Inspire and develop UNSW's innovation strategy
Provide visionary leadership to drive the best student experience, on and off-campus.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Education & Student Experience
UNSW is one of the top 100 universities in the world, and a powerhouse of cutting-edge research, teaching and innovation. We're characterised by our dynamic nature, sustained innovation, and blend of scholarship and practical realism. As Australia’s Global University we're committed to making a difference by focusing on areas critical to the future.
UNSW ranks 43rd in the 2022 QS World University Rankings and 70th in the 2022 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
As we continue to expand our reach to more students from all backgrounds and communities, the establishment of a new Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Education & Student Experience (DVC) will provide strategic and operational leadership to education matters relating to teaching capability and innovation, enhanced learning and assessment, the student experience and wellbeing.
Message from the Vice-Chancellor and President
UNSW Sydney is proud to be a world-class university and a rich source of expertise. It is home to incredible people who are driven to make the world a better place. We exist for the public good and play a major role in seeking innovative solutions to the many challenges we face today and in the future.
At UNSW, we are seeking a new Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education & Student Experience - an exceptional leader who will be responsible for driving the student experience and promoting UNSW’s reputation for excellence through the leadership of the key educational activities within the university.
Students are central to our dedication to education and in this exciting new role, you will lead the development and adoption of innovative practices in learning and teaching. You will also work closely with the Division of Research & Enterprise to better incorporate research into the UNSW student experience, and UNSW educational expertise in our research translation efforts.
You will help lead UNSW’s commitment to lifelong learning, ensuring we support our 300,000+ alumni in Australia and around the world, contributing to a productive workforce that can be more resilient to disruption and long-term trends.
There will be a particular focus on innovations to enhance student learning outcomes and on developing and implementing strategies and policies to deliver consistent improvements in the quality of both the academic and non-academic student experience.
You will work with supportive and dedicated colleagues who are also driven to provide an exceptional student experience. UNSW’s commitment to student experience was evident in the student-centred approach to the learning and teaching challenges of the pandemic. During these turbulent times, we quickly pivoted to best practice online learning and focused on utilising the best possible educational delivery mode while also considering the challenging situations faced by different students.
These approaches demonstrated how fortunate we are to have a cadre of colleagues who are passionate about providing a world-class UNSW student experience. This role will work alongside senior leaders who are all striving towards this important goal and you will have the opportunity to design, develop and deliver a distinctive UNSW student experience that will empower students to realise their full potential.
Educational Excellence and Student Experience are two of three themes in UNSW’s Strategy 2025 priority of Academic Excellence and the successful delivery of this strategy is more critical now than ever, given the current challenges and opportunities facing society. As Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education & Student Experience at UNSW, you will have an opportunity to make a difference.
UNSW Sydney is a wonderful and supportive place to work and collaborate. If you feel you have the passion and commitment to help further the university’s international position, we hope you’ll consider joining us.
Professor Attila Brungs
- About you
- Position description
- Terms
- How to apply
The new Deputy Vice-Chancellor will bring the vision, passion and energy to lead and inspire a world-class academic institution that creates a special learning environment. They will enable students to enjoy innovative and flexible learning options, diverse and dynamic partnership opportunities, and an integrated digital and campus learning environment. They will help deliver a distinctive UNSW student experience that empowers students and establishes a lifelong sense of belonging.
Candidates will demonstrate the necessary academic credibility to engage colleagues, as well as the business acumen to deliver efficient and effective services, complex initiatives and projects. Candidates will also exhibit an appropriate record of education leadership and management experience commensurate with being part of a high-performing university leadership team. Outstanding communication skills and a data-led approach to decision-making are essential, as is the ability to influence, inspire, think creatively and exercise sound judgment in a dynamic environment.
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The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Education & Student Experience is responsible for driving the implementation of UNSW’s approach to education and the student experience. The position is specifically charged with furthering the ambitions of the university and promoting its reputation for excellence through leadership of the key educational activities within the university. The role is a senior academic posiiton and is a member of Management Board and the Senior Leadership Team.
The Deputy-Vice Chancellor, Education & Student Experience reports to the Vice-Chancellor and President, and leads a team to promote a culture of educational excellence across UNSW.
To learn more about this unique opportunity, please contact our advising consultants Alun Parry and Philip Graham at Boyden on +61 2 9225 7400, or email via the button below.
Applications close on 17 October 2022.
