"Associate Director, Graduate Employability"

• Permanent/continuing, full time appointment
• Level D: $179,439 - $192,572 plus 17% superannuation 

The University of Wollongong (UOW) is a globally recognised institution ranked among the world’s top 1%, with a strong commitment to inclusive, future-focused education and outstanding graduate outcomes. As UOW advances its ambition to be recognised as a Top 10 Australian university for graduate employability, we are seeking an exceptional academic leader to shape and drive this institutional priority.

The Associate Director, Graduate Employability will lead institution‑wide academic strategy to embed employability as a core educational outcome across programs and the student experience. Working closely with faculties, Academic Program Directors and professional teams, the role strengthens the integration of employability, work‑integrated learning and career development learning within curriculum and assessment.

About the Role

The position provides strategic oversight of the University’s principal employability initiatives and career development services, ensuring the delivery of high‑quality programs, equitable access for all students, and demonstrable improvements in graduate outcomes. Informed by institutional and sectoral data, the Associate Director leads evidence‑based enhancement activities, contributes to academic quality assurance processes, and offers expert advice to senior executives. The role further serves as a formal representative of UOW in its engagement with employers, industry bodies, and government agencies.

About You

You will hold a doctoral qualification and bring a substantial record of academic leadership consistent with senior appointment at Academic Level D. You will demonstrate a distinguished profile in graduate employability or related fields, together with a proven capacity to lead institution‑wide strategic agendas and cultivate high‑impact curriculum partnerships across faculties and portfolios. You will possess the strategic acumen to interpret emerging workforce and labour‑market trends and translate them into forward‑looking educational practice that advances institutional priorities. A deep and demonstrable commitment to equity, inclusive student success, and scholarly leadership is essential, alongside the capability to lead, influence, and inspire professional teams within complex, multi‑stakeholder university environments.

This position requires a National Criminal History Check prior to commencement. 

How to Apply

Applicants are requested to submit an up to date CV and a cover letter (no more than 3 pages) summarising their skills and experience as it relates to the selection criteria located in the position description. 

Position Description

For further information regarding this opportunity or a confidential discussion, please contact Helen Patridge, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) hpartridge@uow.edu.au 

Closing Date:  Monday 16 March 2026, 11:59 PM

Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Only candidates with valid work rights in Australia are eligible to apply.

As required by federal legislation, prospective employees are required to declare whether they have been investigated for an allegation of Gender based Violence or determined to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender based Violence, during their previous employment, or otherwise in a legal process. Any such declaration will be included in the University’s employment screening processes and will be treated with the strictest confidence and in compliance with all privacy legislation.

The University of Wollongong is committed to workplace equity, diversity and inclusion. We value and acknowledge the importance of our people’s diverse experiences, talents and cultures that they bring to work with them each day. Embracing diversity and creating inclusion is a key component of attracting and retaining talent in our workforce. The creation of a diverse and inclusive workforce is central to our ability to unlock potential, enhance our success and achieving our vision of being in the Top 1% of universities globally.

• Job Identification
• 6403
• Job Category
• Executive Management
• Posting Date
• 02/20/2026, 02:49 PM
• Apply Before
• 03/16/2026, 08:55 PM
• Job Schedule
• Full time
• Locations
•  Northfields Ave, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, AU