Academic and Careers Director

This role involves leading the academic support program, hosting the weekly StudyFest program, and providing one-on-one academic advice to students. The position requires strong connections with Monash services and overseeing the Academic Centre and learning spaces.

1. Lead the Academic Support Program (subject specialists, peer learning, structured study support).
2. Host the weekly StudyFest program and associated workshops.
3. Provide one-on-one academic advice (study planning, assessment strategies, navigating university processes).
4. Monitor student performance, identify at-risk students, and implement proactive support plans.
5. Build strong connections with Monash services (e.g., Academic Skills, Counselling, Disability Support).
6. Oversee the Academic Centre and learning spaces.
7. Coordinate academic awards and deliver the Academic Awards Dinner.
8. Curate and deliver the annual Newman Lecture to enrich the College's intellectual life.
9. Design and deliver the Careers Program: employability workshops, volunteering pathways, and professional development.
10. Manage the alumni mentoring program.
11. Recruit guest speakers, alumni panels, and professionals.
12. Source internships, work experience, and networking opportunities.
13. Connect residents with Monash leadership and industry programs (e.g., Ancora Imparo, Global Immersion Guarantee).

Volunteering & Community Service

• Promote volunteering as a core part of the Mannix experience.
• Coordinate the Volunteering Program with approved partners.
• Track participation and recognise contributions (awards, certificates, publications).
• Maintain strong partner relationships for safe, meaningful experiences.

Leadership & Development

• Coordinate workshops on study skills, employability, leadership, volunteering, and scholarship applications.
• Contribute to Student Leader Training.
• Mentor student leaders and foster resilience, self-efficacy, and growth.

Reporting & Evaluation

• Maintain accurate academic and career records.
• Provide regular reports to the Principal on outcomes and emerging trends.
• Analyse data to evaluate impact and drive continuous improvement.

Community & After-Hours Connections

• Be a visible, approachable presence in daily College life.
• Attend and support major events (Welcome Week, Formal Dinners, Open Day).
• Connect with our community after-hours in line with College rhythms, including Tuesday evenings (StudyFest) and every second Wednesday (Formal Dinners) during the semester.

Compliance & Governance

• Align programs with College policies.
• Contribute to policy reviews and compliance documentation.
• Comply with all WHS and HR requirements.

We are seeking an experienced professional who brings both expertise and heart to this role. The preferred candidate will have:

1. 1. Qualifications & Experience - Tertiary qualification with relevant professional experience, or an equivalent combination of experience and training. Demonstrated experience working directly with university students — particularly in academic advising, learning support, careers, or student development — will be highly regarded.
2. 2. Program Development & Evaluation - Proven ability to design, deliver, and evaluate initiatives that strengthen academic success, career readiness, and/or personal growth. Experience using evidence and feedback to refine and continuously improve programs.
3. 3. Commitment to Students - A demonstrated passion for supporting young adults through the challenges of university life. Experience in student-facing roles within higher education, especially those involving academic, wellbeing, or career support, will be highly favourable.
4. 4. Relationships & Mentoring - Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust, provide guidance, and mentor young adults. Experience coaching student leaders, facilitating peer-learning programs, or running mentoring initiatives will be highly regarded.
5. 5. Project & Event Management - Experience planning and delivering projects or events involving multiple stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and achieve quality outcomes within budget and resource constraints.
6. 6. Communication & Facilitation - Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to teach, present, and facilitate workshops for diverse audiences. Demonstrated ability to adapt communication style to engage students, staff, alumni, and external partners.
7. 7. Digital & Technical Competence - Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite (particularly Excel/Sheets), with the capacity to quickly learn and adapt to institutional systems and databases. Experience with student management software will be well regarded.
8. 8. Knowledge of Universities & Student Services - An informed understanding of university structures, policies, and student support services. Ability to navigate these systems effectively and connect students with appropriate services and opportunities.

Our institution is a residential college affiliated with a reputable university, providing catered accommodation, pastoral care, academic support, leadership development, and community engagement for hundreds of residents.

We're committed to a safe, respectful, and inclusive community and welcome staff and students from diverse backgrounds.

Salary commensurate with experience.

Weekday lunch in the Dining Room (when in operation) and free on-site parking.

A values-driven workplace where your work has a visible impact on student lives.

Pre-employment requirements: National Police Check, Working with Children Check, First Aid Level 2, and Mental Health First Aid.

Please note: This role involves some evening work to support events and program delivery, with commitments to lead the College's flagship study support program, StudyFest, and attend fortnightly Wednesday Formal Dinners.