"Director, Student Life and Community"

Job Description:

• A senior leadership position to shape and deliver University-wide strategies that enhance the student experience.
• Senior Management appointment.
• Full-time, ongoing appointment.
• Attractive remuneration and relocation support available

About the area

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a member of the prestigious Group of Eight and consistently ranked among the world’s top 100 universities. The Education and Student Experience portfolio provides strategic leadership across curriculum management, learning and teaching, academic quality and standards, student wellbeing, administration, engagement and global recruitment.

Within this portfolio, the Student Life and Community directorate plays a pivotal role in delivering a world-class, inclusive and connected student experience. The directorate brings together Student Wellbeing and Engagement (including the international student experience), Student Equity and Success, the Integrity and Standards Unit, and UWA Sport. Working in partnership with the UWA Student Guild, residential colleges and key stakeholders, the directorate fosters student belonging, wellbeing, academic integrity and active community participation throughout the student lifecycle.

About the opportunity

Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience), you will;

• Shape and deliver University-wide strategies, policies and initiatives that enhance the student experience.
• Lead the Student Life and Community directorate, overseeing services and programs across wellbeing, engagement, conduct and integrity, equity and access, sport and recreation, and critical incident management.
• Drive operational excellence through effective governance, compliance and strategic planning, ensuring UWA remains agile, student-centred and future focused.
• Optimise the use of financial, human and operational resources to achieve sustainable outcomes aligned with University priorities.
• Build and strengthen partnerships with government, industry, professional bodies and the community to advance UWA’s reputation and impact.
• Represent UWA at national and international levels, influencing sector-wide policy and promoting best practice in student experience and wellbeing.

About you

• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or extensive leadership experience in a large, complex organisation preferably within the higher education sector.
• A proven record of leadership demonstrating the ability to shape strategy, influence institutional direction, and deliver outcomes across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Demonstrated success in translating strategic vision into institution-wide initiatives that enhance student success, retention, and progression.
• Highly developed strategic, analytical, and conceptual thinking skills, with the ability to anticipate emerging trends and position the University accordingly.
• Demonstrated financial and resource management experience, with a track record of delivering sustainable outcomes in a complex environment.
• Strong knowledge of higher education policy, regulation, and quality frameworks, including TEQSA, particularly in relation to student safety, access equity and wellbeing requirements.

Note: A current National Police Clearance Certificate, Working with Children Check, and “C” class driver’s licence will be required by the successful applicant. Some after-hours and weekend work may also be required.

Position description: PD [Director, Student Life and Community] [521807].pdf

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Professor Guy Littlefair at guy.littlefair@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.

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

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Monday, 24 November 2025

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

About the University

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

Learn more about us.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.

If you have queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively, please contact the Talent team at people@uwa.edu.au with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number.