Head of School and Dean, Sydney School of Health Sciences

• Opportunity for a distinguished academic to lead the School of Health Sciences

• Be part of the leadership team of the Faculty of Medicine and Health

• 5 year fixed term position with an attractive remuneration package

About the opportunity

The Faculty of Medicine and Health (FMH) at our esteemed University is the largest faculty, encompassing diverse areas such as dentistry, medicine, medical sciences, nursing and midwifery, pharmacy, health sciences, and public health. Our faculty takes pride in fostering a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to address contemporary healthcare challenges.

Sydney School of Health Sciences (SSHS) focuses on inspiring tomorrow’s healthcare leaders and delivering life-changing research discoveries. We are committed to providing solutions to those experiencing disease, disability, pain and injury, and promoting the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve. We collaborate with external partners and engage with real-world problems to anticipate the health issues of tomorrow while overcoming the challenges of today.

Our researchers are global leaders in disability and rehabilitation, heat and health, clinical imaging, sports science and physical activity, communication disorders and musculoskeletal health. We are consistently ranked in the top 5 in the world for sport, physical therapy and rehabilitation (QS Subject Rankings). Part of our research agenda is focused on ensuring universal health coverage for all Australians, with a specific eye to improving health care delivery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people living in rural and remote areas, people who are financially disadvantaged or vulnerable, and people with disabilities. 

Our students enroll in a range of allied health degrees, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, diagnostic radiography and exercise physiology. We aim to graduate health professionals who are outstanding, culturally competent clinicians, who are leaders in health, and have an international perspective.

We operate across all faculty precincts. At Patyegarang (Central Sydney Precinct), the school is based in the Susan Wakil Health Building: facility highlights include multidisciplinary simulation studios, medical imaging suites, a speech pathology clinic, high tech voice lab, and multiple research labs including the Sydney Biomechanics Laboratory and the Thermal Ergonomics Laboratory.

We are seeking to appoint an outstanding academic leader at the level of Professor (Level E) as Head of School and Dean for the Sydney School of Health Sciences. The Head of School and Dean is a member of the Faculty Leadership Group and head of the leadership team for the Sydney School of Health Sciences. This position is responsible for executing the faculty strategy by implementing educational and research goals at the school level.

The Head of School and Dean is responsible for actively managing academic performance and fostering talent development. They have a key role in managing the external relationships of the school, including philanthropic donors and industry partners. The position manages the school budget and expenditure and is accountable for the financial sustainability of the school. The position ensures compliance with work health safety standards, and all University policies.

About you (skills, capabilities and experience)

The successful candidate will:

• hold a PhD in a relevant, cognate discipline and an international reputation for outstanding scholarship and research.

• have knowledge and understanding of the key strategic issues in the higher education sector, nationally and internationally, and a network of established relationships with key academic, industry and professional institutions, partners and stakeholders that can be leveraged to enhance the standing of the faculty and University.

• demonstrated experience in people leadership and management within the higher education/knowledge worker sector.

• possess skills and demonstrated experience in financial management and in operational management practices.

• have outstanding track record in obtaining peer review grants and in competitive grant support as well as exceptional publication record with original contributions in a field of Health Sciences.

• have a strong passion and track record in leading and developing the academic endeavour from curriculum design to producing leading research.

• create an environment where all students (including higher degree) can flourish.

• have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and proven ability and experience in working cooperatively and collegially in inclusive decision-making environments.