Unlocking Opportunities: Two Program Coordinator Positions at Queensland University of Technology

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is currently recruiting for two Program Coordinator roles within its dynamic professional education portfolio. These fixed-term, full-time positions, based at the iconic Gardens Point campus in Brisbane with hybrid work options, offer a chance to contribute to high-impact continuing professional development programs. As Higher Education Worker (HEW) level 7 roles, they come with competitive remuneration ranging from $122,852 to $134,385 per annum, inclusive of base salary, 17% superannuation, and 17.5% recreation leave loading. This package reflects QUT's commitment to attracting skilled professionals who can drive administrative excellence in executive and open enrollment programs.

These opportunities arise amid a surge in demand for tailored professional education in Australia, where universities like QUT are pivotal in upskilling corporate leaders and government professionals. The roles sit within Alumni and Engagement in the Chancellery Division, supporting a matrixed team environment that blends academic delivery with client-focused service. With applications closing on May 21, 2026, prospective candidates have a timely window to position themselves for this entry into one of Australia's leading technology-focused universities.

The Strategic Importance of Program Coordinators in Australian Higher Education

In Australian universities, Program Coordinators play a crucial bridge role between academic content creators and end-users, ensuring seamless delivery of non-award programs such as short courses, executive education, and customized corporate training. At QUT, this translates to managing open programs—widely accessible professional development offerings—and bespoke client programs designed for specific organizations. This dual focus addresses the evolving needs of the workforce, where rapid technological change demands continuous learning.

HEW7 classification, part of the Higher Education Industry General Staff Award, denotes mid-senior administrative expertise requiring a degree-equivalent qualification plus substantial experience. Coordinators at this level handle complex stakeholder interactions, process optimization, and project oversight, often in fast-paced, deadline-driven settings. Nationally, such roles have grown by over 15% in the past five years, driven by universities' pivot toward revenue-generating professional education amid funding pressures.

QUT's emphasis on innovation positions these roles at the forefront. The university's Gardens Point campus, nestled in Brisbane's central business district, facilitates close ties with industry, enhancing program relevance and coordinator impact.

Core Responsibilities: What Does the Day-to-Day Look Like?

Day-to-day duties revolve around high-quality student and academic administration support. Coordinators manage end-to-end processes for assigned programs, from participant enrollment and communication to academic scheduling and resource allocation. This includes liaising with academic facilitators to align delivery with client expectations, particularly for customized programs serving corporate and government partners.

• Coordinate administrative services, including registrations, invoicing, and certification issuance using systems like SAMS (Student Administration Management System) and Canvas Credentials.
• Deliver exceptional participant experiences by handling queries, providing updates, and ensuring compliance with equity and diversity standards.
• Support matrix teams by cross-collaborating with academics, professional staff, and external clients to troubleshoot issues and refine processes.
• Prioritize multiple activities under tight deadlines, adapting to shifting priorities in a client-outcome-focused environment.
• Contribute to strategic improvements, such as evaluating data management tools like the Academic Database and DEP/CRM (Delivery Engagement Platform/Customer Relationship Management).

These tasks demand a proactive mindset, where coordinators not only execute but also innovate—proposing enhancements to streamline operations and elevate program quality. For instance, integrating feedback loops from past programs to refine future offerings exemplifies the continuous improvement ethos.

Essential Qualifications and Skills Profile

Candidates need education, training, or relevant experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree, complemented by proven administrative expertise in higher education or professional development. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is foundational, but standout applicants demonstrate familiarity with specialized tools: SAMS for student records, Canvas for credentialing, and CRM systems for client tracking.

Soft skills are paramount. High-level written communication underpins reports, emails, and meeting minutes, often tailored to diverse audiences from executives to frontline staff. Project management acumen enables juggling concurrent programs, while a collaborative spirit fosters harmonious team dynamics in matrix structures. Initiative shines through in critically assessing systems and introducing efficiencies.

