"Director, ANU Pathways"

Director, ANU Pathways

561415

Canberra / ACT, ACT, Australia, 2601

Fixed Term

Closing at: Mar 1 2026 - 23:55 AEDT

Terms: Full-time, Fixed term up to 18 months

Location: Canberra (on-site)

The Australian National University is one of the world’s leading research universities, with excellence embedded in our approach to research and education, and a dedication to cultivating an outstanding and diverse student community that reflects our unique national mission. ANU Pathways will play a central role in this mission by designing and delivering pathways programs that build the academic skills, confidence and readiness students need to progress into their chosen ANU degree program. Pathways students study on campus from day one, forming early connections with the ANU community and benefiting from an environment that supports aspiration, equity, inclusion and long‑term success.

The University is seeking an exceptional senior leader to establish and grow ANU Pathways, a new strategic initiative that expands access to ANU for diverse domestic and international cohorts. As Director, you will shape the vision, strategy and delivery of pathways programs that uphold academic quality, regulatory compliance and strong student outcomes. You will contribute to institution‑wide planning as part of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) leadership team, the University Leadership Group and other key governance forums, and lead initiatives to grow enrolments and strengthen the University’s education pipeline.

This role provides strategic leadership across the full lifecycle of pathways program development, including curriculum design, academic governance, operational systems, and integration with broader education, recruitment and student experience strategies. You will build and sustain strong partnerships across the University and with external stakeholders, including education agents, schools, offshore partners and regulators, ensuring programs are high‑quality, sustainable and aligned with the long‑term priorities of the ANU.

Success in this role requires exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, the ability to work collaboratively across senior university leadership, and the judgement to translate sector insights into effective program models. It also calls for a strong commitment to equity, wellbeing and access, ensuring ANU pathways creates meaningful programs for diverse student cohorts, while leading a key initiative that directly influences student success, institutional reputation and future growth.

The ideal candidate will bring substantial senior leadership experience in higher education or a comparably complex environment, with a strong record of developing rigorous academic programs, ensuring quality assurance, regulatory compliance and strong student outcomes. They will have deep expertise in Year 12 equivalent curriculum and/or preparatory, foundation or enabling programs, alongside demonstrated experience fostering inclusive, safe and respectful learning communities and supporting diverse student cohorts. The role requires strong financial and commercial acumen, experience in international and domestic student recruitment, and the ability to lead high‑performing teams while navigating complex regulatory and stakeholder environments. A demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is essential, and tertiary teaching experience is highly regarded.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced senior leader to lead, shape and advance a transformative new strategic initiative and develop pathway programs, partnerships and systems that will expand access to ANU and support the success of future generations of students.

Note: Information included throughout reflects the proposed future‑state structure as part of an active implementation process.

Contact:

For a confidential discussion please contact Sarena Bunce, Executive Search Business Partner, ANU Executive Search:

E: executivesearch@anu.edu.au

T: +61 2 6125 1863

Please note, applications close on Sunday 1 March 2026 at 11:55 pm AEDT.

Application information

In order to apply for this role please make sure that you upload the following documents:

A candidate statement addressing the selection criteria.

A current curriculum vitae (CV) which includes the names and contact details of at least three potential referees who might be consulted regarding your potential suitability for the role, note they will only be contacted with your permission in the final stage of the process.

Applications which do not address the selection criteria may not be considered for the position.

Exploratory stakeholder meetings, presentations and/or psychometric testing may be required as part of the selection process.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a background check during the recruitment process. An offer of employment is conditional on satisfactory results in accordance with the Background Checking Procedure which sets out the types of checks required by each type of position.

The University actively encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For more information on employment opportunities, contact our Indigenous Employment Consultant on indigenous.employment@anu.edu.au  

ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to those of all backgrounds and identities. For more information about staff equity at ANU, visit https://services.anu.edu.au/human-resources/respect-inclusion.