Executive Director, Student Services at University of Wollongong
University of Wollongong · Wollongong, Australia · Onsite
- Senior
- Office in Wollongong
Executive Director Student Services
- Fixed Term (5 years), full-time appointment
- Attractive remuneration package available
The University of Wollongong (UOW) is ranked among the world’s top 1% of universities and is home to more than 33,000 students from over 130 nations. We are proud of our global reputation for academic excellence, community impact and our unwavering student-first ethos.
We are seeking an exceptional leader to take on the role of Executive Director, Student Services — a position that sits at the heart of our mission to deliver an outstanding and inclusive student experience.
The Opportunity
This role offers the chance to shape the strategic direction of a broad and integrated portfolio that supports students across their entire journey, from enrolment to graduation and beyond. You will lead diverse teams spanning student administration, support, wellbeing, engagement and systems, working in close partnership with faculties, senior leaders and external stakeholders to ensure UOW continues to set the benchmark for student-centred services. You will also drive innovation in service delivery, ensuring students feel supported, connected and empowered to succeed, while strengthening UOW’s reputation through compliance, governance and operational excellence.
This is not just a management position; it is a leadership opportunity with a tangible impact on how tens of thousands of students experience their education.
About You
You are an experienced and inspirational leader with the credibility and gravitas to influence across a complex organisation. With significant senior leadership experience in higher education or a comparable environment, you bring a proven ability to deliver service transformation at scale in a complex multi-stakeholder environment, balancing innovation with governance and regulatory requirements. You have a deep understanding of the Australian higher education landscape and a forward-looking perspective on the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Equally, you are a strong communicator who can engage, inspire and collaborate with diverse communities, including students, staff and partners. Above all, you are driven by a commitment to student success and to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion.
Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to influence the future direction of one of Australia’s leading universities. You will lead a high-performing portfolio that touches every aspect of the student journey and join a supportive executive team committed to contributing to UOW’s reputation as a global leader in education, through excellence, integrity and innovation.
How to Apply
If you are ready to lead with vision and drive lasting change, we invite you to apply.
Applicants are required to submit a cover letter detailing their skills, qualification and experience in relation to this position, along with an up-to-date CV (max 3 pages).
For a confidential discussion or further information regarding this opportunity, please contact Professor Mark Hoffman, Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Student Life) [email protected]
Closing Date: Thursday 25 September 2025, 11:59 PM
This position is not suitable for remote work in accordance with the UOW Remote Working Guidelines.
Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Only candidates with valid work rights in Australia are eligible.
The University of Wollongong is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. As an equal opportunity employer, and a recognised leader in gender equality, we encourage and welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and people including culturally and linguistically diverse, women, disability, LGBTIQ+, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australians.
Company
The University of Wollongong was born with a mission to transform our region: to educate and empower the people of the Illawarra. Our commitment to a better future has shaped our direction and impact since our inception.
Over the years, we have grown to be a global diverse and inclusive civic university, working to solve global challenges and promoting harmony and social cohesion. We are proud to be a globally recognised and respected university, opening doors for our students, staff and partners.
