"Director, Strategic Programs"

Position:

Director, Strategic Programs

Organisation Unit:

Provost

Location:

NSW,VIC

Type:

Fixed Term Full-time

Closing:

18-FEB-2026

Job No: APTAV101331#065

• Formulate and plan strategic programs across the Provost's portfolio nationally
• Collaborate with and influence senior executives to deliver innovative services
• Full time, five (5) year contract, with competitive remuneration
• North Sydney or Melbourne based

We are seeking a strategic and experienced operational leader to contribute to the delivery of the university's organisational strategy: Vision 2033, in alignment with the mission, vision and goals of the university, by facilitating cross-organisational collaboration and alignment with senior executives across the portfolio and support the design and implementation of comprehensive strategic plans and initiatives.

Reporting to the Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and contributing as an integral member of the Provost's leadership team, you'll provide high-level coaching, advice and guidance to develop appropriate business and operating models to enable organisational maturity to deliver and implement agreed programs.

With a recognised track record of leading and implementing change, you'll demonstrate achievement in leading strategic functions to respond to Higher Education priorities and policy directions, with an ability to conceive, develop, implement and evaluate management strategies that support organisational goals and deliver complex program and services.

You'll possess a graduate qualification (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, along with extensive management and leadership experience. Key to your success will be in your ability to influence and build support for ideas and actions, attained through strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.

Your ability to construct and convey a clear vision, innovate and guide a management team to foster high-performance will provide a solid foundation to influence diverse teams, resources and business functions and effectively deliver in our geographically diverse, complex and dynamic university.

General enquiries can be sent to the Office of the Provost at: EAProvost@acu.edu.au

What we offer:

• The University pursues an excellence agenda and offers an environment where staff are welcomed and safe, and valued through development, participation and involvement.
• 17% employer superannuation contributions to eligible continuing and fixed-term staff.
• Annual leave loading of an equivalent to 17.5% of four weeks' salary pro rata payable, dependent on your commencement date.
• As an ACU staff member, you will have access to generous benefits which include but not limited to: flexible work, study leave, a variety of leave provisions and salary packaging. Find out more information about the benefits or working at ACU here.

How to Apply:

Step 1: Review the Position Description and become familiar with Our Mission and the Application process

Step 2: Click the 'View Position Description and Apply' button, and populate your candidate application details, including your:

• Resume.
• Recommended responses to the Selection Criteria and Core Competencies in a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) or in the online Declaration and Criteria application page.
• Brief online responses to any pre-screening employment questions.

Applications close: 18-FEB-2026 at 11:59pm AUS Eastern Standard Time

Preferred candidates will be required to complete mandatory pre-employment declarations and background checks, including those related to gender-based violence and foreign interference, in line with ACU's compliance requirements.

Candidates must hold Australian work rights to apply for this position. For permanent/ continuing roles, applicants must have permanent work rights. For further information visit Immigration and Citizenship(homeaffairs.gov.au)

Your Privacy of personal information is maintained in accordance with ACU policy. For more details visit: www.acu.edu.au/careers

ACU is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and enables our people to reach their potential. This is underpinned by our mission and values, grounded in our respect for all people and the advancement of the common good. In line with our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion we welcome candidates from all backgrounds and lived experiences. ACU is recognised as a Veteran Employment Supporter and veterans are encouraged to apply. ACU offers support for candidates that may require adjustments through the recruitment process. Please contact recruitment@acu.edu.au to discuss your requirements in confidence.

About ACU:

Australian Catholic University (ACU) is an inclusive community which welcomes students and staff of all beliefs. ACU has over 2,500 staff supporting more than 34,000 students across eight campuses - Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, North Sydney, Strathfield, Blacktown and Rome.

ACU aspires to be a home for our staff, offer the care of a family and develop an academic and professional community. Whatever your faith or culture, and whether you are academic or professional staff, there are many opportunities both for learning and contributing at ACU.

As valued members of our community, all staff members are expected to have an understanding of ACU's mission and values and to demonstrate an active contribution to them.

ACU does not accept candidate applications submitted by external recruitment agencies through the ACU careers website.