"Vice-President (Engagement)"

Edith Cowan University is seeking an exceptional leader to take on the role of Vice-President (Engagement). This is a pivotal executive position that will shape the university’s external presence and strategic relationships during a transformative period in its history.

This role offers a unique opportunity to lead ECU’s engagement strategy at a time when the university is expanding its footprint and influence, including the development of ECU City, a landmark campus in the heart of Perth that will redefine higher education in Western Australia. As Vice-President (Engagement), you will be at the forefront of this evolution, driving initiatives that connect ECU’s academic excellence with the broader community, industry, government, and philanthropic partners.

Reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor, the Vice-President (Engagement) is responsible for leading a diverse and high-impact portfolio that includes brand, marketing and communications, domestic student recruitment, philanthropy, alumni relations, and strategic partnerships. You will oversee a team of senior leaders across communications, growth, development, and creative activations, and work collaboratively with internal stakeholders to ensure ECU’s engagement efforts are aligned with its strategic priorities.

This is a role for a visionary and strategic thinker who thrives on innovation and influence. You will be responsible for enhancing ECU’s reputation nationally and internationally, cultivating enduring relationships with key external stakeholders, and positioning the university as a leader in education, research, and social impact. You will also play a critical role in shaping the university’s public narrative, acting as a senior spokesperson and guiding communications through both opportunity and challenge.

The successful candidate will bring significant senior leadership experience from complex organisations, ideally within higher education, government, or the not-for-profit sector. You will have a proven track record in stakeholder engagement, public affairs, and strategic communications, along with a deep understanding of the Australian higher education landscape. Your ability to lead change, build partnerships, and inspire teams will be essential to your success in this role.

At ECU, our values of 'Integrity, Respect, Rational Inquiry, Personal Excellence, and Courage' are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating an inclusive and forward-thinking environment where leadership is bold, collaboration is valued, and innovation is embraced.

How to Apply

An executive search is being undertaken by Perrett Laver in parallel with the public advertisement of the position. For further information and initial enquiries please contact Claudia Roth at Perrett Laver.

Applications close at 9am AWST, Monday 29 September.

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

Diversity

ECU is a diverse and inclusive workplace with specific strategies and initiatives in place to address underrepresentation of specific groups. We strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age and faith. For more information on our commitment to equity and diversity, please visit our Inclusive Workplace website.

At ECU, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively encourage people with disability to apply to ECU. To discuss how we can support adjustment requirements, please contact the person listed above.