Overview
Deputy Director - National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health. This is a leadership role at UNSW Medicine & Health, focused on research leadership with applied and translational emphasis in intellectual disability health.
Employment Type: Full Time / Part Time, 0.6 – 1.0 FTE
Duration: Fixed Term; until 30 June 2027 with a possibility of extension
Remuneration: Academic Level D; $185K - $204K pro rata based on experience + 17% Super + Annual Leave Loading
Location: Kensington, New South Wales; Flexible for the right candidate
Visa sponsorship: Not available. Candidates must have unrestricted work rights to be considered.
UNSW is a top 20 university globally (QS rankings 2026). The Faculty of UNSW Medicine & Health aims to Progress for All and to be a global leader in discovery, innovation, impact, education and thought leadership.
Responsibilities
The Deputy Director plays a critical leadership role within the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health, working closely with the Centre Director, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Consortium leadership to deliver the Centre’s strategic objectives. This is a research‑focused leadership position with an applied and translational emphasis, suitable for someone who has worked across academic, policy and service delivery settings and who can engage with the sector.
Responsibilities include:
* Provide strategic and academic leadership across the Centre’s national programs and initiatives, ensuring alignment with the Centre’s values of inclusion, evidence and lived experience.
* Lead key research and translation initiatives; manage a team of 3–5 direct reports; contribute to strategic planning, partnerships and external engagement.
* Be a member of the Centre’s Leadership Group; oversee integration of research, capability building and operational functions; lead major collaborations and funding initiatives.
* Represent the Centre nationally and internationally; may act as delegate for the Centre Director when required.
The role also contributes to UNSW’s academic mission through HDR supervision and sector‑focused scholarship.
Qualifications
Skills and requirements include:
* A PhD or equivalent distinguished experience in public health, disability, health services, social sciences, or related fields important to the Centre.
* Demonstrated leadership experience, including managing teams and delivering outcomes in complex stakeholder environments, or a proven track record of liaisons between industry/government and higher education.
* Significant track record in research leadership with high quality, internationally impactful outcomes and a demonstrated commitment to ongoing research excellence.
* Demonstrated academic excellence and outstanding contribution to research and scholarship.
* Experience in building engagement and partnerships with the profession and industry.
* Experience recruiting and supervising high‑calibre students.
* Strong understanding of equity, inclusion and co‑production, especially with people with disability, First Nations people, or marginalised communities.
* High‑level communication, collaboration and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to work strategically and pragmatically in a fast‑paced, evolving Centre environment.
* Ability to contribute to the Centre’s strategic vision on the research portfolio and manage change to achieve it.
* Proactive, energetic leadership with the ability to motivate diverse teams.
* Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to have difficult conversations when needed.
* Commitment to equity, fairness and ethics to maintain a safe, diverse and respectful working environment.
* Understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values, and relevant policies.
* Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and willingness to undertake related training.
Pre-employment Checks
* NSW Working with Children Check or willingness to obtain one
* Criminal Records Check
* Qualifications check
Benefits and Culture
* Competitive salary and UNSW benefits including 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
* Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas period
* Access to lifelong learning and career development
* Progressive HR practices
How to Apply
Please click Apply Now to submit your application online. Applications submitted via email will not be accepted.
Provide a resume and a cover letter addressing the selection criteria (Skills and Experience in the position description) and your interest in the role. To view the full position description, click the Position Description link below.
Contact
Aarti
Talent Acquisition Associate
a.aarti@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: Sunday 2 November before 11:30 pm
UNSW is committed to equity, inclusion and a diverse workplace. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability and those with caring responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability and flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
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