Head of Department

Company Description

Acknowledge Education is entering an exciting new chapter. With a refreshed leadership team and a renewed focus on innovation, growth, and student success, we are building on our 139-year legacy to shape the future of higher education and VET in Australia.

We deliver programs across health & community services, social work, engineering design & construction, hospitality, and the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), with campuses in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide. Each year we support more than 8,000 students to achieve their goals.

Now, under new leadership, we are strengthening our academic vision, deepening industry connections, and investing in our people. If you're looking to make an impact in an organisation with momentum, this is the right time to join us.

Job Description

Location: Melbourne, Sydney or Perth

Full-time | Senior Academic Leadership Role

This is a rare opportunity to lead and shape a Social Work program at scale – not just maintaining what exists, but actively designing what's next. At Acknowledge Education, we're growing quickly and moving with purpose, and we're looking for an academic leader who thrives in an agile, forward-looking environment.

As Head of Department – Social Work, you'll set the direction of our programs, ensure accreditation with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), and build a culture of excellence that prepares graduates for real impact in the community.

What you'll do

• Provide strategic and academic leadership across Social Work programs, ensuring compliance with AASW and Higher Education Standards.
• Mentor and grow a team of engaged academics, fostering innovation in teaching and learning.
• Lead curriculum design, renewal, and accreditation, shaping a future-focused program.
• Oversee practicum and field education, embedding best practice and student success.
• Represent AE and the Social Work discipline at national and international levels.

Qualifications

You'll be a nationally recognised leader in Social Work education and practice, with the credibility and vision to take our programs forward. More than that, you'll bring the energy to thrive in a fast-moving environment, the ability to inspire academic staff, and the drive to ensure our graduates are equipped for the challenges of the profession.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• A PhD in Social Work (or closely related field) and current membership with the AASW.
• Recognition at Academic Level E (Professor) or equivalent, with a significant record of contributions to Social Work education and practice.
• Proven leadership experience guiding academic teams, building capability, and mentoring colleagues.
• A strong track record in curriculum development, accreditation processes, and applied practice research.
• Outstanding communication, stakeholder engagement, and relationship-building skills across academic, professional, and community settings.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in both higher education and professional practice.

Additional Information

Now is the perfect time to join Acknowledge Education. With a refreshed leadership team and a renewed focus on innovation and growth, we're building something special - and you can be part of it.

• Opportunities to grow within the organisation
• $1,500 annual professional development allowance
• Incredibly committed and supportive team of student-centric professionals
• Health insurance discounts through Bupa
• Be part of a fast-moving, agile private provider where decisions turn into action quickly
• Acknowledge Education is part of UP Education group – a leading education provider: 

Questions about your identity help us appreciate the diversity of individuals looking to work with us, ensuring we're attracting applications from people with identities and perspectives that are as diverse as our students.

We are an equal opportunity employer. As part of our commitment to equity, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment.