Director, Academic Quality, Policy and Compliance

Role type: Full time, Continuing

Department: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) portfolio

Salary: Attractive remuneration package by negotiation

Superannuation: Employer contribution of up to 17%

• Drive institution-wide regulatory excellence and shape higher education policy.

• Apply now to lead transformative change in academic quality and compliance at a world-class university.

• Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne

We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity

As the Director of Academic Quality, Policy and Compliance, you'll spearhead institution-wide initiatives to align the University's academic practices with evolving regulatory standards and sector expectations. You'll have the opportunity to shape the University's long-term strategy, collaborating with senior leadership to embed a culture of regulatory literacy and continuous improvement. Your expertise will drive enhancements across policy, governance, and risk management, directly impacting the University's educational excellence.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing strategic leadership: developing and implementing institution-wide strategies to enhance regulatory capability, compliance culture, and quality assurance practices.
• Driving policy development: leading the creation and integration of academic policies, ensuring alignment with regulatory frameworks and University priorities.
• Managing regulatory relationships: overseeing engagement with external regulatory bodies, including responses to audits, reviews, and consultations.
• Leading and developing teams: fostering a high-performing culture within your team, mentoring professionals and driving accountability and innovation.

You may be a great fit if:

You are a strategic leader with deep expertise in higher education regulation and policy, possessing exceptional communication skills and a proven track record of driving institution-wide improvements in academic quality and compliance.

You may also:

• Hold postgraduate qualifications with extensive experience in higher education policy, quality assurance, and regulation.
• Possess deep knowledge of the Australian higher education regulatory environment, including TEQSA standards and processes and relevant legislation.
• Demonstrate a proven track record of influencing senior stakeholders, spearheading institution-wide change initiatives, and developing and implementing strategic compliance frameworks across complex organisational structures, while fostering a robust culture of compliance and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrate exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with experience influencing senior stakeholders.
• Excel in managing complex, dynamic workplans and delivering outcomes in fast-paced environments.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you

We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfillment, including:

• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being.

• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance.

• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance.

• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program.

For more information check out our benefits page

Your new team - "Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Portfolio"

Led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), the DVC-E Portfolio supports the

achievement of the University's vision and objectives for education, as outlined in Advancing Melbourne 2030 and Advancing Students and Education.

The portfolio provides strategic leadership across education and the student experience. This includes curriculum design, teaching and learning quality and innovation, learning technologies and spaces, student wellbeing and engagement, and initiatives to widen participation for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The DVC-E Portfolio also includes two specialist service-oriented functions central to the University's students and education mission: Students and Scholarly Services and Melbourne Professional Education.

Students and Scholarly Services manages student administration and support services across the entire student lifecycle - from initial enquiry through to graduation. The team delivers a broad range of programs and services, including onboarding, transition, and extracurricular activities, as well as wellbeing, sport, and scholarly support for both students and staff.

Melbourne Professional Education is the University of Melbourne's specialist unit for business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) professional education. It offers both award and non-award programs in close collaboration with faculties. MPE works with all UoM faculties, as well as industry, government and community organisations, to design and deliver learning solutions that build workforce capability, address skills gaps, and enhance organisational performance.

The DVC-E Portfolio works in close partnership with faculties, other areas of Chancellery, and external stakeholders.

Be yourself

The University of Melbourne is an equal opportunity employer and a child-safe organisation. We believe the diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about diversity and inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing reasonable adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. For assistance, please contact Kim Groizard on or at hr- (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments'). Contact details for other enquiries are located at the bottom of this page.

Find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Our Indigenous strategy, Murmuk Djerring outlines our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students.

Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at oied- for further information and support.

Please note: This role requires current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available.

A Working with Children Check (WWCC) is required for all positions. If successful, we'll guide you through the WWCC application process during onboarding and reimburse the cost.

Join us and unlock your career potential

If this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents:

• Resume

• Cover letter outlining your interest and experience

• The responses against selected key selection criteria^ (found at the end of this ad)

Learn more about the application process, including tips and FAQs.

For recruitment queries, email Lachlan Bryce at hr- Include the Position Number and Job Title in the subject line. Please do not send applications to this email address.

For job-specific queries, refer to the contact details in the Position Description.

Applications close: 13 October :01 AM Australian Eastern Daylight Savings Time (AEDT) / Melbourne time zone.

Position Description: JR Director, Academic Quality, Policy and Compliance

Key selection criteria to address:

• Deep knowledge of the Australian higher education regulatory environment, including TEQSA standards and processes, the Higher Education Standards Framework, the ESOS Act and experience working with higher education regulatory agencies.
• Demonstrated success in leading institution-wide initiatives that improve regulatory capability, compliance culture and academic quality.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic frameworks, policies and reporting systems in complex organisational settings.
• Advanced leadership and people management skills, with experience building and sustaining high-performing teams.