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Skills
- Experience in a significant academic leadership role at a large university with a track record of leading change and successfully handling demanding projects
- Demonstrated capacity to contribute to the university's agreed strategic direction
- Successful leadership in a senior academic role in a large university including the proven capacity to provide transformational leadership
- Strong strategic and collegial management skills, along with the ability to operationalise strategies
- Excellent leadership, interpersonal and people management skills including a strong commitment to student development
- Excellent communication, negotiation and persuasion skills with an ability to build relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including government, relevant professions, regional, national and international networks, and the wider community
- An understanding of the context and culture of the higher education sector
- Capacity to engage in a range of approaches to generate solutions
- Strong influencing skills and the ability to consult widely to reach negotiated agreed outcomes
- An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines
- Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training
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As places of great inspiration and innovation, Australian universities are crucial intellectual environments where knowledge is created, communicated and challenged. In partnership with government and business, academic research and technologies help to develop vital industries. In addition, Australian universities provide students with the skills to compete in increasingly global workplaces and are ourselves major employers.
Universities are key to Australia’s economic success. In 2018, Australian universities contributed $41 billion to the economy and supported a total of 259,100 full-time jobs. In addition, 1,426,594 students studied at Australia’s 39 universities in 2018. Of these, 71 per cent (or 1,014,027) were domestic students and the remaining 29 per cent (or 412,567) were international students. In the same year, 325,171 students completed their degrees.[1]
When it comes to world university rankings, Australia has a strong, proven track record. Across all global ranking systems, criteria and fields of study, Australia ranks highly for quality of education, student satisfaction, and global reputation. The latest ranking shows more than eight Australian universities are ranked in the top 200 universities and almost two-thirds of Australia’s 39 universities are in the top 500.[2] In addition, Australia consistently ranks highly in the Universitas 21 Report – in 2020, it ranked ninth.[3]
Australian university students pursue a wide range of academic disciplines, from health and education to engineering and information technology. While the majority of students study full-time, others balance a part-time load with family or work responsibilities and, in the current environment, many combine on-campus and online study for maximum flexibility.
International education is Australia’s fourth largest export and the largest services export industry. In 2019, the industry generated $40.3 billion in export income. The higher education sector contributed around 70 per cent (or $27.8 billion) of international education export income in 2019.[4]
The 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) national report, which provides information of the quality of research undertaken by Australian universities, assessed that over 90 per cent of Australian university research was performing at, or above world standards in 2018.[5]
UNSW is a founding member of the Group of Eight (Go8), a coalition of Australia’s leading research-intensive universities, and the prestigious Universitas 21 international network. In world rankings Go8 universities are consistently the highest ranked in Australia. Seven of the Go8’s members are in the world’s top 100 universities and all Go8 members are ranked in the world’s top 150 universities: in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the Times Higher Education Rankings (THES) and the QS World University Rankings (QS).[6]
[1] 2020, Universities Australia 2020 Higher Education Facts and Figures
[2] 2020, Universities Australia 2020 Higher Education Facts and Figures
[3] 2020, Universities Australia 2020 Higher Education Facts and Figures
[4] 2020, Universities Australia 2020 Higher Education Facts and Figures
[5] 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) 2018 report, produced by the Australian Research Council (ARC
[6] Group of Eight, Australia -
Sydney was recently ranked the sixth best city in the world to live and work in by Global Finance magazine. With world-famous beaches and a thriving arts, music and food scene full of cultural communities to immerse yourself in, our coastal city is not just a destination, but a life experience.
Coastal living
It’s easy to see why the sunshine and coastline of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs beaches attract so many visitors, and UNSW’s Kensington campus sits right next door. It’s less than 30 minutes from campus to Bondi by car or bus, or just 10 minutes to Coogee.
If the beach isn’t your thing, we’re five minutes from beautiful Centennial Park or a short stroll to Randwick’s buzzing shops, cafés and restaurants.
Expand your network
Sydney’s the financial capital of Australia, and our international city is home to many global firms, offering countless opportunities to gain experience, meet people and build your networks.
A city for students
Sydney was ranked as the 8th best student city in the world in the QS Best Student Cities Index 2022. Our large and inclusive student community benefits from Sydney’s unique blend of outdoor and metropolitan lifestyles. Sydney offers a diverse range of opportunities for employment after graduation.
Something for everyone
There’s always something to do in Sydney, whether you’re flying solo or you’re looking for something the whole family can enjoy. You can find the best swimming, snorkelling and surfing spots or watch a film at the local Randwick cinema – one of the cheapest in Sydney. Ride a bike around Centennial Park, stop for a picnic, or enjoy an Aussie barbecue with new friends.