QUT prioritizes equity, diversity, and Indigenous engagement, encouraging Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islander people to apply. Unrestricted work rights in Australia for the six-month term are required, with current staff needing supervisor approval for secondments.

Explore QUT's Faculty of Business and Law to understand the broader context, as these programs align with its executive education strengths.

Why Choose QUT for Your Program Coordination Career?

QUT stands out as a top 1% global university, renowned for real-world impact and industry partnerships. Ranked among Australia's most innovative institutions, it hosts the QUT Graduate School of Business, a hub for executive education including EMBA programs and custom corporate bundles. Coordinators here gain exposure to cutting-edge short courses addressing AI, leadership, and sustainability—fields booming in Queensland's economy.

Hybrid arrangements promote work-life balance, while Brisbane's lifestyle—sunny weather, cultural vibrancy, and proximity to beaches—adds appeal. The six-month term offers a low-risk entry, often leading to extensions or permanent roles amid QUT's expansion in professional education.

Benefits extend beyond salary: professional development opportunities, wellness programs, and a supportive culture valuing diverse perspectives. Testimonials from current staff highlight the rewarding nature of impacting professionals' careers.

Navigating Salary and Benefits in HEW7 Roles

The $122,852–$134,385 package breaks down to a base of $103,811–$113,557, plus super and leave loading—competitive for Brisbane's cost of living. Nationally, program coordinators in higher ed earn around $100,000–$120,000, but QUT's inclusion of loadings boosts take-home value.

Additional perks include flexible hours, salary packaging options, and access to on-campus facilities like gyms and childcare. In a sector facing talent shortages, this reflects strategic investment in administrative backbone.

Career Progression and Long-Term Prospects

Starting as a Program Coordinator opens doors to senior roles like Program Manager or Engagement Director. Many advance within two years, leveraging QUT's internal mobility. Skills gained—stakeholder management, systems expertise, project delivery—transfer seamlessly across sectors.

In Australian higher ed, admin professionals increasingly lead strategic initiatives, with demand projected to rise 10–12% by 2030 due to exec ed growth. Upskilling via QUT's own courses positions coordinators for promotion.

Tips for a Standout Application

Tailor your CV to highlight relevant experience, quantifying achievements like 'Managed 50+ enrollments, achieving 98% satisfaction'. Address selection criteria directly: demonstrate client focus with examples, project successes, and system proficiencies.

Prepare for behavioral interviews focusing on collaboration and adaptability. Reference QUT's values—bold, practical, real-world. Apply via AcademicJobs.com listing, which links to QUT's portal (Reference 26210).

• Review QUT's careers page for insights.
• Seek feedback from higher ed networks on LinkedIn.
• Emphasize diversity commitment if applicable.

Trends Shaping Professional Education in Australian Universities

Australia's $2.5 billion exec ed market grows 8% annually, fueled by digital transformation and lifelong learning mandates. Universities like QUT lead with hybrid/microcredential models, where coordinators ensure scalability.

Challenges include client customization amid resource constraints, but opportunities abound in emerging areas like sustainable business and data analytics. Coordinators influence this evolution, adapting programs to industry shifts.

Real-World Impact: Stories from the Field

Former coordinators at similar unis report transforming careers by delivering programs that propelled participants to C-suite roles. At QUT, a recent custom leadership bundle for Queensland government enhanced policy outcomes, underscoring coordinators' ripple effects.

Stakeholder views: Academics value admin support for focus on content; clients praise responsive service; participants appreciate seamless experiences boosting learning ROI.

Future Outlook: Hybrid Work and Innovation in Higher Ed Admin

Looking ahead, AI tools will automate routine tasks, elevating coordinators to strategic advisors. QUT's hybrid model sets a benchmark, blending campus vibrancy with remote flexibility. With Australia's higher ed sector investing $500 million in digital infrastructure by 2028, skilled coordinators will be indispensable.

These QUT positions offer a prime launchpad into this future, combining stability, growth, and purpose.