Deputy Head Department of Rural Health

Position Number:

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.

Your next career opportunity

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
• 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 comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfillment, including:

• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page

Your new team - Department of Rural Health

The Department of Rural Health (DRH), within the Melbourne Medical School, plays a critical role in advancing rural and regional health education, research, and community engagement. With major campuses in Shepparton, Ballarat, and Wangaratta, and placements across Northern Victoria, the Department delivers innovative clinical and health professional training that equips graduates to meet the unique challenges and opportunities of rural healthcare. Supported by strong partnerships with hospitals, health services, and Aboriginal communities, DRH provides students and staff with outstanding opportunities to make a real impact in rural health outcomes.

As a nationally recognised leader in rural health education and research, DRH integrates programs such as the Rural Clinical School, the University Department of Rural Health, and the Centre for Excellence in Rural Sexual Health. Its multidisciplinary approach fosters collaboration across medicine, nursing, allied health, population health, and Indigenous health, underpinned by Commonwealth-supported initiatives. The Department combines academic excellence with deep community engagement, offering a values-driven, inclusive environment where leaders can shape rural healthcare delivery, strengthen workforce capacity, and contribute to healthier futures for regional communities.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We believe the diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing reasonable adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. For assistance, please contact Kim Groizard on or at hr- (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments'). Contact details for other enquiries are located at the bottom of this page.

Find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments.

Please note - This role requires the successful candidate to maintain a Working with Children Check. The successful candidate can apply for the WWCC as part of the onboarding process. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.

Join us and unlock your career potential

If this sounds like your next opportunity, please apply with:

• Your resume
• A cover letter outlining your interest and experience
• The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description)

For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Felicita Depaune via email at snr-, ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

Position Description: _Deputy Head, Department of Rural Health_PD

Applications close: Thursday, 2 October 2025 at 11:55 PM Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)/Melbourne time zone.