"Associate Director, Strategy and Operations (Education and Student Experience)"

Job Description:

• Education and Student Experience portfolio, advancing strategic priorities and strengthening education and student outcomes within a leading Go8 university.
• Full-time (1.0 FTE) appointment on an ongoing basis.

About the area

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight and ranked among the top 100 universities in the world, with a broad and balanced coverage of disciplines in the arts, sciences, and major professions.

The Office of the DVC (Education and Student Experience) provides strategic oversight of UWA’s education, student experience and international recruitment. The portfolio encompasses curriculum management, academic quality and standards, Learning and Teaching, promotion and recognition of academic excellence, experiential and work-integrated learning, life-long learning, student administration, wellbeing and access, student living, global engagement, and international recruitment. The DVCE&SE Office plays central role in translating strategic priorities into operational outcomes, ensuring risks are managed, resources are aligned, and initiatives are delivered effectively to support student success and advances UWA’s strategic objectives.

About the opportunity

• Lead the strategic planning, operational alignment and performance delivery of the Education & Student Experience portfolio, ensuring cohesive execution of institutional priorities and long‑term strategic outcomes.
• Provide trusted, high-level executive advice to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience), shaping decision‑making on emerging risks, resource planning, governance, and portfolio-wide strategic initiatives.
• Drive the translation of strategic aspirations into measurable, well‑governed programs of work, embedding accountability, business continuity, risk management and operational excellence across the portfolio.
• Oversee the development and management of the portfolio budget, ensuring resources are optimised, financially sustainable and aligned with strategic objectives.
• Champion a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement, enhancing the impact, efficiency and resilience of operations across all Education & Student Experience functions.

About you

• You are an accomplished senior leader with postgraduate qualifications and extensive experience in large, complex organisations, with a proven ability to deliver major strategic and operational outcomes.
• You excel in strategic planning, governance and organisational performance, with confidence translating high‑level priorities into clear roadmaps, milestones and measurable results.
• You are a collaborative, inclusive and influential leader who builds high‑performing teams and develops strong, trusted relationships with senior leaders, academics, professional staff and external partners.
• You bring strong financial acumen and experience overseeing significant budgets, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to maximise impact and long‑term sustainability.
• You demonstrate exceptional communication, analytical and risk‑management capabilities, with an ability to anticipate challenges, drive continuous improvement and support long‑term organisational resilience.
• You have deep knowledge of the higher education landscape and an understanding of contemporary education strategy, student experience, governance and regulatory requirements.
• You thrive in dynamic environments, balancing strategic foresight with operational execution and confidently responding to emerging opportunities and risks.

Special Requirements

• Employment checks will include information on gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and related misconduct to meet legal obligations.
• A current National Police Clearance.
• Financial Background Checks.

Position description: POSITION DESCRIPTION Associate Director, Strategy and Operations (Education and Student Experience (522685).docx

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Gemma Richman at gemma.richman@uwa.edu.au

How to apply

Please apply online via the Apply Now button. The content of your Resume and Cover Letter should demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on 12th March 2026.

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

Please note: Unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted outside of formal channels.