Head of School - Psychology (Job Vacancy)

This Job is based in Australia

• Senior Level Appointment for the term plus 17% Superannuation

• Includes an underlying Academic position at Level D/E

• Fixed Term – 3-5 years

• Full-time (35 hours per week)

UNSW is one of the world’s leading research and teaching-intensive universities, known for innovative, pioneering research and high-quality education with a global impact. Since its foundation in 1949, it has aimed to improve and transform lives through excellence in research, outstanding education and a commitment to advancing a just society. It is ranked equal 19th in the 2024 QS World University Rankings, reflecting the university community’s focus on educational excellence.

About the School:-

The School of Psychology is one of the largest and most prestigious schools in Australia. The School is located in the Faculty of Science and has approximately 3,900 undergraduate students and 600 postgraduate students. Our School attracts excellent students who have an outstanding record in international competitions. Our School has a distinctive quality of academic staff; we earn more competitive research funding and publish more Tier 1 journal articles per academic than any other School in Australia. Our School offers APAC-accredited programs at undergraduate, undergraduate bridging, Honours, and postgraduate levels, as well as the opportunity to pursue higher degrees by research. At UNSW Sydney, the discipline of Psychology is ranked #25 in the world in the 2023 QS World University Rankings by Subject.

A little about this role:-

Reporting to the Dean of the Faculty of Science, the Head of School for Psychology will be responsible for leading a team of approximately 250 academic and professional staff. Collaborating closely with diverse research groups both within and beyond UNSW, you will drive academic excellence, foster social and industry engagement, and amplify global impact in alignment with the ambitions expressed in UNSW’s 2025 Strategy. You will craft and execute strategic initiatives, leveraging innovative approaches and fostering a supportive environment for staff and students. Supported by a dedicated leadership team, including a School Manager and Project Officer, you will oversee the School’s operational management, ensuring efficient resource allocation and effective execution of our shared vision.

Who we are ideally looking for:-

With a distinguished record of scholarly achievement in psychology, the successful candidate will bring strong leadership abilities and a mindset that encourages innovation, supports new ideas, and adapts to changing landscape of higher education more broadly. You will be a contemporary leader, with an ability to anticipate and adapt to changing trends in psychology education and research, and lead diverse teams to achieve excellence in these areas. You will bring an energy and resilience to engage with the challenges and opportunities offered by an ambitious university. You will bring a capacity to articulate a strategic vision for the School, and the ability to lead and manage change to achieve that vision. Furthermore, you will bring a capacity to build and maintain effective collaborative partnerships within and external to the School to support the mission and objectives of the School, Faculty and of the University and enhance the external impact of The School.

Please note that UNSW have engaged an external search agency Odgers Berndtson to assist UNSW with this appointment.

More information on the role can be found at www.odgers.com/90990.

For a confidential conversation, please contact Dr Alistair Clark on +61 436 019 746 or Alistair.Clark@odgersberndtson.com

The closing date for applications is 8 April 2024.

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.