UNSW is one of the world’s leading research and teaching-intensive universities, known for innovative, pioneering research and high-quality education outputs, influencing significant global societal impacts.

UNSW isn’t like other places you may have worked; yes we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. Working together our UNSW community is collectively driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. It’s the reason we’re one of the top 50 universities in the world and a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight.

At UNSW, societal impact is at our core, with this in mind we have recently launched our UNSW Strategy: ‘Progress for All’ which reaffirms our ongoing commitment to advancing expansive and inclusive global positive impact. Building on 75 years of impact, UNSW strives to address pressing global challenges and ensure communities worldwide can thrive socially, economically, culturally and environmentally.

Why Your Role Matters:

The Director, Student Experience is a critical leadership position within the Pro Vice-Chancellor Student Success portfolio. This role will provide strategic vision and operational leadership to a team of senior leaders and a large team of professional staff contributing to the decision-making processes of the Portfolio and all working together to enhance the overall student experience at UNSW.

You will lead the vision, development, and execution of the Student Engagement Framework - setting the benchmark for sector-leading practices that cultivate a vibrant, inclusive, and deeply connected student experience. As a strategic thought leader, you will champion transformative initiatives that span programs, policy, and digital innovation, all designed to enhance student belonging, satisfaction, and success. Your work will be instrumental in shaping a student engagement culture aligned with UNSW’s bold ambitions and commitment to academic and personal excellence.

Who You Are:

You will be genuinely invested in, and have actively contributed to, enriching the student experience within a university community, focused on initiatives that nurture the overall wellbeing, engagement, and employability of our students. Leading by example, you will champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, integrating data-driven decision making to inform student support and wellbeing strategies. More specifically you will have:

• Relevant tertiary qualification with subsequent relevant experience in leading student experience initiatives and partnerships in a tertiary environment.
• In-depth knowledge of higher education policies, regulations, and governance frameworks.
• Proven leadership in designing and delivering student engagement programs in a higher education context.
• High-level interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills with the ability to build and maintain effective collaborative professional relationships with University staff and external stakeholders with a track record of engaging with diverse groups.
• Demonstrated experience in the design and delivery of a university-wide strategies and related with significant experience in the development and implementation of programs, policies and legislative requirements.
• Substantial experience in leading projects related to curriculum design, service delivery uplift, and influencing change to policies and quality assurance processes for sustainable change.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions and drive innovative solutions. You must be proficient in overseeing the development of data capture and utilising data analytics to inform decision-making and continuous service improvements.
• Significant leadership of large teams and team management skills with demonstrated success in leading cultural and operational change, with a focus on simplification and service excellence fostering high performing staff.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the student experience. Proven ability to contribute positively and effectively to the portfolio executive team to enable and ensure the achievement of team and organisational goals.
• Effective financial management experience and literacy, experience managing budgets and the ability to work collaboratively with specialist staff to manage and report on allocated budgets.

Benefits and Culture:

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

Our benefits include:

• Hybrid flexible working
• Access to lifelong learning and career development
• Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness)

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

How to Apply:

If you are passionate about shaping the future of student experience, fostering a dynamic learning environment, and creating impactful societal change, we encourage you to apply. To apply please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your suitability.

Applications close:  Sunday June 15th - before 11:55pm

Get in Touch:

Kim Symons – Team Leader, Talent Acquisition

k.symons@unsw.edu.au

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. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.