Head of School

• 5-year leadership appointment and continuing Level E professorial position
• Employment Type: Full time
• Remuneration: Competitive industry salary
• Location: Kensington Campus, New South Wales, Australia

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold unrestricted work rights to be considered

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 UNSW Law & Justice is committed to social justice and human rights, and to making a difference in this world, consistent with UNSW’s strategic plan Progress for All.

We enjoy a distinctive reputation for teaching and student engagement, and the breadth and excellence of our research is 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. The School 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 have a special responsibility in providing leadership and in fostering excellence in research, teaching, professional activities and policy development within the School, within the Faculty, and across the UNSW community generally.

As Head of School, you will demonstrate academic excellence, which may be evidenced by an outstanding contribution to research, teaching and the profession.

The Head of School sits within the Faculty Leadership Group and amongst the University’s broader leadership. It plays a key role in providing the strategic direction and academic leadership to enhance the overall performance of research activity, quality of teaching and the student educational experience, and the enterprise culture of the School.

There will be a reduced teaching load for the duration of the Head of School appointment.

This role reports to the Faculty Dean and the academic staff of the School report to the Head of School.

This position is being offered as a Total Fixed Remuneration Package. The level of remuneration will be advised by our remuneration team and commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Responsibilities

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

• Leadership Responsibilities
• Strategic Planning
• Student Education Experience and Teaching Performance
• Research Performance
• Relationship Building
• Operational Management
• Financial Performance

Skills and Experience

Specific skills and experience required for this role include (but are not limited to):

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

To learn more about this position, and view the comprehensive responsibilities, skills and criteria list, a copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@UNSW.

Benefits and Culture

UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to benefits including:

• 17% Superannuation and leave loading
• Flexible working
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period
• Access to lifelong learning and career development
• Progressive HR practices

More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here.

How to Apply

Please click on Apply now to apply online.

Please upload your CV and a separate document outlining how your skills and experience match the skills and experience listed in the position description (up to 4 pages) and submit your application online before 11:30pm on 30 August 2026 (Sydney, Australia time).

Pre-Employment Checks:

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

Get in Touch:

For questions relating to the role please contact:

Professor Andrew Lynch
Dean, UNSW Faculty of Law and Justice

E: *******@unsw.edu.au

For any questions regarding the recruitment process please contact:

Anabel Wason

Talent Acquisition Partner

E: *******@unsw.edu.au

Applications will not be accepted if sent to the contacts listed above.

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are 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.