Megan Keating
Hobart,Australia
Summary
Strategic and visionary leader with over 15 years of experience driving organisational change, cultural transformation, and program innovation across education, the public sector, and the arts. Currently serving as Head of School for the School of Creative Arts and Media at the University of Tasmania, Megan is a distinguished tertiary educator and internationally recognised visual artist whose leadership has significantly advanced cultural and creative engagement in higher education. Her work is marked by a collaborative, inclusive leadership style and a strong commitment to critical and creative practice. She has successfully led transformative initiatives in curriculum design, research, and community engagement—fostering innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and inclusivity across the creative and cultural industries. Megan brings proven expertise in strategic planning, cultural realignment, and academic program sustainability, with a track record of managing multimillion-dollar budgets and leading multidisciplinary teams. Her dedication to non-traditional research outputs and extensive global recognition through exhibitions and residencies have elevated the University's national and international profile.
Knowledgeable [Desired Position] with robust background in educational leadership and history of driving academic excellence. Effectively implemented curriculum enhancements and led faculty development initiatives. Demonstrated expertise in fostering collaborative environments and strategic planning.
Adept at identifying optimal curricula, developing lesson plans and aligning instruction with current learning goals Good planner, problem-solver and analytical leader with strong attention to detail and sound judgment focused on continuous improvement. Decisive, practical and strategic in leading operations and teams.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of School, School of Creative Arts and Media
University of Tasmania
01.2019 - Current
- Led cultural and organizational transformation within a large creative division in a complex institution, restructuring teams and aligning strategy to community and sector needs
- Developed and implemented a strategic plan positioning the organisation unit as a national leader in creative arts education , with a focus on interdisciplinarity and place-based pedagogy.
- Oversaw an annual revenue portfolio nearing $20M, maintaining and exceeding gross margin targets amid sector-wide downturns.
- Designed and launched flagship programs such as the Creative Lab and Creative Arts and Health Diploma, achieving growth of over 200% in enrollments.
- Recruited and mentored high-profile academic staff and led School-wide professional development, resulting in improved engagement and compliance.
- Initiated strategic partnerships (e.g., Terrapin Puppet Company, Cité Internationale des Arts) and launched international scholarships to extend student opportunities.
- Championed inclusive leadership practices and embedded First Nations knowledges across curriculum.
- Designed and launched cross-sector programs addressing social wellbeing through arts and health; achieved 200%+ growth in enrollments.
- Built lasting partnerships with government agencies, commercial arts organizations, and international cultural institutions.
- Directed delivery of over 120 public events and initiatives; enhanced community engagement and cultural visibility.
- Oversaw major infrastructure activations including the Hedberg arts precinct launch in collaboration with state government and arts sector partners.
Manager, Research & Innovation (Creative Industries)
University of Tasmania
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Led innovation in research evaluation and governance frameworks for creative practice-based outputs.
- Established university-wide audit processes and best practice models for assessing impact and engagement.
- Drove institutional strategy to include creative methodologies in national performance metrics.
Program Leader, Creative Learning & Engagement
University of Tasmania
01.2010 - 01.2017
- Led curriculum design, student experience innovation, and staff development for interdisciplinary creative programs.
- Directed community arts initiatives including The Pet Project, showcasing inclusive place-based models of engagement.
- Mentored teams in delivering high-impact, community-facing creative events and partnerships.
Education
PhD - Fine Art
University of Tasmania
01.2003
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Hons, First Class
University of Tasmania
01.1998
Diploma - Fine Art
National Art School
01.1994
Diploma - Graphic Design
School of Visual Art
01.1990
Skills
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Organizational Development
- Change Management
- Risk & Compliance Oversight
- Budgeting & Resource Allocation
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Performance Metrics & KPIs
- Agile & Lean Methodologies
- Financial Management
- People Management and Talent Development
- Governance and Risk Management
- Curriculum Design and Teaching Quality
- Research Strategy and Integrity
- Team Building & Capacity Development
- Inclusive & Culturally Safe Leadership
- Excellent Communication Skills
- Diversity and inclusion
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Excellent communication
Affiliations
- Chair, National Non-Traditional Research Output Audit Group
- Chair, Rosamond McCulloch Studio Residency Committee
- Cultural Strategy Advisor, Glenorchy & Launceston City Councils
- Board Member, Salamanca Arts Centre & Contemporary Chinese Art Tasmania
- Director, Australian Music Examination Board, Tasmania
- Glenorchy City Council Arts and Culture Advisory Committee
- Asialink Arts Advisory Committee, University of Melbourne (2013-2018)
- Salamanca Arts Centre Board Member (2012-2015)
Timeline
Head of School, School of Creative Arts and Media
University of Tasmania
01.2019 - Current
Manager, Research & Innovation (Creative Industries)
University of Tasmania
01.2017 - 01.2019
Program Leader, Creative Learning & Engagement
University of Tasmania
01.2010 - 01.2017
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Hons, First Class
University of Tasmania
Diploma - Fine Art
National Art School
Diploma - Graphic Design
School of Visual Art
PhD - Fine Art
University of Tasmania
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