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- Shape the future of academic experience and student success
- Lead university-wide curriculum and AI-enabled transformation
- Inspire people across SCU to turn ambition into meaningful change
Be Bold. Belong. Be More.
At Southern Cross University, we do things differently, and so can you.
A career with us is more than you might expect. Yes, it’s about the heart, connectedness and community you’d hope for in a regional university. But there’s also so much more. Our game changing Southern Cross Model brings a deeper, focused learning experience and our research is deeply connected to our regions, making a difference on a global scale. This is your chance to help us build something new and meaningful for our students, our communities and your career. To drive change, make a real…
impact, and thrive in a place as unique as you.
You can be good anywhere. Here, you can be great.
Your opportunity
Southern Cross University is entering an exciting phase of academic transformation, and we are seeking an inspiring and influential Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic Experience & Success) to help shape what comes next.
This newly created role will lead the University's ongoing curriculum renewal agenda and its academic strategy for student success, retention and completion. You will bring together curriculum, learning and teaching, assessment, academic progression and emerging technologies to create an academic experience that helps more students succeed.
A critical focus will be improving outcomes for equity cohorts and other students who are under-represented or at greater risk of non-completion. You will use evidence, insight and collaboration to identify where change is needed and bring people together to make that change happen.
You will also lead the University's academic response to generative AI, ensuring AI literacy and responsible, innovative use of AI become meaningful parts of curriculum, assessment and learning, not simply another compliance exercise.
Working closely with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), faculties, colleges and student services, you will have the opportunity to shape university-wide priorities and turn strategy into meaningful outcomes for students.
You will make an impact by:
- Leading university wide curriculum renewal and academic experience
- Driving strategies that improve retention, progression and completion
- Embedding AI literacy and innovation across curriculum and assessment
- Strengthening outcomes for equity and under-represented student cohorts
- Building a culture of evidence-informed learning and teaching
What you will bring
We are looking for an academic leader who can see what is possible, bring others on the journey and turn ambition into action.
You may already be operating at a senior executive level or be an accomplished academic leader ready to take your next step. Your background could span curriculum, learning and teaching, student success, academic leadership or another area that has given you a broad understanding of how universities create better outcomes for students.
What matters is your ability to lead through influence. You will build strong relationships across faculties, colleges and professional portfolios, engage Deans and senior academic leaders, and create genuine commitment to a shared direction. You understand that university-wide change is achieved by bringing people with you, not simply by setting a strategy.
You will bring a compelling vision for the future of academic experience and student success, together with the leadership capability to turn that vision into meaningful, university-wide change. You will be curious about emerging opportunities, including AI, and able to recognise their potential and lead others to embed them effectively.
- A Doctoral qualification and substantial academic leadership experience
- Experience leading curriculum or academic transformation at scale
- Strong understanding of student success, retention and equity outcomes
- Exceptional influence, engagement and stakeholder leadership skills
- Understanding of the Australian higher education environment
Why Southern Cross University
SCU is proudly a regional university, young, small and vibrant. That means you’ll find more exposure, opportunity and ownership - to grow, achieve and build a career that means more. And you’ll do it alongside passionate people and leaders who go the extra mile to help you succeed. A career with us is about more than just work. It’s about place, community and the life you want to live. With three main campuses at the Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour and the Northern Rivers region of NSW, we’re integral to all these wonderful communities. Find your place and be more in this beautiful part of the world.
Your opportunity is:
- Full-time, continuing (permanent)
- Located at either Gold Coast, QLD 4225, or Lismore, NSW 2480. Relocation assistance is available, making it easier to join our regional communities
- The level of appointment will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications, skills and experience.
You will enjoy a range of perks designed to support your wellbeing, growth and work-life balance. For more information on our benefits and what it’s like to work at SCU, visit Why work at Southern Cross University
Be more with Southern Cross University today
Southern Cross University values potential as much as experience. If you do not meet all the listed requirements but are excited about the role and confident you can contribute, we encourage you to apply or reach out for more information.
Name: Lana Morgan or Vivian Cormier
Email: Jobs@scu.edu.au
Applications close 11.30pm AEDT 2 November 2026.
Eligible applicants must have Australian or New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency or current working rights in Australia for the entire duration of the appointment. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Applicants must apply online and attach a CV and cover letter responding to the selection criteria within the position description. Information to support you prepare your application is available on our website.
Southern Cross University celebrates the rich diversity of our regions and international community. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that welcomes and values people of all backgrounds. We encourage applications from people of all genders, ethnicities, ages, languages, sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process to ensure every candidate can fully participate. For any support through the recruitment process reach out to jobs@scu.edu.au.
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