Head of School, School of Geosciences

• Full time, fixed term for 5 years

• Lead a globally recognised academic school, influence strategic direction at faculty level, and contribute to shaping the future of geoscience education and research

• Offering a competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The Head of School – School of Geoscience is a senior academic leadership role within the Faculty of Science, offering a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction of one of the university's leading schools. This position is responsible for advancing the School's academic excellence, research impact, and operational performance in alignment with faculty and university-wide objectives.

The role encompasses leadership of curriculum design and delivery, development of research and education strategies, and oversight of talent management and external engagement. Accountability extends to financial sustainability, budget management, and the cultivation of a high-performing, inclusive workplace culture.

As a member of the Faculty Leadership Group, the Head of School contributes to faculty strategy and decision-making, while leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative academic programs and foster scholarly excellence. The position plays a critical role in enhancing the School's national and international reputation through strategic partnerships, public engagement, and academic leadership.

About you (skills, capabilities and experience)

The successful candidate will hold a doctoral qualification in a relevant field and demonstrate extensive experience in academic leadership within a tertiary environment. Proven capabilities in strategic planning, financial management, stakeholder engagement, and staff development are essential.

Key skills include:

• Effective communication

• Critical thinking and decision-making

• Negotiation and influencing

• Planning and organisation

• Teamwork and collaboration

Experience in mentoring and managing diverse teams, delivering strategic initiatives, and contributing to public scholarship through industry engagement and academic forums is highly valued.

Key benefits 

• a University contribution of 17% of your base salary to your superannuation fund 

• tax-efficient salary packaging options for cars, laptops, and additional contributions to your superannuation fund 

• generous relocation allowance if moving from interstate or overseas 

• access to fitness passport, as well as discounted rates on university sports and fitness centers 

• gain the recognition of working in a leading University. 

Term and remuneration

The successful candidate will be offered a five-year fixed term position on a full-time basis with a competitive remuneration package commensurate with the responsibilities of the position and the candidate's relevant experience and qualifications. The appointment is subject to completion of a satisfactory probation period for new appointees.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement 

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 

How to apply

Applications (including a CV and cover letter outlining how your skills, capabilities and experience meet the requirements for the role) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. Please refer to the candidate information brochure and position description for further details.

Click to view the Candidate Information Brochure for this role.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact John Flynn (Senior Talent Partner, Senior Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Operations) on or by email

The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

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