Associate Director Academic Strategy and Operations

Work type:Fixed Term

• Senior leadership role supporting the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
• Work closely with senior leaders and contribute to institutional transformation and influence outcomes at the highest levels of governance
• Drive governance, policy and strategy across the Academic Portfolio
• Full Time/3 Year Fixed Term Senior Executive Appointment/Bundoora Campus/Attractive remuneration package

About the position

The Associate Director, Academic Strategy and Operations is a pivotal leadership position providing strategic and operational advice to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic). As the principal advisor, you will lead a small team of strategy, governance and policy professionals who enable the delivery of key institutional priorities across learning, teaching and the student experience.

This role is central to strengthening the University's governance, compliance and strategic frameworks, ensuring alignment with TEQSA standards and sector best practice. You will oversee corporate and academic governance, performance reporting and portfolio planning, while driving initiatives that shape the University's Education and Experience Plan.

The Associate Director also plays a critical role in the management of people and resources across the Academic Portfolio, including responsibility for contingent funding streams such as SSAF, ISSP and equity-related allocations. Through collaboration with senior leaders, you will foster innovation, accountability and shared success across the University.

Duties at this level:

• Serve as principal advisor to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) on strategic, regulatory, financial and operational matters.
• Lead the coordination of academic and corporate governance activities, including preparation of high-level papers for peak committees and ensuring continuous improvement in governance systems and processes.
• Drive portfolio planning and performance reporting frameworks, including the University's evaluation activities and delivery of the Education and Experience Plan.
• Oversee contingent funding sources, ensuring strong governance, financial management, compliance and reporting.
• Lead the Academic Strategy and Operations Division, fostering a high-performing culture across a small team of policy, strategy and governance professionals.

Skills and knowledge:

• Demonstrated success in providing strategic and operational advice to senior leaders within a regulated sector.
• Deep understanding of governance and regulatory requirements, ideally within higher education (knowledge of TEQSA highly regarded).
• Proven ability to lead the coordination and delivery of complex strategies, programs and governance processes.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, with experience overseeing budgets, contingent funding and resource management.
• Highly developed interpersonal, negotiation and influencing skills, with a track record of working collegiately with senior stakeholders to deliver shared outcomes.
• Demonstrated leadership capability with experience managing teams to deliver on ambitious university priorities.

Please refer to the Position Description for other duties, skills and experience required for this position.

Welcome to Bundoora campus – Please click on the video link below:

Benefits

• 17% employer contributed superannuation
• On site childcare facilities
• Flexible work arrangements
• Discounts for staff and their family members to study a range of La Trobe courses

How to apply

Please note, only applicants who hold the full rights to work in Australia will be eligible for consideration

Closing date: Sunday 5th October, 2025 at 11:55pm

Position Enquiries: Professor Sue Bennett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Email:

Recruitment Enquiries: Vicki Stavrou, Senior Talent Partner, Strategy and Senior Appointments Email:

Please submit an online application ONLY and include the following documents:

• Cover letter addressing your suitability for the role and;
• An up-to-date resume.

Why La Trobe:

• Develop your career at an innovative, global university where you'll collaborate with community and industry to create impact.
• Enjoy working on our inspiring and stunning campuses – the perfect hub for industry, students and academics
• Help transform the lives of students, partners and communities now and in future

All La Trobe University employees are bound by the Working with Children Act 2005. If you are successful, you will be required to hold a valid Victorian Employee Working with Children Check prior to commencement.