Sydney is also home to a number of incredible annual events, including Vivid Sydney, a festival of light, music and ideas, the New Year’s Eve Fireworks (possibly the most famous fireworks display in the world), and Taste of Sydney – an annual festival celebrating food and culture.
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Specific accountabilities for this role include:
- Operating as a member of the University Senior Leadership Team and contributing to decision-making to ensure the effective running of the university
- Providing advice to the President and Vice-Chancellor, and where appropriate to the University Council, on all aspects of educational activity and planning within the university
- Working collaboratively with the President of the Academic Board, Faculty Deans and Associate Deans (Education) on strategic and operational matters relating to education within the university
- Designing, developing and delivering a distinctive UNSW student experience which will empower students to realise their full potential, establishing UNSW as a global leader in enhanced learning
- Driving the development and adoption of innovative practices in learning, teaching and assessment, with a particular focus on innovative digital enablement, to enhance student learning
- Developing and implementing strategies and policies that will deliver consistent improvements in the quality of the student experience (academic and non-academic) the university provides for its students and their consequent educational and employment outcomes
- Working with directors and vendors to provide high quality, dynamic and flexible learning and teaching digital infrastructure solutions, and providing an interface for staff enabling them to achieve excellence in teaching, and to deliver enhanced student experiences via improved technologies
- Developing and enhancing UNSW’s partnership with its students and taking the lead in implementing the university's commitment to engaging students across the spectrum of university activities
- Developing, fostering, promoting and embedding distinctive and effective approaches to work-integrated and research-integrated education within the university's undergraduate and postgraduate offerings
- Overseeing the management of effective educational partnerships, and ensuring these are integrated into UNSW’s academic offerings
- Building a global alliance through a range of strategic partner arrangements which will influence the model of higher education worldwide
- Providing a guiding inspiration, oversight and support for UNSW educational performance to meet the ambitions of the 2025 strategy
- Providing overall leadership, strategic management and direction-setting for all coursework student related matters, including domestic and international student recruitment and enrolment, student administration, teaching quality and Indigenous education
- Representing the university at a local, national and international level, and on boards and committees through interactions with government, industry, other higher education providers, alumni, current and future students, and other major university stakeholders
- Aligning with and actively demonstrating the UNSW Values in Action: Our Behaviours and the UNSW Code of Conduct
- Cooperating with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and taking all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.
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We will offer the successful candidate a salary package commensurate with the position responsibilities and the candidate’s skills, qualifications and experience.
All of our employees (excluding casuals) are entitled to receive 17% employer superannuation contributions. New employees are entitled to select their preferred superannuation fund or UniSuper, the industry fund for the Tertiary Education sector.
Our salary-sacrificing initiatives allow you to pay some or all of the offering before tax.
We also offer the option to salary package a fully maintained vehicle under a lease known as a novated lease. Car parking is available on campus with the ability to pay via fortnightly payroll salary sacrifice deductions.
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Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all required pre-employment or background checks. In addition, your ongoing employment is based upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements.
UNSW requires that all employees have eligible working rights within Australia. As one of Australia’s top employers, we understand that some candidates may benefit from support to relocate and join our university.
If you are offered a position at the university and are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, the university may be able to assist with sponsorship arrangements. This includes obtaining the appropriate visa to allow you to work at UNSW.
The type of visa arrangement would depend on the length of your appointment at UNSW. Our external providers, Visa Lawyers Australia, will initially make that assessment of your application on behalf of UNSW and the UNSW Recruitment team will also guide you through this process.
We may also offer financial assistance to successful candidates who are required to move from their current residence in order to take an appointment at UNSW.
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UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do.
Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. It’s why we come to campus each day.
We make it as easy as possible for our staff to have a rich and balanced life at work and home. As part of our approach to flexible working, we have introduced greater flexibility across location, hours, full-time equivalents, schedules and job sharing.
In terms of other benefits, we offer various types of leave, lifelong learning, discounts, entitlements, health and wellbeing support. Further information can be found on Jobs@UNSW.
The university will be supported in the appointment process by the executive search firm Boyden. Boyden will support the selection committee to identify the widest possible field of qualified candidates and to assess candidates against the requirements for the role.
Your application should consist of:
- a comprehensive CV detailing professional and academic qualifications, full employment history (including relevant responsibilities and achievements), along with the contact details of three referees; and
- a brief statement (not more than four pages) outlining why the appointment is of interest and what you can bring to the role.
All enquiries should be directed in confidence to:
- Alun Parry alun.parry@boyden.com
- Philip Graham philip.graham@boyden.com
- Elaine Dolan elaine.dolan@boyden.com
The deadline for applications is Monday 17 October 2022.
UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
