Head of School and Professor

Monash University, Australia – School of Social Sciences

Location: Clayton campus

About Us

Monash Arts is one of Australia’s largest and most dynamic arts faculties, with particular strengths in the humanities, performing arts, languages and social sciences. We champion innovation across disciplines and deliver programs through six schools and six campuses, both locally and internationally. Our faculty is united by a commitment to excellence in teaching, research and societal impact, with staff working at the cutting edge of their fields and bringing that expertise into the classroom.

The School of Social Sciences is the largest in the faculty and one of the most comprehensive social science schools in the country. Consistently ranked among the best globally, the School offers programs in Anthropology, Criminology, Human Geography, International Relations, Politics, Sociology and Gender Studies. It is home to over 100 postgraduate research students annually and three flagship research centres: the Monash Migration and Inclusion Centre, the Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre, and the Centre for Development Economics and Sustainability. The School fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and is driven by a commitment to social justice, global engagement and intellectual rigour.

About the Opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of Australia’s most comprehensive and globally recognised social science schools. As Head of School, you’ll provide strategic leadership across education, research and engagement, and play a key role in shaping the Faculty’s broader direction as a member of the executive. The initial leadership term will be offered for a period of three years, with the opportunity to extend.

A proven leader with a strong disciplinary reputation and a collaborative mindset, you will inspire staff and drive innovation across the School’s diverse portfolio. Key priorities include:

• Advancing curriculum renewal and decolonising research and teaching
• Strengthening industry engagement and external partnerships
• Boosting recruitment across undergraduate and postgraduate programs
• Supporting research excellence and mentoring early career academics
• Leading staff development, performance and workload equity
• Expanding the School’s HDR program and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration

This role offers the chance to drive the next phase of the School’s evolution and the future of social sciences - locally, nationally and globally.

About You

You’re a visionary academic leader with a collaborative, open and compassionate approach to leadership. You bring deep disciplinary expertise, a commitment to inclusive excellence, and a clear vision for the future of the social sciences in Australia and beyond. You’re ready to take an active role in shaping the School and supporting the growth of its academic community.

To thrive in this role, you will bring:

• Demonstrated experience in academic management, including strategic planning, financial oversight and staff development
• Evidence of outstanding scholarly activity of an international standard, including significant publications and sustained research engagement
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to mentor staff and represent the School across university forums
• A strong track record in collaborative and interdisciplinary research, and the ability to foster a vibrant research culture
• Experience attracting external funding and building links with industry, government and professional bodies
• A clear vision for the future of the social sciences, both nationally and internationally

About Monash University

At Monash, work feels different. There’s a sense of belonging, from contributing to something groundbreaking – a place where great things happen. We value difference and diversity, and welcome and celebrate everyone's contributions, lived experience and expertise. That’s why we champion an inclusive and respectful workplace culture where everyone is supported to succeed. Together with our commitment to academic freedom, you will have access to quality research facilities, infrastructure, world-class teaching spaces, and international collaboration opportunities. Monash supports flexible and hybrid working arrangements. We have a range of policies in place enabling staff to combine work and personal commitments. This includes supporting parents.

Join the pursuit of our purpose to build a better future for ourselves and our communities.

To Apply

For instructions on how to apply, please refer to 'How to apply for Monash Jobs'. Your application must address the Key Selection Criteria. Diversity is one of our greatest strengths at Monash. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, and people of all genders, sexualities, and age groups. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process at Monash. If you need any reasonable adjustments, please contact us at hr-recruitment@monash.edu in an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments Request' for a confidential discussion. Your employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of all pre-employment and/or background checks required for the role, as determined by the University.

Enquiries: Professor Katie Stevenson, Dean, Faculty of Arts - katie.stevenson@monash.edu

Applications Close: Thursday 23 October 2025, 11:55pm AEDT