Provost, Chief Academic Officer
2 days ago
• Senior academic leadership opportunity at Australia's leading regional university
• A transformative academic leadership opportunity to shape the future of co-operative education
• Based at Federation University's Ballarat campusPosition closing date: 18/01/2026
Ranked number one university in Australia for First Generation Student Enrolments (Good Universities Guide 2022) and with top rankings in Victoria around student support, social equity, skills and employment, we are driven to make difference to every student and the community providing lifelong learning, skills, and research locally, regionally, and globally.
With University and TAFE campuses in Ballarat, Berwick, Gippsland, and the Wimmera we are positioned to provide pathways from vocational education and skills training through to higher education.
As Australia's leading regional university with over 150 years of history, Federation University transforms lives and enhances communities through access, equity, and opportunity. With campuses across Ballarat, Berwick, Gippsland, and the Wimmera, Federation's distinctive dual-sector model delivers integrated university and TAFE education that responds directly to community and workforce needs.
Federation is pioneering a transformative co-operative model that seamlessly integrates work and study in partnership with employers across the regions. Committed to First Peoples' advancement and place-based education that is globally engaged, the University builds sustainable futures for regional communities while addressing critical workforce needs. With strategic plan themes focused on empowering learners, enabling thriving regions, and providing careers with impact, Federation is redefining the relationship between learning and work.
About the RoleThis is more than a traditional academic leadership role; it is an opportunity to reimagine education for the future, creating pathways from foundation skills to doctoral research that transform lives and build sustainable regional communities. Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor as the Chief Academic Officer, the Provost is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team. This pivotal role provides strategic and operational leadership across the university's entire academic mission, spanning higher education, vocational education, research, and academic capability development.
Central to this role is championing the Co-operative Education Model as the defining feature of Federation's academic identity, ensuring this employer-centred approach is embedded in all academic activity. Leading the Pro Vice-Chancellors (Co-operative Education, Research and Innovation, Learning and Teaching, Pathways and TAFE), the Provost will ensure educational and research excellence across all portfolios.
The Provost will drive implementation of the Federation University strategic plan, fostering innovation in curriculum design, pedagogical practice, and research impact. Key responsibilities include navigating complex regulatory environments (including TEQSA, ASQA, CRICOS), overseeing academic workforce development, ensuring financial sustainability, and building strategic partnerships with industry, government, and communities.
About the Successful CandidateTo ensure success, the ideal candidate will be an outstanding academic leader with extensive senior leadership experience in a high-performing university environment and will possess exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with proven capacity to build collaborative teams and foster innovation across complex, multi-campus environments.
Deep industry engagement and work-integrated learning experience are highly valued, as is a proven track record driving large-scale strategic initiatives across both higher education and TAFE sectors. The successful candidate will also have a comprehensive understanding of the Australian tertiary sector, commitment to digital transformation and emerging technologies including AI, and ability to navigate regulatory frameworks.
Strategic vision combined with operational excellence is essential, including the demonstrated ability to lead change, engage diverse stakeholders, and ensure financial sustainability. Most importantly, the new Provost will demonstrate genuine commitment to Federation's values of inclusion, innovation, excellence, empowerment, and collaboration – leading an inclusive, future-ready academic culture that supports the University's mission of regional impact and educational transformation.
Application ProcessDevereaux Consulting is supporting Federation University with this appointment. For a confidential discussion or to request a position description, please contact Jackie Besley, Managing Partner, Devereaux Consulting on or email
Applications close 18 January 2026
Any application submitted via Workday, will be forwarded to the above agency.
Federation University is committed to The Circle Back Initiative program, whereby we will respond to every applicant.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please email the Recruitment team or phone Our position descriptions also list a contact person for job specific inquiries.
Let our staff tell you more.
-
Provost, Chief Academic Officer
1 day ago
Ballarat, Victoria, Australia Federation University Australia Full time $120,000 - $180,000 per yearSenior academic leadership opportunity at Australia's leading regional universityA transformative academic leadership opportunity to shape the future of co-operative educationBased at Federation University's Ballarat campusPosition closing date: 18/01/2026Ranked number one university in Australia for First Generation Student Enrolments (Good Universities...
-
Ballarat, Victoria, Australia Federation University Australia Full time $91,516 - $110,000 per yearChief Learner Experience Office - Ballarat, Berwick or Churchill CampusFull-time, fixed term appointment for 3 yearsHEW 6 - $91,516 p.a. plus up to 17% superannuationAbout the roleYou will play a pivotal role in enhancing access and participation for students with disabilities by delivering expert support in assistive and accessible technologies. This...
-
Regional Business Manager
1 day ago
Ballarat, Victoria, Australia Country Fire Authority Full timeDo you want to work for a values-based, emergency service organisation that puts the community at the centre of everything we do?We are proud of the work we do in protecting lives and property, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.With over 51,000 volunteers CFA strives to be an organisation of choice for volunteers and employees. We, embrace individuals with...
