The Northern Territory is one of the most complex and compelling health environments in the world. Vast distances, extraordinary cultural diversity, and persistent health inequity create challenges that demand not just competence, but genuine commitment. For decades, Flinders University has tackled these challenges hands-on, delivering meaningful outcomes for rural and remotes communities. We are now seeking an exceptional academic leader to build on this legacy to drive innovate and strengthen our impact to help the communities we support not just succeed, but thrive and grow into the future.

As Deputy Dean, Rural and Remote Health (NT), you will shape the direction of rural and remote health education, research, and community engagement across the Territory, leading a program with national reach and real impact on the communities it serves.

About Flinders

Since 1966, Flinders University has pursued a distinctive mission: innovation, access, and impact. With campuses spanning Adelaide, rural South Australia, and the Northern Territory, the College of Medicine and Public Health has built a nationally and internationally recognised record in clinical sciences and medical education, with a particular depth of expertise in the challenges of rural and remote health.

The Role

Reporting to the Dean of Education and working closely with the Rural and Remote Health Leadership Team across South Australia and the Northern Territory, you will provide senior leadership across four interconnected areas:

1. Education leadership: Operational oversight of Flinders Rural and Remote Health NT, including the Northern Territory Medical Program, ensuring high-quality delivery across medicine, nursing, and allied health.
2. Research and innovation: Advancing the College’s research agenda in the NT, securing competitive funding, and championing innovative approaches to workforce development in remote settings.
3. Strategic partnerships: Building and sustaining relationships with NT government, healthcare providers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and peer universities to expand education, research, and community impact.
4. People and culture: Leading a high-performing, inclusive team supporting staff through resource planning, performance development, and recognition, while contributing to financial sustainability.

As a member of the Rural and Remote Health Executive Team, you will also contribute to the broader strategic direction of the College’s regional portfolio, supporting delivery aligned with the University’s Regional, Rural and Remote Strategy.

About You

We are looking for a senior academic with a strong national profile in rural and remote health and the leadership experience to match. You will bring:

1. A PhD or equivalent qualification, with a demonstrated record of high-quality research outputs and success in securing nationally competitive funding.
2. Deep knowledge of current government policy in rural health and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, and a track record of working effectively with Indigenous communities.
3. Experience leading complex, multi-site academic programs, with a collaborative and decisive leadership style.
4. Understanding of the NT context, its communities, its challenges, and its opportunities
5. The interpersonal range to operate across government, community, clinical, and academic settings.

Flinders University embraces diversity and actively encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

In partnership with Flinders University, Perrett Laver will conduct an international executive search process in parallel with the public advertisement of the role. For a confidential conversation, please contact Tadhg Waddington Tadhg.Waddington@perrettlaver.com

See below to apply or download further information. Reference number: 8382

The deadline for applications is 9am ACST, Monday 15th June 2026.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.

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