"Executive Director - Lifelong Learning"

Job no: 526526

Work type: full time

Location: Sydney, NSW

Categories: Professional Leadership

• Employment Type: Full-time, continuing
• Remuneration: Competitive total package
• Location: Kensington, NSW (Hybrid working model)

About UNSW

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work. We aspire to be Australia’s global university, improving and transforming lives through excellence in research, outstanding education and a commitment to advancing a just society. 

Why your role matters

At UNSW, we’re embarking on an exciting journey to redefine education. We’re searching for a forward-thinking Executive Director to spearhead our new Lifelong Learning (LLL) Strategic Business Unit (SBU). This newly created position will build systems and processes to support the collaboration of existing business units and facilitate new commercial opportunities to consolidate and create engaging post-experience learning for organisations and individuals. This position will champion university-wide initiatives within the SBU and drive the formulation of the LLL strategic plan and its execution across various business units, divisions, and faculties within the university.

The position is a key conduit between the LLL SBU and the UNSW Professional Service teams, requiring high level multi-stakeholder management skills, as well as demonstrated passion and experience within the tertiary or higher education partnering space.

About the Role

Reporting to the Dean of Lifelong Learning, the Executive Director will lead the operational scaling of the Lifelong Learning SBU.

You will be required to undertake and have experience in the following areas of expertise:

• Lead the development and implementation of the LLL SBU operational model to support UNSW's LLL growth, fostering a high-performing, market-responsive culture that collaborates with partners and stakeholders to achieve strategic and financial goals.
• Work with the Dean and senior colleagues to operationalise the LLL strategic plan and deliver all planning requirements including the development of plans which outline objectives, targets and KPIs.
• Work across UNSW to ensure that SBU and UNSW incorporate the needs of learners, industry partners and other external stakeholders.
• Guide and work closely with the senior managers and business partners to deliver and maintain high-quality operational support across the SBU.
• Broker resources and services to achieve KPIs and budget goals. Monitor and report KPIs and SLAs, anticipate challenges, and provide feedback for optimal resource planning.

About You

The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience within a university or tertiary environment and can leverage their multi-stakeholder skills to facilitate a new business unit's strategic growth. Candidates with extensive operational, commercial and contract management experience within relatable sectors or environments will also be strongly considered. In addition, you will possess:

• Tertiary qualifications with extensive relevant experience in business administration and/or equivalent combination of relevant training and experience.
• In-depth knowledge of key strategic issues in higher education, both nationally and internationally, and their practical operational management for large, research-active, student-focused, and competitive institutions. Experience in leading lifelong learning is highly desirable.
• Extensive experience in people leadership, development, engagement and management, with the demonstrated skills to motivate inspire, and mobilise diverse teams to create a positive workplace culture and deliver quality outcomes.
• Excellent consultation, influencing, communication, negotiation and networking to achieve organisational outcomes, particularly in an environment where services are provided by a service provider or function.
• Demonstrated commercial acumen and a track record in setting and managing large-scale budgets, meeting financial targets, and managing for financial sustainability.
• Direct experience of working collaboratively across enterprise IT and external vendors to develop and deploy technology solutions that support business growth is highly desirable
• Demonstrated experience in leading change to deliver successful outcomes.

For further information on the role & responsibilities, please refer to the Position Description.

How to Apply: Submit your CV & cover letter detailing your interest and suitability for the job (as per the skills & experience bullet points in the Position Description) before Sunday 25 August by 11:55pm.

Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role, valid Australian working rights are required on application.

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 (work from home, flexible hours etc) 
• Additional 3 days leave during December festive period.
• Career development opportunities 
• Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses
• Flexible 17% Superannuation contributions, additional leave-loading payments and salary sacrifice.
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness passport)

Job queries contact: Tai James, Talent Acquisition Consultant

E: tai.james@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: 09 Aug 2024 AUS Eastern Standard Time

Applications close: 25 Aug 2024 AUS Eastern Standard Time