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. Visa sponsorship is not available; candidates must hold unrestricted work rights.

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. Committed to social justice and human rights, UNSW Law & Justice aligns with UNSW’s strategic plan Progress for All. The faculty is distinguished for its teaching, student engagement, and research excellence, unified by a commitment to industry relevance and societal impact.

UNSW is the only Australian university in the Top 20 of the QS rankings, ranked 13th globally for law and legal studies and 1st in Sydney in the 2026 QS World University Rankings. It is also in the Top 30 globally for law in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

The School of Law, Society & Criminology emphasizes the social relevance and impact of rigorous research and teaching. It is a community of socially engaged, interdisciplinary academics and students dedicated to driving positive change in law, criminology, and justice for societal benefit. The School collaborates with leading researchers, teachers, and professionals worldwide.

Why this role matters

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 UNSW. The role requires demonstrated academic excellence, evidenced by outstanding contributions to research, teaching, and the profession.

The Head of School sits within the Faculty Leadership Group and plays a key role in strategic direction and academic leadership, enhancing research performance, teaching quality, student experience, and the enterprise culture of the School. A reduced teaching load is provided for the duration of the appointment. This role reports to the Faculty Dean, and 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 advised by the remuneration team and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Responsibilities

The Head of School responsibilities are organized into seven critical focus areas:

• Leadership Responsibilities: Provide visionary and effective leadership to the School.
• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement strategic initiatives to advance the School’s goals.
• Student Education Experience and Teaching Performance: Enhance the quality of teaching and the student educational experience.
• Research Performance: Drive research excellence and impact within the School.
• Relationship Building: Foster collaborations with internal and external stakeholders.
• Operational Management: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the School.
• Financial Performance: Ensure sound financial management and sustainability.

Requirements

Specific skills and experience required for this role include:

• An outstanding record of research in a discipline aligned with the School’s research priority areas, demonstrated through publications, funding, research supervision, and leadership of research groups.
• An excellent record in university teaching in a relevant discipline, evidenced by course delivery, teaching excellence, and course/program development and leadership.
• A substantial record of effective contribution and achievement in service and administration at the school or faculty level, with demonstrated leadership.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to encourage staff and manage difficult conversations.
• Ability to effectively complement the School’s current expertise in research and teaching.

Benefits

UNSW offers a competitive salary and access to benefits including:

• 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.