Head of School - School of Humanities and Social Sciences

About UNSW Canberra and the School of Humanities & Social Sciences

UNSW Canberra is a distinctive national institution based at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) in Canberra, combining top-tier education and research with strong Defence, governmental, and industrial partnerships. With nearly 60 years of collaboration with the Australian Defence Force, UNSW Canberra fosters academic excellence aligned with real-world impact.

The School of Humanities & Social Sciences (HASS) offers a dynamic community devoted to exploring human societies, regional and global forces, particularly within defence and security domains. Its internationally recognized faculty covers areas such as history, international relations, political studies, Indo-Pacific affairs, war and security studies, lawfare, ethics, cyber and space systems with a human-centred approach, strategic matters, and English and media. The School's interdisciplinary research addresses critical challenges including Asia-Pacific security and development, conflict analysis, international ethics, maritime security, military affairs, and future operations. It also maintains unique partnerships to shape policy, leadership, and public discourse on national and global stages.

Role Significance

The Head of School position is a full-time, five-year leadership role based at UNSW Canberra's ADFA campus. This role entails providing strategic, academic, and operational leadership for HASS, ensuring top standards in research, teaching, personnel management, and external collaboration. The Head will work closely with the Rector and Faculty Executive to guide the School’s vision aligned with university objectives. Responsibilities include cultivating a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive work environment while elevating the School's standing nationally and internationally. This position involves advancing research excellence, optimizing student experience, promoting interdisciplinary efforts, and strengthening ties with Defence, government, industry, and international organizations. The role emphasizes the humanities and social sciences' vital contribution to preparing ethical, knowledgeable leaders equipped for complex societal and security challenges. Exceptional candidates may negotiate a continuing academic appointment.

Primary Responsibilities

• Formulate and implement a strategic plan for the School matching UNSW Canberra and university priorities.
• Lead and inspire a high-achieving, cooperative, and inclusive academic culture promoting excellence in teaching, research, and engagement.
• Encourage interdisciplinary research innovation and continual improvements throughout the School.
• Drive research quality and reinforce the School's international and national reputation.
• Initiate programs to enhance education quality, student outcomes, and curriculum renewal.
• Foster collaborations with Defence, governmental bodies, industry, communities, and international partners.
• Support research that informs leadership, national security, public policies, and broader social agendas.
• Manage recruitment, mentorship, development, and performance review of academic and support staff.
• Strengthen leadership throughout the School via succession planning and talent growth.
• Promote diversity, equity, wellbeing, and respect in the School’s culture.
• Supervise financial, human resource, and operational plans for the School.
• Ensure governance, compliance, and university policy adherence.
• Manage Work Health and Safety responsibilities and School facilities resources.

Required Skills and Experience

• Proven record of academic excellence and international recognition within a relevant humanities or social sciences field.
• Extensive leadership experience managing complex academic structures or major research and education groups.
• Demonstrated ability to craft and execute strategic initiatives yielding tangible results.
• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities to motivate and develop high-performing teams.
• Experience in managing organizational change while nurturing a collaborative and innovative culture.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Commitment to advancing research and education addressing intricate national and global issues.

Benefits and Workplace Culture

• Flexible work options where operationally feasible.
• Ongoing leadership and professional development programs.
• Employer superannuation contribution at 17%.
• Additional three days leave during the Christmas period.
• Access to diverse employee discounts and wellbeing initiatives.
• A supportive, inclusive, and excellence-driven workplace environment.

Additional Information

This role is based in Canberra, Australia. Applications close on Sunday 30 August 2026 at 11:30pm (Canberra time). The recruitment process includes pre-employment screening such as reference checks, qualification and right-to-work verification, and where applicable, criminal history checks. UNSW is an equal opportunity employer encouraging applications from women, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, people with disabilities, LGBTIQ+ communities, and Indigenous peoples. Workplace adjustments and flexible work arrangements are available for eligible staff.

How to Apply

• Submit a current CV.
• Provide a cover letter (max two pages) detailing how your experience, leadership skills, and vision align with this role.