Chief Student Life Officer

• Full time, fixed term until April 2026

• Provide strategic leadership and management of University-wide, student-centered support services, ensuring continuous improvement in service delivery to address the diverse and evolving needs of our student community

• Offering a competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The Chief Student Life Officer (CSLO) serves as a senior leader within the University, reporting directly to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education). The role is responsible for providing strategic leadership and management of University-wide, student-centered support services, ensuring continuous improvement in service delivery to address the diverse and evolving needs of the student community. The CSLO oversees key domains, including diversity, disability and inclusion, counselling services, safer communities and co-curricular programs, driving best practices in timeliness, accessibility, and effectiveness.

The CSLO leads the implementation of strategic action plans to enhance the student experience, ensuring seamless transitions from pre-entry to graduation, fostering academic and personal success, and promoting active engagement within the University community. In collaboration with Faculties, central Portfolios, and academic leaders, the CSLO ensures the alignment and integration of initiatives to support student inclusion, co-curricular development, and academic enrichment.

Additionally, the CSLO supports compliance and risk management, coordinates critical incident responses, and manages related student and staff communications. In addressing the safety and well-being of the student body, the CSLO is committed to fostering safer communities and promoting a culture of accountability, particularly in relation to the University’s adherence to the National Student Ombudsman framework. This includes ensuring transparent and timely responses to student matters, facilitating fair resolutions, and upholding the principles of equity, and transparency within the University environment.

Through innovative and inclusive leadership, the CSLO advances the University's commitment to improving the student journey, enhancing co-curricular opportunities, and developing graduate qualities to a high standard, contributing to a vibrant, supportive, and inclusive University community.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Implement, operationalise, and manage decisions related to strategic planning, organisational performance, financial management (including budget modelling and business case development), stakeholder engagement, regulatory compliance, and risk management.

• Oversee contract negotiation and management, technology strategy and deployment, workplace health and safety, and critical incident response across the Student Life portfolio.

• Provide leadership to guide, develop, and manage a team of professional staff, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

• Exercise extensive professional judgment, in day-to-day decision-making, ensuring alignment with University policies and practices.

About you (skills, capabilities and experience)

• Proven ability to lead large teams and manage complex projects in a dynamic environment.

• Demonstrated capacity to provide institutional leadership for strategic change in educational practice and student experience, including the development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive student experience strategy.

• Demonstrated excellence in education and enhancing the student experience.

• In-depth knowledge of higher education policies, regulations, and governance frameworks.

• Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders.

• Outstanding professional judgement to make significant, independent decisions while ensuring alignment with policies and practices.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Work Rights: you must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Term and remuneration

The successful candidate will be offered a 12 month fixed term position on a full-time basis with a competitive remuneration package commensurate with the responsibilities of the position and the candidate’s relevant experience and qualifications. The appointment is subject to completion of a satisfactory probation period for new appointees.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon t