"Academic Director and Principal"

UniSC is partnering with Education Centre Australia (ECA) to open a small campus in Parramatta, Sydney with initial program delivery from Trimester 1, 2026. A variety of undergraduate and postgraduate program offerings from across multiple Schools will be available initially, with further program diversity added in subsequent intakes.

The Education Centre of Australia (ECA) is one of the leading and diverse education groups that operate at the forefront of Australia’s higher education sector with multiple campuses in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. Over the past two decades, ECA has helped tens of thousands of students through English language courses, undergraduate degrees, postgraduate degrees and targeted internships. UniSC has partnered with ECA to provide high-quality educational experiences and learning opportunities to students from around the world, commencing with establishment of a third-party managed campus in Sydney.

We are thrilled to offer an additional opportunity for students to study with us at UniSC Sydney and look forward to providing the same strong student satisfaction and teaching quality that we are renowned for. Supporting UniSC’s mission to make education accessible, the campus is located centrally within a vibrant diaspora assisting international students to enjoy the cultural and physical supports needed to succeed in their studies.

Academic Director and Principal

Employed by UniSC and reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), the Academic Director and Principal (ADP) is responsible for the academic leadership and operational management of programs delivered at the university’s UniSC Sydney campus. This position is responsible for managing campus activity related to the establishment of the Sydney campus, and the establishment and delivery of UniSC programs in partnership with Education Centre of Australia (ECA). The ADP collaborates closely with ECA, employing a matrix management approach.

This role will be crucial to the success of the Sydney Campus and is central to the expansion of the agreement with ECA to deliver programs across different study areas and from different Schools across the University of the Sunshine Coast. This pivotal role drives the UniSC’s mission to expand and diversify international student communities, ensuring an exceptional student experience.

You will:

• Inspire academic leadership, aligning with UniSC's vision.
• Collaborate on performance indicators, optimising resources, and increasing student enrolments.
• Diplomatically implement the education partnership strategy with ECA.
• Ensure excellence in teaching, foster collaboration, and promote a diverse and inclusive culture.
• Monitor partnership performance with ECA and identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Oversee internal and external stakeholder relationships, lead quality assurance initiatives, and drive continuous improvement.

About you:

We are seeking a candidate with exceptional skills, recognising the nuanced nature of this influential position. As a pivotal role without direct reporting line responsibility, we value your ability to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes with finesse. Your exemplary communication skills, coupled with a diplomatic approach, will be integral to fostering collaboration and ensuring positive interactions across various entities. We seek an individual with a natural flair for relationship-building, understanding that influence is cultivated through effective engagement and strategic communication. Your adaptability, emotional intelligence, and a keen sense of diplomacy will be key attributes in shaping the collaborative and inclusive culture we strive for in this leadership role.

Key Selection Criteria includes:

• Relevant postgraduate qualification and extensive experience in academic leadership strategic planning and resource management.
• Demonstrated commercial acumen, identifying and developing new programs and course opportunities.
• Extensive experience with international students in higher education.
• Proven ability to manage teams, build culture, and navigate conflicts.
• Effective communication skills, commitment to positive campus culture, and alignment with academic guidelines for a Level D Associate Professor or Level E Professor.

UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage your commentary on your achievements in this context. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at unisc-careers@usc.edu.au or call +61 7 5430 2830.

For more information about the position, visit our candidate information page: Academic Director and Principal, UniSC Sydney

Applications for this position close midnight, 24 August 2025. Your completed application must include your Academic CV. Noting that within the application form, we will request a statement addressing each of the selection criteria contained within the position description. Your application should also include a cover letter (no more than two pages) addressing your motivation and alignment to this position.

Have questions or want to know more? For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Kristie Husk, Talent Acquisition Manager

Telephone: 0418 884 610

Email: khusk@usc.edu.au

or

Professor Michael Wilmore, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)

Email: dvcacademic@usc.edu.au