"Deputy Director, Academic Services"

Provide leadership and lead a centralised, high impact team and contribute to La Trobe University’s mission of transforming lives through education

Lead strategic initiatives designed to bring continuous improvement to operations and people capability

Lead impactful change and foster operational excellence at one of Australia’s leading universities

Full Time, 1 Year Fixed Term Appointment from date of commencement/Bundoora Campus

About the position

We are seeking an accomplished and strategic leader to join our Student Administration Division as the Deputy Director, Academic Services. This pivotal role leads a high-performing team that delivers critical administrative support across the student lifecycle from enrolment and examinations through to graduations and results.

Reporting to the Director, Student Administration, the Deputy Director will also lead a group of business partners who foster alignment and engagement with our academic Schools. This position plays a vital role in ensuring the seamless delivery of core functions, driving process improvement, and building staff capability to support La Trobe’s mission of delivering a world-class student experience.

As a proven senior leader, you will exhibit a deep knowledge of the Australian higher education sector or a similarly complex environment. You thrive on improving systems, leading people, and delivering high-quality services. Your communication and stakeholder engagement skills are second to none, and you are energised by working in a dynamic, forward-looking university setting.

Duties at this level:

• Lead and manage the Academic Services team to ensure delivery of services related to curriculum management, fees, assessments, progression, exams, graduations and academic support.
• Act as the senior liaison for Schools and central units, resolving escalated issues and embedding standardised, efficient processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational performance, service delivery and team culture.
• Build capability within the team through coaching, performance development and fostering a culture of innovation and accountability.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leaders across the University, contributing to initiatives that improve the student experience and institutional effectiveness.
• Establish trusted partnerships with stakeholders across the Academic Portfolio, ensuring collaboration and shared accountability.

Skills and knowledge:

• Significant experience in leading large-scale student administration or operational services.
• A track record of delivering successful service improvements and standardising business processes.
• Expertise in managing high-performing teams and developing capability.
• The ability to influence and collaborate across diverse stakeholder groups, including academic and professional staff.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities, with a commitment to service excellence.
• Tertiary qualifications and/or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline.

Please refer to the Position Description for other duties, skills and experience required for this position.

Benefits

• 17% employer contributed superannuation
• On site child care facilities
• Flexible work arrangements
• Discounts for staff and their family members to study a range of La Trobe courses

How to apply

Closing date: Tuesday 12th August, 2025 at 11:55pm

Position Enquiries: Rachel Cumberland, Director, Student Administration, Email: R.Cumberland@latrobe.edu.au

Recruitment Enquiries: Vicki Stavrou, Senior Talent Partner, Strategy and Senior Appointments Email: v.stavrou@latrobe.edu.au

Please submit an online application ONLY and include the following documents:

• Cover letter addressing your suitability for the role and;
• An up-to-date resume.

Why La Trobe:

• Develop your career at an innovative, global university where you’ll collaborate with community and industry to create impact.
• Enjoy working on our inspiring and stunning campuses – the perfect hub for industry, students and academics
• Help transform the lives of students, partners and communities now and in future

All La Trobe University employees are bound by the Working with Children Act 2005. If you are successful, you will be required to hold a valid Victorian Employee Working with Children Check prior to commencement.