Head of School - School of Aviation

About UNSW and the Role Location

This position is based in Sydney, Australia, within one of the country's premier research and teaching institutions, the University of New South Wales (UNSW). UNSW values a vibrant campus life with inclusion and community and supports flexible working arrangements and carers.

Faculty and School Overview

The Faculty of Science at UNSW is a diverse and complex entity comprising several schools including Aviation, which offers undergraduate and postgraduate aviation programs covering management, flying, and research activities with a focus on flight training at the Bankstown Airport.

Key Statistics

• Unit budget of approximately $11 million
• About 11,000 flying hours conducted annually
• Around 60 full-time flying students enrolled
• Approximately 2,500 lecture hours delivered

Role Purpose and Reporting

The Head of School position is key for translating UNSW's strategic priorities into the School’s outcomes through leadership, planning, and resource management. Reporting directly to the Dean of Science, the Head oversees academic staff and works with a leadership team including a School Manager and Deputy Heads.

Appointment Details

• Senior level role with a fixed 5-year term and 17% superannuation plus annual leave loading
• Includes a continuing Academic appointment at Level D or E
• Full-time role at 35 hours per week

Strategic Responsibilities

• Develop and promote a strategic vision aligned with UNSW Science 2035 and university-wide goals to elevate the School’s standing nationally and internationally
• Engage and inspire staff toward this vision
• Advise on faculty strategic plans, focusing on external engagement and academic priorities

Academic Excellence Expectations

• Enhance student education through innovative teaching aligned with performance indicators
• Attract high-quality students across undergraduate, postgraduate, and lifelong learning programs
• Improve research output, grant acquisition, and scholarly impact
• Develop new financially viable programs in collaboration with faculty and staff
• Identify collaborative opportunities with education, research, and industry partners for knowledge exchange and technology transfer
• Boost the School’s global reputation and international presence

Leadership Duties

• Foster a supportive and productive culture within the School and across faculties
• Recruit and retain talented staff to achieve strategic goals
• Build staff capacity through talent management and succession planning, including coaching and performance management
• Maintain and develop strong relationships with external stakeholders including schools, employers, donors, alumni, and government
• Lead industry collaborations to achieve sustainable, innovative technology outcomes
• Advance equity, diversity, and inclusion policies and objectives
• Set clear goals and KPIs, provide feedback, and facilitate career development for staff
• Contribute actively to Faculty Executive and represent the School internally and externally

School Management Responsibilities

• Manage the School’s budget responsibly, ensuring compliance with university financial policies
• Ensure the School meets key performance targets related to education, research, and social engagement
• Oversee administrative operations, resource allocation, and compliance with legislative and safety obligations
• Lead School committees and contribute to broader university committee activities
• Implement quality assurance and risk management, including health and safety adherence
• Uphold the University's Code of Conduct and Values
• Maintain a safe and respectful working environment to support performance and development

Performance Evaluation

Performance targets including leadership, research, and teaching duties will be set collaboratively with the Dean annually, monitored through formal reviews.

Candidate Profile

• Distinguished scholar, typically holding Associate Professor or Professor rank in a relevant discipline
• Resilient and energetic leader capable of managing challenges and leveraging opportunities
• Broad academic vision encompassing all disciplines in the School and understanding external relationships
• Strategic thinker with skills to lead change and motivate diverse teams towards excellence
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, able to handle sensitive performance issues
• Effective budget management aligned with strategic priorities
• Commitment to equity, fairness, ethics, and fostering a diverse and respectful environment
• Proven ability to build collaborative partnerships in academic and external settings
• Alignment with UNSW’s values, goals, and policies including health and safety responsibilities

Application Requirements

• A cover letter
• A document addressing the specific selection criteria
• A leadership philosophy statement and vision for the School (maximum 2 pages)

Additional Information

Applicants are encouraged to include a statement about career interruptions (Achievement Relative to Opportunity / Research Opportunity and Performance Evidence) if applicable. Contact details are provided for informal inquiries. Applications will only be accepted through formal submission processes. The closing date for applications is September 7th, 2026.

UNSW Commitment

UNSW is dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion by encouraging applications from women, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, individuals with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The university pledges to provide reasonable workplace adjustments and flexible work options to eligible staff.