Executive Director, Academic Services

Executive Director, Academic Services

• Fixed Term (5 years), full-time appointment

• Attractive executive remuneration package available

The University of Wollongong (UOW) is a globally recognised institution, ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide. With more than 33,000 students from over 130 nations, UOW is renowned for its innovation in teaching and learning, research excellence, commitment to equity, and strong community impact.

We are seeking an exceptional leader to join UOW as Executive Director, Academic Services, providing strategic leadership of the University's academic-focused administration and innovation support services while driving excellence in student learning, curriculum innovation, and academic operations

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), this critical role oversees planning, quality enhancement and delivery across UOW's course portfolio, library and academic skills development, and is the single point of accountability for major academic administrative processes.

With a remit spanning all UOW Australia campuses and select global services, you will lead a diverse and high-performing team to deliver robust, innovative, impactful, and compliant academic support. You will shape the future of UOW's education by:

• Leading curriculum and course portfolio design, review and renewal to ensure quality, relevance, and sustainability.
• Driving innovation in learning space design and the future-focused development of educational offerings that enhance student outcomes.
• Overseeing global library services, onshore skills and success programs for students, and support for educational partnerships.
• Partnering closely with other senior leaders to achieve continuous improvement and educational excellence.

Position Description

About You

You are an influential and visionary leader with extensive experience in academic services within Australian higher education, bringing strong strategic and operational expertise. You have a deep understanding of higher education policy, governance, and compliance, and a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams to deliver academically rigorous and operationally effective solutions.

Why Join UOW

This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the academic experience and future of one of Australia's leading universities. You will lead a division that is central to UOW's success—driving innovation in teaching and learning, supporting outstanding student outcomes, and ensuring UOW's global reputation continues to thrive.

How 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) 

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.

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.