Director, Optometry & Vision Sciences — Strategy & Leadership

UOM University of Melbourne; Parkville; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Career development opportunities

Inclusive culture

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

The University of Melbourne invites applications for the position of Head of the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences. You will lead strategic, governance, and operational functions within the Melbourne School of Health Sciences, overseeing the Doctor of Optometry program and key clinical training partnerships.

We seek a PhD holder with a proven record in academic leadership, grant success, and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Hold a PhD or equivalent research higher degree in a field related to Optometry and Vision Sciences.
• Recognised as an eminent national or international authority with a sustained record of competitive research grant success.
• Strong track record of academic leadership, financial governance, and strategic decision-making in complex environments.
• Demonstrate exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills across diverse stakeholders.
• Experience leading accredited clinical education programs, health service partnerships, or organisational change is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide overarching strategic, operational, and financial leadership to ensure departmental priorities align with School and Faculty goals.
• Oversee the quality, accreditation, and renewal of the Doctor of Optometry program and clinical training pathways.
• Drive departmental research strategy and support interdisciplinary research and early-to-mid-career development.
• Lead people management, talent recruitment, workload allocation, and performance culture.
• Lead partnerships with Melbourne Teaching Health Clinics (MTHC) and external clinical, regulatory, and industry stakeholders.
• Serve as a core member of the Melbourne School of Health Sciences Executive Committee and contribute to governance and policy.

Skills

Academic leadership

Financial governance

Strategic decision-making

Communication skills

Negotiation

Relationship-building

Education

PhD or equivalent

Job description

The University of Melbourne invites applications for the position of Head of the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences. You will lead strategic, governance, and operational functions within the Melbourne School of Health Sciences, overseeing the Doctor of Optometry program and key clinical training partnerships.

We seek a PhD holder with a proven record in academic leadership, grant success, and stakeholder engagement.