Deputy Director- National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health
Location: Kensington, New South Wales; Flexible for the right candidate
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
Visa sponsorship: Not available. Candidates must hold unrestricted work rights to be considered for this position.
Overview
UNSW is one of the top 20 universities globally (QS rankings 2026). The National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health (the Centre) is a national initiative dedicated to improving the health of people with intellectual disability. The Deputy Director works 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, spanning academic, policy, and service delivery settings, and engaging with the sector.
Responsibilities
* 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.
* Represent the Centre nationally and internationally; may act as delegate for the Centre Director when required.
* Join the Centre’s Leadership Group; oversee integration of research, capability building and operational functions; lead major collaborations and funding initiatives.
* Contribute to UNSW’s academic mission through HDR supervision and sector-focused scholarship.
Qualifications
* PhD or equivalent distinguished experience in public health, disability, health services, social sciences, or related fields.
* Demonstrated leadership experience, including managing teams and fostering collaborations across industry, government, and higher education.
* Strong research leadership with high-quality outputs and international impact; sustained commitment to research excellence.
* Proven academic excellence and contributions to research and scholarship.
* Experience building engagement and partnerships with the profession and industry.
* Experience recruiting and supervising high-calibre students.
* Commitment to equity, inclusion, and co-production, especially with people with disability, First Nations people, and marginalised communities.
* High-level communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to work strategically and pragmatically in a fast-paced Centre environment.
* Ability to contribute to the Centre’s strategic vision and manage change to achieve it.
* Strong, proactive leadership with the ability to motivate diverse teams and handle difficult conversations with fairness.
* Commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values, and to relevant health and safety policies.
Pre-employment Checks
* NSW Working with Children Check or willingness to obtain one
* Criminal Records Check
* Qualifications check
Benefits and Culture
* 17% Superannuation and leave loading
* Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas
* 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.
Please 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, please click on the Position Description link below.
Contact
Aarti
Talent Acquisition Associate
a.aarti@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: Sunday 2 November before 11:30 pm
Equal Opportunity
UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. 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 background, people with disability and those with caring responsibilities. Workplace adjustments and flexible work options are available for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
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