Head of School
This is a 5-year leadership appointment and continuing Level E professorial position based at the Kensington Campus in New South Wales, Australia. Candidates must hold unrestricted work rights; visa sponsorship is not available.
About Us
UNSW Law & Justice is a top-ranking faculty and a global leader in law and criminology education and research, setting the pace in Australia for over 50 years. We are committed to social justice and human rights, and to making a difference in this world, consistent with UNSW’s strategic plan Progress for All. The faculty enjoys a distinctive reputation for teaching and student engagement, and the breadth and excellence of our research is unified by a commitment to industry relevance and societal impact.
UNSW is the only Australian university in the Top 20 in the QS rankings. We ranked 13th globally for law and legal studies and 1st in Sydney in the 2026 QS World University Rankings and in the Top 30 globally for law in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
The School of Law, Society & Criminology emphasises the social relevance and impact of rigorous research and teaching. The School is a community of socially engaged, interdisciplinary academics and students who share a commitment to driving positive change in law, criminology and justice for the benefit of society. We collaborate with leading researchers, teachers and professionals around the world.
About the role
As the Head of School, you will provide leadership and foster excellence in research, teaching, professional activities and policy development within the School, the Faculty, and across the UNSW community. The role requires demonstrated academic excellence, evidenced by an outstanding contribution to research, teaching and the profession.
The Head of School sits within the Faculty Leadership Group and plays a key role in providing strategic direction and academic leadership to enhance research performance, teaching quality, the student educational experience, and the enterprise culture of the School. There will be a reduced teaching load for the duration of the Head of School appointment. This role reports to the Faculty Dean, and the academic staff of the School report to the Head of School.
This position is offered as a Total Fixed Remuneration Package, with the level of remuneration commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience.
Responsibilities
The Head of School responsibilities are organised into seven critical focus areas:
- Leadership Responsibilities: Provide visionary and effective leadership to the School.
- Strategic Planning: Develop and implement strategic initiatives aligned with Faculty and University goals.
- Student Education Experience and Teaching Performance: Enhance the quality of teaching and the student experience.
- Research Performance: Drive research excellence and impact within the School.
- Relationship Building: Foster collaborations with internal and external stakeholders, including industry, government, and community partners.
- Operational Management: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the School, ensuring efficient and effective administration.
- Financial Performance: Manage the School’s budget and financial resources responsibly.
Requirements
- An outstanding record of research in a discipline aligned with the School’s research priority areas, demonstrated by publications, funding, research supervision, and leadership of research groups.
- An excellent record in university teaching in a relevant discipline, demonstrated by course delivery, teaching evaluations, and course/program development and leadership.
- A substantial record of effective contribution and achievement in service and administration at school or faculty level, with demonstrated leadership.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to encourage staff to achieve their best and to have difficult conversations where necessary.
- Ability to effectively complement the School’s current expertise in research and teaching.
Benefits
- 17% superannuation and leave loading.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas period.
- Access to lifelong learning and career development opportunities.
- Progressive HR practices.