Job Description

Professor (Social Work), School of Arts & Sciences
Sydney (Broadway) Campus
Full-time opportunity, Continuing contract

• Friendly and collaborative environment
• Rewarding opportunity
• $218,599pa (level E) + 145% superannuation

About the university

We believe in the power of education to transform lives, strengthen communities and help people become the best version of themselves. The University of Notre Dame Australia is a modern, national Catholic university that serves more than 12,000 students across its campuses in Fremantle, Broome and Sydney.

With a community of over 1,000 academic and professional staff, Notre Dame is recognised for its personalised learning environment, strong graduate outcomes and holistic educational philosophy rooted in critical thinking, ethics and the Catholic intellectual tradition

About the school

The National School of Arts and Sciences is one of two national schools in the Faculty of Arts, Sciences, Law and Business. The National School is based on two distinct campuses in Fremantle and Sydney. The School of Arts and Sciences delivers a practical, ethical and industry-focused education in diverse areas of study such as the liberal arts, communications and media, counselling and science, with a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs on offer.

About the role

The Professor of Social Work is a senior academic leader (Level E) responsible for driving excellence in teaching, research, and service while shaping the strategic direction of the Social Work discipline at UNDA’s Sydney campus. The role requires a distinguished record in research, strong teaching and curriculum leadership, and active engagement with professional, community, and policy stakeholders, all underpinned by a commitment to social justice and the Catholic intellectual tradition. The Professor will lead the program’s growth, enhance its national profile, and contribute to UNDA’s mission through expertise across diverse areas of social work practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide academic leadership within Social Work and contribute to strategic planning, program development, and governance across the School and University.
• Maintain a distinguished, internationally recognised research profile, leading projects, securing competitive funding, publishing high-impact outputs, and supervising HDR students.
• Deliver excellence in teaching and curriculum leadership across undergraduate and postgraduate programs, ensuring alignment with professional accreditation standards and fostering an inclusive learning environment.
• Build and strengthen partnerships with industry, community, government, and professional bodies to enhance the impact and relevance of Social Work education and research.
• Contribute to community engagement, advocacy, and outreach, including supporting Indigenous engagement and promoting social justice in line with UNDA’s mission.
• Uphold professional and ethical standards, maintain AASW membership, and ensure compliance with University policies and a collegial, inclusive workplace culture.

Qualifications, skills & experience

• PhD (or equivalent) in Social Work or a related discipline, with eligibility for full AASW membership.
• Internationally recognised research profile with a strong record of competitive funding success, and leadership of research projects.
• Proven excellence in tertiary teaching and curriculum leadership, including postgraduate education.
• Demonstrated academic leadership experience, including strategic planning, mentoring staff, and supervising HDR students to completion.
• Relevant professional social work practice experience (e.g., child protection, mental health, Indigenous/community work, gender-based violence, or social policy)(Desirable)
• Strong stakeholder engagement, communication skills, and ability to work collegially within a values-based university, including understanding of the Catholic intellectual tradition and experience with diverse and Indigenous communities (Desirable)

Benefits

• Fast paced environment with opportunity for professional growth
• Generous training and development opportunities
• Friendly and collaborative working environment

How to apply

Please apply online with a resume and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Applications closing date:23 June 2026

For further information on how to apply, please visit:How to apply | Notre Dame

Applicants are expected to have current and valid work rights in Australia.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

The University is committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive working and learning environment.

The successful candidate will be required to complete a self-declaration regarding Gender-Based Violence (as required by the National Code) as part of the pre-employment process. For more information on this please refer to our website.

The University of Notre Dame Australia seeks to increase the diversity of our workforce to better meet the different needs of the University and its stakeholders and to improve equal opportunity outcomes for our staff.

Contact us

Please direct your queries regarding this role toHaritha Garlapati, Haritha.Garlapati@nd.edu.au

Unsolicited contact from recruitment agencies will not be entertained.