"Deputy Head, Department of Rural Health"

The University of Melbourne is seeking an accomplished academic leader to serve as Deputy Head of the Department of Rural Health (DRH). Reporting to the Head of Department and as a member of the Department Executive, you will provide academic and strategic leadership, support departmental initiatives, foster staff development, and strengthen partnerships with rural and regional health services. This is a unique opportunity to shape DRH’s strategic direction, enhance teaching and research excellence, and contribute to regional health outcomes across Victoria.

As Deputy Head, you will assist in providing vision, strategy, and leadership across DRH’s teaching, research, and engagement programs. You will contribute to a collegial, productive, and inclusive culture while collaborating across multiple campuses and maintaining strong relationships with local communities and health partners. You will be expected to support the Head of Department in managing budgets, strategic initiatives, and staff development while leading and contributing to research programs that improve rural and Indigenous health outcomes.

• Assisting the Head of Department in providing academic and strategic leadership
• Supporting development and engagement of staff, including supervision, mentoring, and performance management
• Contributing to DRH research programs with a focus on rural and regional health, securing external grant funding
• Engaging in teaching activities, including the Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Going Rural Health programs
• Developing and maintaining partnerships with health service providers, community groups, and partner organisations
• Contributing to departmental administration, strategic initiatives, and university governance

You may be a great fit if you are a scholar of international reputation with a relevant doctoral level qualification (medicine/health), academic leadership experience in a rural/regional setting, a track record of mentorship and ethical leadership valuing diversity, strong experience in managing complex projects across multiple sites, excellent interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills, demonstrated ability to initiate and implement effective workplace practices, and passion for rural/regional health education and research. Level E applicants should have an excellent track record in rural health research, publications, grant income, higher degree supervision, or leadership in rural health education and advocacy.

What we offer you includes supportive flexible work arrangements, progressive leave provisions, salary packaging, access to discounted services, and health and well-being services.

Your new team – The Department of Rural Health (DRH), within the Melbourne Medical School, advances rural and regional health education, research, and community engagement with major campuses in Shepparton, Ballarat, and Wangaratta.