-
Future Students Lead, Ballarat
2 weeks ago
Ballarat, Victoria, Australia Australian Catholic University Limited Full time $105,212 - $134,699 per yearLead local student recruitment efforts for ACU's Ballarat campus while collaborating with a national team.Full time, fixed term role starting in February 2026 until August 2026 with some hybrid flexibility.Join a dynamic and talented team making an impact by helping others explore their study options.Base salary $105,212 - $113,823 p.a (HEW %...
-
First Nations Health Advisor
7 days ago
Ballarat, Victoria, Australia Grampians Health Full time $80,000 - $120,000 per yearCompany description:Grampians Health exists to serve our communities across the Grampians region, providing complete care as close as possible to people's homes.Job description:Permanent Full Time | 40 Hours per week with a monthly ADOAbout the RoleWe are seeking a passionate and experienced First Nations Health Advisor to join the our team at Grampians...
-
Chief Operating Officer
3 weeks ago
Ballarat, Australia Wehi Full timeWEHI is seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) This role is pivotal in ensuring WEHI remains at the forefront of discovery science and translational research, driving impact nationally and internationally. Founded in 1915 as the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, WEHI is a globally recognised leader in biomedical science. As...
-
Ballarat, Australia Federation University Australia Full timeProvide advice and administer student discipline matters in accordance with University policies and procedures. - Student Services and Registrar - Mt Helen Campus - Part-time (0.6), continuing appointment - HEW 5 - $79,177p.a. pro-rata plus up to 17% superannuation Position closing date: 31/08/2025 Ranked number one university in Australia for First...
-
Executive Assistant
4 days ago
Ballarat, Australia Grampians Health Full timeLocation: Western Region | Ballarat Job type: Full time Organisation: Grampians Health **Salary**: Salary not specified Occupation: Administration/Secretarial Reference: 18033 **Executive Assistant to the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer** **SALARY: $33.78 per hour** **80 hours per fortnight (with monthly ADO)** **About Grampians...
-
Neurodiversity and Inclusion Specialist
2 weeks ago
Ballarat, Australia Federation University Australia Full timeDeliver specialised guidance for students with conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia and other learning differences. - Chief Learner Experience Office - Berwick, Ballarat or Churchill Campus - Full-time, fixed term appointment for 3 years - HEW 6 - $91,516 p.a. plus up to 17% superannuation Position closing date: 16/11/2025 Ranked number one...
-
Executive Assistant
4 days ago
Ballarat, Australia Ballarat Health Services Full time**Executive Assistant to the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer** **SALARY: $33.78 per hour** **80 hours per fortnight (with monthly ADO)** **About Grampians Health** Grampians Health was established 1 November 2021, bringing together Edenhope and District Memorial Hospital, Stawell Regional Health, Wimmera Health Care Group and Ballarat Health Services...
-
Enquries Officer
4 days ago
Ballarat, Australia Department of Justice and Community Safety Full timeAre you passionate about making a real difference to the Victorian community? - VPS 2 salary range ($55,439 - $71,194) plus super - Multiple Ongoing roles available **About Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV)**: CAV is seeking both full-time and part-time applicants for several Ballarat based Enquiries Officer roles. The Consumer Affairs, Liquor, Gaming and...
-
Enquiries Officer
2 days ago
Ballarat, Australia Department of Justice and Community Safety Full timeAre you passionate about making a real difference to the Victorian community? - Are you looking to re-enter the workforce? - Interested in flexible working arrangements? - Work / Life balance - no weekends or public holidays! - Want to work in an inbound-only contact centre? - No background in Australian legislation? No problem! - Ongoing support and...
-
Apply Now! Senior Full-Stack Developer
4 weeks ago
Ballarat, Australia Rise People Full timePermanent, Full-Time starting January 2026 One of our core values at St. Michaels University School is respect. With this in mind, we acknowledge that our school rests in the heart of Straits Salish territory, a living culture with its own rites, ceremonies, and unfolding history. We honour the Esquimalt, Songhees, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples – whose homelands...
-
Housing Services Officer
4 days ago
Ballarat, Australia Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Full timeLocation: Western Region | Ballarat Job type: Full time Organisation: Department of Families, Fairness and Housing **Salary**: $72,751 - $88,336 Occupation: Community Services Reference: VG/DFFH/WD/00379420 The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) works hard to create equal opportunities for all Victorians to live a safe, respected and...
-
Enquries Officer
4 days ago
Ballarat, Australia Department of Justice and Community Safety Full timeLocation: Western Region | Ballarat Job type: Full time Organisation: Department of Justice and Community Safety **Salary**: $55,439 - $71,194 Occupation: Customer Service/Call Centre Reference: VG/DJ4853A At the Department of Justice and Community Safety, we’re looking for people who want to make a difference. People who take pride in their work....
