Description
This appointment is conceived as a strategic, institution-level leadership role aimed at strengthening the School of Fine Art’s (SFA) research capacity, intellectual leadership, and external standing. It is not intended as a conventional teaching appointment, but as a critical hire to advance NAFA’s positioning within the evolving landscape of contemporary art and academic research.
The Associate Dean will be a thought leader and practice-led innovator who can define directions for the School, rather than simply deliver within them. We are seeking an individual who is interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary in both attitude and approach, with a deep interest in the Southeast Asian context. The role requires a high degree of ownership and agency to proactively identify opportunities, mobilise resources, and deliver outcomes that contribute to the School’s growth and reputation.
A key expectation is the ability to shape the School’s research and innovation agenda through contemporary art practices and interdisciplinary inquiry, while aligning with national and international priorities.
Roles and Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership & School Management
- Provide executive academic oversight and strategic direction for the School of Fine Art, ensuring the rigorous delivery of diploma, undergraduate, and graduate curricula.
- Actively shape the School’s research culture and innovation agenda through practice-based and interdisciplinary inquiry.
- Perform administrative duties related to the programme management of all SFA’s full-time programmes.
- Contribute to staff capability development, mentoring colleagues to elevate the overall standard of practice and inquiry.
2. Teaching & Curriculum Excellence
- Govern the design, implementation, and assessment frameworks of Fine Art programmes to ensure alignment with institutional quality assurance and higher education regulatory standards.
- Undertake approximately 6 – 8 contact hours of teaching per week, including lectures, studio demonstration and facilitation and consultations with students.
- Provide academic leadership in shaping curriculum aligned with contemporary pedagogical methodologies and interdisciplinary collaborations.
- Guide students in concept development and production workflows, integrating research knowledge with studio-based craft.
- Lead curriculum review and enhancement to ensure curricula relevance to evolving art ecosystems and future job roles.
- Ensure an inquiring, innovative, and reflexive approach to teaching that considers equality, diversity, and inclusivity in all aspects.
3. Contemporary Art Research & Practice
- Engage in high-impact practice-based research and creative work, particularly focusing on the Southeast Asian context.
- Provide evidence of research, knowledge exchange, and professional practice that contributes to the advancement of Fine Art.
- Drive an inquiring and reflexive practice and teaching research culture by synthesising contemporary art practices and into meaningful pedagogical frameworks.
4. Industry Engagement & Global Visibility
- Establish and sustain meaningful academic and industry partnerships to foster a total approach to academic pursuit.
- Initiate and support strategic activities such as artist talks, seminars, conferences, exhibitions, and public showcases.
- Position the School within relevant regional networks to enhance institutional visibility and engagement.
Key Attributes
- Strategic Innovator: Ability to bridge creative thinking with technical and analytical execution in a leadership capacity.
- Interdisciplinary Mindset: An interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approach to contemporary art education and research.
- Collaborative Leader: A strong team player who can collaborate and work effectively across different professional groups and academic partners.
- Inspiring Mentor: Positive, enthusiastic, and results-oriented with the ability to engage students and staff in their development.
Requirements
- Education: Minimally a Master’s degree in Fine Art or a related discipline; a PhD or terminal Fine Art degree is preferred.
- Experience: Minimum of 12 years of extensive academic and/or industry experience, including established track records in teaching and academic management.
- Research Track Record: Strong evidence of research/practice with actual or potential for high-impact outputs in the chosen field.
- Communication Skills: Excellent command of written and spoken English, a good command of a second language, and strong presentation skills.
- Adaptability: Proven ability to perform in a fast-paced environment, adapt to change, and meet strategic deadlines.
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