Head of School

This position is a 5-year leadership appointment and continuing Level E professorial role 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. 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 our research breadth and excellence are 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. It 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.

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 the UNSW community. You will demonstrate 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, student experience, and the enterprise culture of the School. There will be a reduced teaching load for the duration of the appointment. This role reports to the Faculty Dean, and the academic staff of the School report to the Head of School.

Responsibilities

There are seven critical focus areas that make up the Head of School responsibilities:

• 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 educational experience.
• Research Performance: Drive and support high-impact research activities within the School.
• Relationship Building: Foster collaborations with internal and external stakeholders, including industry and community partners.
• Operational Management: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the School, ensuring efficient and effective management.
• Financial Performance: Manage the School’s budget and financial performance to support strategic objectives.

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 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