Head of Student Learning

Head of Student Learning

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Job no: 539362
Work type: Full Time
Location: Sydney, NSW
Categories: Student Services

• Employment Type: Full Time (35 hours per week)
• Duration: Continuing
• Remuneration: Attractive Remuneration Package
• Location: Kensington NSW (Hybrid Flexible Working)

Why your role matters

The Head of Student Learning provides strategic and operational leadership for UNSW’s Student Learning services within the Pro Vice-Chancellor Education (PVCE) portfolio. Working in close partnership with Faculties, Schools and Divisions, the role is responsible for the design, delivery and ongoing evolution of programs and services that support access, participation, academic success and progression for a diverse student population.

The portfolio encompasses Equitable Learning Services, Enabling Programs, the Learning Hub, and Academic Success and Faculty Engagement, and plays a central role in expanding participation and improving student outcomes. Through the development of inclusive educational pathways, programs and services, the function ensures equity, diversity and inclusion are embedded across the student experience, enabling all students to progress successfully through their studies to graduation.

Reporting to the Pro Vice-Chancellor Education, the Head of Student Learning leads a multidisciplinary leadership team, including 3–5 direct reports, and is accountable for the execution of strategy, operational performance, regulatory compliance, and the ongoing development and future direction of student learning services at UNSW.

Specific accountabilities include:

• Provide strategic leadership for the Student Learning portfolio, ensuring coherent, high-quality design and delivery across Equitable Learning Services, Enabling Programs, the Learning Hub, and Academic Success & Faculty Engagement.
• Lead the development and implementation of Student Learning strategy aligned to UNSW’s institutional priorities, the Disability Discrimination Act 1002 (Cth) and the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, with a strong focus on equity, inclusion, quality and student success.
• Champion Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a core institutional approach across learning support services, programs and partnerships with divisional teams and Faculties.

About You:

• Relevant tertiary qualification with substantial senior leadership experience in higher education, or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training and experience. A PhD in in a relevant field would be an advantage.
• Deep understanding of the needs of a diverse student population, including students from equity backgrounds, and contemporary issues impacting equitable, accessible and inclusive learning support in the Australian higher education context. Proven capability to lead institution wide transformation, including the design and implementation of comprehensive programs and services that enhance the student experience, participation, success and progression.
• Demonstrated senior leadership experience in student learning, academic support, equity, access or related portfolios, with responsibility for strategy, service delivery and continuous improvement at scale.
• Strong experience using data, evidence and evaluation to inform decision-making, service design, performance monitoring and reporting, including communicating impact to senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience leading digital, hybrid or scalable learning support models, with the ability to respond to changing student needs, pedagogical practice and technological developments. Highly developed interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills with the ability to build effective partnerships across Faculties, Schools, professional units and external stakeholders, and to advise senior leaders on strategic issues.
• Demonstrated leadership in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) or equivalent inclusive design frameworks, with experience embedding these approaches across services, programs or institutional partnerships. Strong people and financial management capability, including experience leading multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of accountability and service excellence, and managing complex budgets in collaboration with specialist staff.
• Substantial experience in regulatory compliance, policy implementation, risk management and reporting, including knowledge of relevant State and Federal legislation, funding arrangements and Australian Higher Education standards relating to student learning and equity.

For further details on role responsibilities and skills & experience required, refer to the position description found under the position listing onJobs@UNSW

Benefits and Culture:

People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world.

Our benefits include:

• Flexible working options.
• Career development opportunities.
• 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments.
• Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period.
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness).

For further details on the benefits, please visithttps://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au/lifestyle-benefits

Pre-Employment Checks

Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks:-

• National and International Criminal history checks
• Entitlement to work and ID checks
• Working With Children Checks
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional membership
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks.
• Medical Checks and Assessments

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

How to Apply:

Submit your CV & cover letter addressing the key selection criteria (no more than 2 pages) before 11.55pm Monday 4th May 2026. Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role, valid Australian working rights are required on application.

Job queries contact: Chloe Gane, Talent Acquisition Consultant E: chloe.gane@unsw.edu.au  (applications to the address cannot be accepted, please apply online)

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

Position Description

Advertised: 17 Apr 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 04 May 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time