Vice-Chancellor and President

Charles Darwin University (CDU) is the university of and for the Northern Territory, and one of Australia's most distinctive institutions. A research-intensive university and Australia's first dual-sector university, CDU educates more than 22,800 students through undergraduate and postgraduate degrees alongside vocational education and training, delivered across a network of campuses and centres.

Headquartered in Darwin, Australia's northernmost capital, CDU is a multicultural institution deeply connected to First Nations peoples, communities and industry. Guided by its ambition to become Australia's most connected university, CDU creates opportunities that benefit the Northern Territory, Australia and the region.

CDU now seeks an exceptional leader to serve as its next Vice-Chancellor and President. This is a rare opportunity to lead a university at a pivotal moment in its history, building on strong momentum to shape the next phase of growth and impact. Working with Council, staff, students and partners, the Vice-Chancellor will lead an institution that challenges convention, embraces innovation and is committed to educational excellence, research with real-world impact, and equitable access for diverse communities.

Reporting to the University Council, the Vice-Chancellor will deliver CDU's strategic priorities by strengthening teaching, research and student success across its dual-sector model; expanding partnerships with government, industry, First Nations organisations and communities; growing the University's influence across the Northern Territory, Australia and internationally; and ensuring long-term financial sustainability. They will champion CDU's vision of becoming Australia's most connected university, advancing research and innovation that address the challenges and opportunities of northern Australia while supporting regional development, workforce capability and social and economic prosperity.

The successful candidate will be an inspiring, courageous and collaborative leader with an outstanding record of strategic leadership and executive management in a complex organisation. They will bring commercial and financial acumen, a strong commitment to academic excellence, research and student outcomes, and the ability to lead organisational change with integrity, accountability and transparency. A genuine appreciation of the Northern Territory's unique opportunities, a demonstrated commitment to First Nations leadership and engagement, and a deep commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion will be essential.

Perrett Laver will conduct an executive search process in parallel with the public advertisement of the role.

If you wish to discuss this role further in confidence, please contact Claudia Roth at CDUViceChancellor@perrettlaver.com

For more information, including a full position description and selection criteria, and to submit your application, please visit the Perrett Laver website, quoting reference 8460.

The deadline for applications is 9am ACST on Monday, 3 August 2026.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.