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Head of School, School of Humanities & Social Sciences – UNSW Canberra

Employment Type: Full-time, 5-year leadership appointment
Remuneration: Competitive industry salary package
Location: UNSW Canberra, Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) Campus, Canberra ACT

 

About us

UNSW Canberra is a unique national institution, combining world-class education and research with strong partnerships across Defence, government and industry. Located at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), we are committed to developing future leaders through outstanding teaching, innovative research and meaningful societal impact. With almost 60 years of collaboration with the Australian Defence Force, UNSW Canberra provides a distinctive environment where academic excellence meets real-world impact.

The School of Humanities & Social Sciences (HASS) is a vibrant academic community dedicated to understanding people, societies and the forces shaping our region and the world, with a focus of defence and security-related issues. Home to internationally recognised researchers, educators and professional staff, the School delivers excellence across disciplines including history, international and political studies, Indo-Pacific studies, war studies, ‘lawfare’, ethics, security studies, human-centred cyber and space systems, strategic affairs and English and media studies. Its interdisciplinary research provides thought leadership on some of today's most significant global challenges, including Asia-Pacific development and security, conflict and society, international ethics, maritime security, military affairs and future operations. Through its distinctive partnerships with Defence, government and industry, the School develops graduates and research that influence policy, leadership and public debate both nationally and internationally.

To learn more about the School of Humanities & Social Sciences, please visit:
https://www.unsw.edu.au/canberra/about-us/our-schools/hass

 

Why Your Role Matters

The Head of School provides strategic, academic and operational leadership for the School of Humanities & Social Sciences, ensuring excellence across research, education, people leadership and external engagement. Working closely with the Rector, UNSW Canberra, the Head of School is a key member of the Faculty Executive and plays a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of the School while contributing to the University's strategic ambitions.

Leading a diverse academic community, the Head of School will foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and inclusion while strengthening the School's national and international reputation. The role is responsible for driving outstanding research performance, delivering an exceptional student experience, strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration, and enhancing engagement with Defence, government, industry and international partners. The successful candidate will champion the critical role that the humanities and social sciences play in developing ethical, informed and globally minded leaders equipped to address complex societal and security challenges.

A continuing academic appointment may be negotiated for an outstanding candidate with the appropriate academic standing and experience.

 

Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities for this role include (but are not limited to):

Leadership

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for the School aligned with the priorities of UNSW Canberra and the University's strategic plan.
• Inspire and lead a high-performing, collaborative and inclusive academic culture that supports excellence in teaching, research and engagement.
• Champion interdisciplinary scholarship, innovation and continuous improvement across the School.

Academic Leadership

• Drive research excellence and strengthen the School's national and international reputation.
• Lead initiatives that enhance education quality, student success and curriculum innovation.
• Foster productive collaborations with Defence, government, industry, community organisations and international partners.
• Support research that informs public policy, leadership, national security and broader societal outcomes.

People Leadership

• Lead the recruitment, development, mentoring and performance of academic and professional staff within the School of Humanities & Social Sciences.
• Build leadership capability across the School through effective succession planning and talent development.
• Promote a culture that values diversity, inclusion, wellbeing and respectful behaviours.

Strategic & Operational Management

• Oversee the School's financial, workforce and operational planning.
• Ensure effective governance, compliance and implementation of University policies.
• Maintain oversight of Work Health and Safety responsibilities and the effective management of School resources and facilities.

 

Skills and Experience

The successful candidate will bring:

• An outstanding academic record with an international reputation in a relevant humanities or social sciences discipline.
• Demonstrated success leading complex academic organisations or significant research and education portfolios.
• A proven ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives that deliver measurable outcomes.
• Exceptional people leadership skills with the ability to inspire, engage and develop high-performing teams.
• Experience managing organisational change and fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Outstanding communication, stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• A demonstrated commitment to advancing research and education that addresses complex national and global challenges.

To learn more about this position and view the comprehensive skills and selection criteria, please refer to the Position Description.

 

Benefits and Culture

At UNSW, our people are at the centre of everything we do. We recognise that our staff are fundamental to achieving our mission of improving lives through excellence in education and research.

Our benefits include:

• Flexible working options where operationally appropriate
• Ongoing leadership and professional development opportunities
• 17% employer superannuation
• Additional three days of leave over the Christmas period
• Access to a wide range of staff discounts and wellbeing initiatives
• A collaborative and inclusive workplace committed to excellence

 

How to Apply

Make each day matter with a meaningful leadership career at UNSW.

Please submit your application, consisting of:

• A current resume; and
• A cover letter (maximum two pages) outlining how your experience, leadership capability and vision align with this opportunity.

Applications close: Sunday 30 August 2026 at 11:30pm (Canberra ACT time).

As part of our recruitment process candidates will be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which will include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role.

 

Get in Touch

For confidential enquiries regarding the role, please contact:

Holly Whale
Talent Acquisition Partner
[email protected]

Please apply online. Applications sent directly to the contact person will not be accepted.

 

UNSW is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people living with disability, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.