Dean, Faculty of Agriculture & Life Sciences

Job Description:

Set the direction for one of Australasia's leading land-based institutions.

The opportunity

Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki Lincoln University is New Zealand’s specialist land-based university. We grow the knowledge that helps shape a better relationship between land, food and ecosystems.

The Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences (AGLS) is core to that purpose. As the University’s most research-intensive faculty, it is home to internationally recognised expertise in production systems, conservation and life sciences. As Dean, you will lead a community of researchers and academics working to address challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s land-based sectors.

This is an appointment for a leader who wants to build. Lincoln University is one of the most postgraduate-intensive universities in Australasia and is developing a new ten-year strategy to be launched ahead of our 150th anniversary in 2028. The incoming Dean will play a pivotal role shaping the Faculty’s future.

Why this role, and why now

• A genuine platform to lead. There is exciting work ahead in refreshing the curriculum, strengthening the academic portfolio and growing the Faculty’s international engagement. You will set the vision and chart the course.
• Foundation for what's next. Deanships at Lincoln provide a foundation for senior university leadership, and the successful candidate will join an extended leadership team helping steer the University’s next chapter.
• International reach. Lincoln University is a longstanding partner in the EuroLeague for Life Sciences (ELLS) and has international relationships and momentum an incoming Dean can build on immediately.
• A place people choose to stay. Canterbury offers an exceptional quality of life. The outdoors, strong schools, and a welcoming community within easy reach of Christchurch.

What you’ll lead

Reporting to the Provost, you will hold overall accountability for the Faculty’s strategic direction, academic performance, financial sustainability and people. You will:

• Set and deliver a Faculty strategy that advances excellence in research, education and stakeholder impact.
• Lead curriculum renewal and portfolio development, ensuring academic offerings remain relevant, industry-connected, and financially sustainable.
• Sustain and grow research impact, diversifying research income through industry, international and alternative funding, and positioning the Faculty to lead major collaborative research programmes.
• Build productive partnerships across industry, government, community, iwi and international collaborators, and act as a visible ambassador for the Faculty and University.
• Strengthen research, education and engagement partnerships with iwi and hapū, advancing the University’s commitments under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

What you’ll bring

• Strong academic credentials with a land-based orientation. A PhD is preferred.
• A recognised track record of research leadership and success in building strategic research partnerships.
• Demonstrated success leading curriculum renewal, portfolio development and programme innovation.
• Experience leading complex organisational, academic and cultural change with sound financial and workforce judgement.
• A transparent, energetic leadership style with the credibility to advocate for the Faculty within the University and beyond.
• A genuine appreciation of what it means to be a small and specialist university, and a commitment to Manaakitaka and Lincoln University’s values.

How to apply

Lincoln University has partnered with Sheffield Search for this important appointment. To apply in strict confidence now, visit: https://www.sheffield.co.nz/Job-Search?Id=735 or email your cover letter and CV in a PDF format wherever possible to [email protected] quoting 9088. Applications close on 5 October at 9.00am. Emails will be electronically acknowledged and further correspondence may be by email.

For more information please phone Patrick Rooney on +64 21 458 362.