Director, Southern Queensland Rural Health
Join to apply for the Director, Southern Queensland Rural Health role at The University of Queensland
Director, Southern Queensland Rural Health
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Join to apply for the Director, Southern Queensland Rural Health role at The University of Queensland
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* Full-time, fixed-term position at Academic Level D or E for 5 years
* Based in Toowoomba this role will support the Southwest and Darling Downs regions
* Southern Queensland Rural Health (SQRH)
* Full-time, fixed-term position at Academic Level D or E for 5 years
* Based in Toowoomba this role will support the Southwest and Darling Downs regions
About This Opportunity
Southern Queensland Rural Health (SQRH) is seeking a visionary and strategic leader to take on the role of Director. This is a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of rural health education, research, and service delivery across Southern Queensland.
SQRH is a unique collaboration between UQ, UniSQ, and both the Darling Downs and South West Hospital and Health Services, funded through the Australian Government’s Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training Program. Together, we are driving innovation in rural health workforce development, with a strong focus on student placements, interprofessional learning, and community impact.
As Director, you will lead a multidisciplinary team of educators, clinicians, researchers, and professional staff working across a wide geographic footprint (including Toowoomba, Charleville, St George, and Chinchilla) with potential for future expansion. You’ll oversee student-led clinics, foster high-quality clinical supervision, and champion initiatives that increase placement capacity through telehealth, mobile clinics, and new service models.
This Role Offers The Chance To
* Influence rural health workforce policy at local, state, and national levels;
* Build and sustain strategic partnerships across academia, government, and health services;
* Drive research and innovation that directly improves rural health outcomes; and
* Lead a high-performing team in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment.
SQRH is funded via the Australian Government’s Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) Program.
For further information, please click here to view the information booklet.
About UQ
As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged.
At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. UQ has made a commitment to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers.
As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.
The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad: from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements including hybrid on site/WFH options and flexible start/finish times, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.
About You
We’re seeking a strategic and collaborative leader with a strong background in health, education, or research, and a deep commitment to improving rural health outcomes. You’ll bring senior leadership experience in complex, multidisciplinary environments, with a proven ability to manage resources, deliver impactful projects, and build effective partnerships across academic, clinical, and community settings. A solid understanding of rural health policy, education, and research in Australia is essential, along with a passion for addressing the challenges faced by rural, remote, and Indigenous communities.
You’ll be an excellent communicator and relationship-builder, confident engaging with stakeholders at all levels, including government, health services, and university partners. Experience in rural health education and training, and a demonstrated ability to influence policy and practice, will be highly regarded. A PhD is desirable but not essential; what matters most is your ability to lead with vision, integrity, and a commitment to making a lasting difference.
The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, criminal check, education check.
Relocating from interstate or overseas? We may support you with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights and a relocation support package. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here.
Questions?
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Sandy Brauer (Deputy Executive Dean) via s.brauer@uq.edu.au, Associate Professor Geoff Argus (Director Rural Health) via g.argus@uq.edu.au or Michael Walsh (Principal Advisor, Talent Acquisition) via talent@uq.edu.au
Want to Apply?
We Welcome Applications From All Individuals And Are Committed To An Inclusive And Accessible Recruitment Process. To Be Considered, Please Ensure You Upload
* Resume
* Cover letter responding to the ‘About You’ section
Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.
Other Information
UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.
Applications close 08 September 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-54487).
Seniority level
* Seniority level
Director
Employment type
* Employment type
Full-time
Job function
* Job function
Health Care Provider
* Industries
Higher Education
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