australia’s most distinguished jurists and public intellectuals, the role embodies Sir Zelman Cowen’s lifelong commitments to the rule of law, public service, intellectual rigour, civic responsibility, and inclusive education.  

The Dean will lead curriculum innovation, research capability development, industry and government partnerships, staff leadership, quality assurance, financial stewardship, international engagement, and public facing initiatives — including the flagship Sir Zelman Cowen Lecture, the Hon. Michael Kirby Justice Oration and other high vicprofile events.  

This is a rare opportunity to shape a nationally recognised law school known for its civic purpose, applied learning, social justice mission, and community impact, and to advance the ambitions of Victoria University’s Strategic Plan 2022–2030 and its vision to be a leading global impact university. 

Key Duties 

• Provide strategic and operational leadership aligning the Law School with the University’s Strategic Plan and impact driven aspirations.   

• Steward the Sir Zelman Cowen legacy and the Michael Kirby tradition of principled legal thought through public engagement, leadership of initiatives, and high profile events.   

• Lead the design, delivery, and continuous renewal of a contemporary, accessible, and market responsive curriculum across multiple modes and pathways.   

• Drive impactful research, research training, and national/international recognition in areas of strength.   

• Strengthen applied, industry embedded and work integrated learning experiences.  

• Build strategic partnerships with industry, government, legal profession, community organisations and global partners.   

• Ensure financial sustainability, resource allocation, and long term operational planning.  

• Foster a high performing, inclusive, collegial culture aligned with VU’s values, leadership capabilities, and Protecting Country commitments.   

• Uphold compliance with professional accreditation, regulatory, and quality assurance requirements.   

For further information and a full Position Description please download our Candidate Information Pack!

About You

You are an accomplished academic leader with a strong national or international profile in law and justice education. You bring: 

• Doctoral qualification and a law qualification (LLB or JD or equivalent)

• Significant senior leadership experience in a complex university environment 

• A strong track record in learning and teaching, research, industry engagement and academic governance 

• Strategic and financial leadership capability, with evidence of delivering sustainable outcomes 

• Proven ability to lead diverse teams through change with integrity, clarity and purpose 

• Demonstrated commitment to equity, First Nations inclusion and culturally safe practices 

• Excellent communication, partnership building and stakeholder engagement skills 

• You will be motivated by the opportunity to lead a Law School committed to social impact, educational innovation and excellence in student success. 

Classification: Senior Contract – 5 year term 
Location: VU City Campus (with travel to any VU campus as required) 
Portfolio: Tertiary Education Portfolio 
Reports to: Executive Dean, College of Arts, Business, Law, Education and IT 

Please note: The University is a Child Safe organisation. You will be required to hold a current Employee - Working with Children Check (WWCC) or be willing to obtain one prior to commencing employment.   

Who to Contact?  

For further information relating to the position, please contact:  
Name: Rob Strathdee 
Position Title: Executive Dean - College of Arts, Business, Law, Education and IT 
Email: [email protected] 

How to Apply 

To apply, please submit: 

• Your CV and Cover Letter

• Responses addressing the key selection criteria 

   

Why Join VU? 

Victoria University offers competitive salaries, excellent superannuation and a supportive, inclusive workplace committed to wellbeing, flexibility and career development. Learn more about working with us on our Careers at VU webpage. 

Our commitment: 

Victoria University is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and socially responsible community. We honour our deep diversity by respecting First Nations perspectives and embedding sustainable approaches to Protecting Country, while championing progressive inclusivity for all—embracing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and racially marginalised communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. As a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, we strive to create a place where everyone feels they belong, and we ensure a positive, barrier free recruitment experience by providing adjustments and accessible formats upon request at [email protected] or (03) 9919 5999.

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