Head of School, Psychology

• Based at our Melbourne, Burwood Campus + hybrid work arrangements
• Full-time and fixed-term for five years
• Attractive remuneration package and benefits provided + 17% superannuation

Who are we?

Deakin is a cutting-edge public university headquartered in Victoria, with more than 61,000 students across its campuses. As a progressive and globally recognised institution, Deakin is ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide and is renowned for delivering an outstanding student experience.
 

Why work with us?

Within the Faculty of Health, the School of Psychology is one of Australia's largest and most highly regarded psychology schools, recognised for excellence in education, research and professional practice, has a place in the top 100 schools in world ranking. Accredited by the Psychology Board of Australia and the Australian Psychological Society, the School offers an integrated pathway from undergraduate study through to postgraduate professional training and research. Students learn from more than 160 expert academics and researchers, benefit from state-of-the-art cognitive neuroscience facilities, and gain practical experience through industry partnerships and placements that prepare them for diverse careers in psychology and mental health.

The School is home to the Deakin Lifespan Institute, a world-class research institute dedicated to advancing health, wellbeing and development across the lifespan. Bringing together internationally recognised researchers, the Institute leads impactful research spanning lifecourse sciences, intervention sciences and implementation sciences to generate evidence that informs policy, strengthens clinical practice and improves outcomes for individuals, families and communities. With a strong emphasis on prevention, early intervention and translation, the Institute works closely with government, health services and community partners to address some of society's most pressing health and developmental challenges.

The role:

The Head of School, Psychology provides strategic, academic and operational leadership for the School of Psychology. Reporting to the Executive Dean, the role is responsible for advancing the School's excellence and reputation in psychology education, research, professional practice and community engagement, while building on the School’s distinctive research strengths.

The position leads the delivery of the School's strategic priorities, ensuring high-quality teaching, research, accreditation outcomes, staff performance and student experience. Working collaboratively across the University and with industry, government, community and professional stakeholders, the Head of School will drive research impact, external partnerships and innovation, including through the School’s discipline-specific research institute, while contributing to the Faculty's and University's broader strategic objectives.

As a senior academic leader, the Head of School fosters a culture of excellence, collaboration and inclusion, enabling staff and students to thrive while ensuring effective governance, resource management and continuous improvement across all aspects of the School's operations.

To be successful, you’ll have:

• Proven senior academic leadership within a university environment, with responsibility for teaching, research and overall school performance, including leading large academic teams and delivering sustained organisational outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of higher education frameworks, including teaching, learning, research, accreditation, quality assurance, regulatory and compliance requirements, with the ability to lead and sustain high-quality outcomes in professional programs.
• Demonstrated capability in strategic and operational management, including effective stewardship of financial, people and operational resources within complex academic environments.
• Highly developed stakeholder engagement and influence skills, with a track record of building partnerships with industry, community, academic institutions, professional bodies and accreditation agencies, and working collaboratively across schools, faculties, universities and external partners to advance institutional priorities.
• Strong academic and professional standing, evidenced by achievement in teaching, research and/or professional practice, a well-established national and international reputation in a relevant discipline, and experience in a school-level leadership position.
• Doctoral qualification and/or extensive professional achievement in a relevant discipline, with significant leadership experience and eligibility for, or current registration as, a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (AHPRA).

Here's how to apply: 

Please click “Apply” and submit your updated resume, a short cover letter and responses to the Key Selection Criteria.

For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Deakin Distinguished Professor Rachel Huxley, Executive Dean, Faculty of Health on execdean-health@deakin.edu.au

For a copy of the position description, please see below:

 PD - Head of School, Psychology .pdf

Applications for this position close at 11.55pm on Thursday 3rd September. 

Are You Ready?

Deakin is a Victorian university with a global impact. We are an agile, dynamic, and innovative university committed to making a positive impact through our excellence in education, research and innovation and the contributions we make to the wider community.

We understand that our reputation has been built on the dedication and expertise of our staff and we offer a dynamic and diverse working environment with opportunities to grow and develop careers. We believe that a progressive, thriving culture will ensure that people choose to come, and stay at Deakin and contribute to our ongoing success.

We value diversity and aim to build an inclusive environment that champions, embraces and respects differences. We support and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all abilities, cultures, sexual orientation, and genders.

Pre-employment safety and suitability checks: In accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence, appointment to this role is subject to successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, including Working With Children Checks and candidate gender-based violence declarations.

Candidates may be asked to declare whether they have been investigated for an allegation of Gender‑based Violence, or determined to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender‑based Violence during the course of their previous employment, or otherwise in a legal process.  A declaration is not required from individuals who have experienced gender‑based violence.  A ‘Yes’ response does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment, and any information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for relevance to the role and the University’s safety obligations.