Engagement & Placement Team Leader

Company Description

About AE

Acknowledge Education is entering an exciting new chapter. With a refreshed leadership team and a renewed focus on innovation, growth, and student success, we are building on our 139-year legacy to shape the future of higher education and VET in Australia.

We deliver programs across health & community services, social work, engineering design & construction, hospitality, and the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), with campuses in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide. Each year we support more than 8,000 students to achieve their goals.

Now, under new leadership, we are strengthening our academic vision, deepening industry connections, and investing in our people. If you're looking to make an impact in an organisation with momentum, this is the right time to join us.

Job Description

• Permanent, Full Time

We're seeking a skilled and motivated Engagement & Placement Team Leader to oversee student placement operations across programs including Community Services, Social Work, Nursing, Early Childhood, Hospitality, Tourism and ICHM.

This leadership role is central to ensuring 100% student placements, maintaining regulatory compliance, and expanding quality industry partnerships nationwide. You'll lead a high-performing team, streamline processes, and drive continuous improvement in placement delivery and stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a national team of Partnership & Placement Managers to ensure consistent performance and accountability.
• Oversee the sourcing, negotiation, and maintenance of high-quality placement partnerships across all disciplines.
• Build and strengthen sustainable relationships with industry partners to expand placement capacity and diversity.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant accreditation and regulatory frameworks (AASW, CWA, ACECQA, AHPRA, ESOS, etc.).
• Manage placement operations and data systems (InPlace, Power BI, Jira) to ensure accuracy, forecasting, and reporting.
• Implement and monitor national quality assurance processes to maintain consistent standards across campuses.
• Analyse placement trends and develop strategic plans to support growth and efficiency.
• Collaborate with the Head of Engagement & Placements on escalations, policy improvements, and strategic initiatives.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, transparency, and ethical practice across the Engagement Team.

Qualifications

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in placements, stakeholder engagement, or higher education management.
• Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary or geographically dispersed teams.
• Strong understanding of accreditation frameworks (AASW, CWA, ACECQA, AHPRA, ESOS).
• Proven track record in partnership development, negotiation, and relationship management.
• Excellent communication, strategic planning, and analytical skills.
• Tertiary qualification in Community Services, Social Work, Education, Business or related discipline (preferred).

Additional Information

Why join AE

Now is the perfect time to join Acknowledge Education. With a refreshed leadership team and a renewed focus on innovation and growth, we're building something special — and you can be part of it.

• Opportunities to grow within the organisation
• $1,500 annual professional development allowance
• Incredibly committed and supportive team of student-centric professionals
• Health insurance discounts through Bupa
• Be part of a fast-moving, agile private provider where decisions turn into action quickly
• Acknowledge Education is part of UP Education group – a leading education provider:

Questions about your identity help us appreciate the diversity of individuals looking to work with us, ensuring we're attracting applications from people with identities and perspectives that are as diverse as our students.

We are an equal opportunity employer. As part of our commitment to equity, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment.