"Deputy Head, Department of Rural Health"

Position Number: 3529129

Location: Shepparton

Role type: Full-time; Professorial appointment continuing

Department/School: Department of Rural Health, Melbourne Medical School

Salary: Level D/E remuneration plus 17% superannuation

Contribute to strategic leadership and academic excellence in rural health. Engage with communities across multiple regional campuses while shaping the future of rural health education and research. Benefit from outstanding employment conditions, leadership support, and professional development programs.

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.

Your responsibilities will include:

• 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 will be a scholar of international reputation with a relevant doctoral level qualification (medicine/health), academic leadership experience in a rural/regional setting, with 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, passion for rural/regional health education and research. For Level E applicants: an excellent track record in rural health research, publications, grant income, higher degree supervision, or leadership in rural health education and advocacy.

For further information please refer to the attached Position Description.

What we offer you! We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits, including supportive flexible work arrangements, progressive leave provisions, salary packaging, and health services.

Your new team - Department of Rural Health: The Department plays a critical role in advancing rural and regional health education, research, and community engagement, with campuses in Shepparton, Ballarat, and Wangaratta.

To apply, please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your interest and experience, and responses against the Selection Criteria found in the Position Description. Applications close: Thursday, 2 October 2025 at 11:55 PM AEST.

For questions regarding the recruitment process, contact via email at snr-talentacq@unimelb.edu.au, including the Position Number and Job Title in the subject.