Position:
Deputy Provost
Organisation Unit:
Provost
Location:
NSW,VIC
Type:
Fixed Term Full-time
Closing:
22-JUN-2026
Campus Location: North Sydney, Australia | Melbourne, Australia
Job No: APTAV101331#068
Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a values led public university with seven campuses across Australia, a campus in Rome, and a fast-growing virtual presence. The university is committed to advancing human dignity and the common good through education, research and service. With a strong national profile, ACU combines academic quality with a deep social purpose, reflected in sector leading student outcomes and an ongoing commitment to access, equity and community engagement
ACU is seeking to appoint a Deputy Provost to provide senior leadership across the university’s academic portfolio, driving performance, alignment and continuous improvement.
The Opportunity:
Reporting to the Provost, the Deputy Provost plays a central role in the day-to-day leadership and operational performance of the academic enterprise. The role spans all faculties and academic disciplines and is focused on ensuring the effective delivery of ACU’s academic strategy in a complex and evolving sector environment.
The role includes oversight of key strategic initiatives, including the establishment of new areas, and is a hands on leadership position requiring strong operational oversight, sound judgement, and the ability to lead through influence. The Deputy Provost will work closely with Executive Deans and Heads of School to strengthen academic performance, support workforce planning, and embed a contemporary academic model that integrates teaching and research expectations.
While the role includes oversight of key strategic initiatives, including the establishment of new areas, its core focus is on ensuring consistency, rigour and excellence across the existing academic portfolio.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide senior leadership across academic operations and performance
- Lead and oversee academic promotions processes, including driving enhancements to policy, rigour and outcomes
- Partner with Executive Deans to support workforce planning, workload allocation, and performance management
- Strengthen alignment and collaboration across faculties, fostering a collegiate and high-performing academic culture
- Contribute to the ongoing evolution of ACU’s academic model, including expectations across education and research
- Contribute to the success of research institutes and centres located in the faculties
- Support key institutional priorities including digital transformation, online delivery, and system uplift initiatives
- Lead and support targeted strategic initiatives
- Contribute to broader organisational priorities, including revenue diversification and academic innovation.
The Successful Candidate:
ACU is seeking a credible and pragmatic academic leader with a strong track record of delivering outcomes in complex university environments.
You will bring:
- Demonstrated experience in academic line leadership, including managing performance, workload allocation and career conversations
- A strong understanding of academic operations, including promotions, workforce planning and faculty performance
- The ability to lead through influence, building trust and alignment across senior academic stakeholders
- A collegiate and adaptive leadership style, with the capacity to work effectively across diverse portfolios
- A sound understanding of the research landscape, including performance expectations and emerging practices
- A practical, solutions-oriented mindset, with the ability to operate effectively in environments with varying levels of system maturity
- An innovative and forward-looking approach to academic leadership and organisational improvement
- Alignment with ACU’s mission, values, and commitment to social impact.
The Environment:
ACU offers a distinctive environment for academic leaders motivated by purpose. The university is recognised for its commitment to community engagement, including programs supporting underrepresented communities.
The institution is undergoing a period of significant investment and transformation, including major digital uplift and the continued evolution of its academic and operational frameworks. The Deputy Provost will work with a highly capable professional services team and contribute to a collaborative senior leadership environment.
Why Join ACU?
This is an opportunity to:
- Play a central role in shaping academic performance and culture across a national university
- Influence key institutional processes, including promotions, workforce strategy and academic model evolution
- Contribute to a values-driven organisation with tangible societal impact
- Work closely with a supportive and collaborative Provost in a high-trust leadership environment
How to Apply:
ACU welcomes applications from Australian and international candidates.
To request a copy of the candidate information package or to have an initial conversation, please contact:
Dr Courtenay Atwell, Korn Ferry; Email: acudeputyprovost@kornferry.com
Applications should include a brief cover letter and curriculum vitae and are to be submitted by midnight on Monday 22 June 2026 to: acudeputyprovost@kornferry.com
ACU is not accepting applications through this recruitment portal.