Head, School of Allied Health, Sport and Social Work

About the opportunity

As Head of School - School of Allied Health, Sport and Social Work you will drive the School’s strategic direction, champion excellence in teaching, learning and research, and foster a vibrant, collaborative culture for staff and students. You will lead an experienced executive team, oversee significant human and financial resources, and cultivate strong partnerships across the University and with external stakeholders. This role is ideal for an accomplished academic leader who thrives on building high quality programs, strengthening research performance, and guiding staff to achieve their full potential while upholding the University’s values and commitment to ethical, inclusive practice. This is a rare and influential leadership opportunity to shape the future of a dynamic, high performing academic School within a leading university.

This is a three-year appointment based at the Gold Coast campus.  As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other campuses. The successful candidate will also be offered an underlying appointment as a Professor.

About you

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a School with established strengths in teaching, research and external engagement, and to shape its next phase of growth and impact. You will champion excellence across learning and teaching, research culture and professional practice, while fostering a positive, safe and high performing environment for staff and students.

You bring strong academic standing in a relevant discipline, supported by a PhD and significant leadership experience within a complex higher education setting. With sound judgement, strategic insight and a collaborative approach, you engage and influence diverse stakeholders, strengthen partnerships, and enhance the school’s reputation and long term sustainability. Your leadership is values driven, ethical and focused on enabling people and programs to thrive.

How to apply
At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Our University is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all. In alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (2025), Griffith University includes a declaration as part of the recruitment journey to uphold the values and standards of our community. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy.

If you are seeking an exciting new challenge and a leadership role where you can make an impact, then we would like to hear from you.

Applications should include:

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role referring to the ‘About you’ section above and the position description.
• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Professor Analise O’Donovan, Pro Vice Chancellor (Health) via email pvchealth@griffith.edu.au.

For application and recruitment advice, please contact Maria Mahon, Talent Acquisition Partner at m.mahon@griffith.edu.au.

Closing date: Monday 11th May at 11:59pm AEST.  All applications must be submitted online.