Head, School of Rural and Remote Health

James Cook University (JCU) is seeking an outstanding academic leader to serve as the Head, School of Rural and Remote Health. This rare opportunity will shape the future of rural and remote health across Queensland and Australia through innovative education, research leadership and strong community partnerships.

About the Role The Head of School provides strategic leadership for JCU’s University Departments of Rural Health, including major centres in Mount Isa and Emerald, and additional nodes across regional Queensland. You will oversee the performance and growth of the School, lead high‑quality academic activity, and strengthen JCU’s reputation as a national leader in rural and remote health workforce development. You will drive strategic and operational planning, lead senior staff, foster a high‑performance collaborative culture across academic and professional teams, build strong relationships with government, health services, industry partners and regional communities, and identify and secure new funding opportunities.

What You’ll Do

Provide vision, direction and leadership across the School of Rural and Remote Health

Oversee UDRH operations, performance, budgets and growth strategies

Lead academic excellence in teaching, research, evaluation and community engagement

Strengthen partnerships across the Academy Division, Colleges, government and health services

Advance workforce development and research initiatives aligned with rural and remote health priorities

Champion cultural capability, compliance, sustainability and JCU’s values

Represent JCU in national forums and advance advocacy for rural and remote health

About You

A PhD in a health‑related discipline

Proven leadership in strategic and operational planning within a complex environment

A strong record of academic leadership and high‑quality teaching, research and engagement

Excellent financial, resource and people leadership capabilities

High‑level stakeholder engagement and partnership‑building skills

A deep understanding of rural and remote health workforce needs and the national policy landscape

Experience leading through change, compliance and cultural transformation

Why JCU? Join James Cook University and be part of a team dedicated to making a lasting impact on the health and well‑being of rural and remote communities. In addition to a competitive salary and excellent benefits package, you will work in a supportive and collaborative environment while experiencing the unique lifestyle and natural beauty of Emerald and its surroundings.

A generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions with UniSuper

5 weeks of annual recreation leave plus leave loading

15 days paid sick/carers leave per year

Cash out annual leave and time‑in‑lieu options

Up to 12 months paid parental leave

A range of flexible working options

Attractive options for salary packaging

Staff study assistance and paid study leave

Fitness Passport

Corporate discount on health insurance

Free Employee Assistance Program (coaching and counselling)

Relocation and accommodation may be negotiated

How to Apply

Complete the application form

Upload your current resume

Upload a cover letter outlining your relevant experience in relation to the key requirements of the role and how your skills and experience will ensure your success in the role.

For any enquiries about the role, please contact Professor Sarah Larkins via email at deancmd@jcu.edu.au.

James Cook University encourages people from all backgrounds who meet role requirements to apply. We value and celebrate the diversity of our community, and are committed to ensuring our learning and working environment is safe and welcoming.

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