Associate Director, Assurance at Australian Catholic University

Australian Catholic University; Sydney; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Australian Catholic University (ACU) invites applications for the role of Associate Director, Assurance. This full-time, on-site position can be based in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane and reports to the General Counsel and Chief Legal, Assurance and Governance Officer.

You will strengthen ACU's assurance capability by leading risk-based activities across ERM, compliance monitoring, internal audit and reviews, including TEQSA readiness.

Qualifications

• Experience leading assurance programs across risk, compliance monitoring, internal audit and reviews.
• Ability to report to governance bodies including VCMC and audit committees.
• Experience in large, regulated organisations with complex structures.

Responsibilities

• Lead a risk-based program of assurance activities across ERM, compliance monitoring, internal audit and internal review.
• Provide strategic advice, timely reporting and independent insight to support transparency and informed decision-making.
• Drive enterprise-wide transformation in Assurance and Risk and promote continuous improvement.

Skills

Inclusive leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory governance

Job description

Associate Director, Assurance

Full time on site position offers great opportunities for career growth.

Based in either Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane and reporting directly to the General Counsel and Chief Legal, Assurance and Governance Officer, the Associate Director, Assurance is responsible for strengthening ACU's assurance capability by leading a coordinated, risk-based program of assurance activities across enterprise risk management, compliance monitoring, internal audit and internal review; with oversight of institutional quality and regulatory readiness (including TEQSA). The role provides strategic advice, timely reporting and independent insight to support transparency, accountability and informed decision-making, including through reporting to the Vice-Chancellor's Management Committee (VCMC), the Audit & Risk Committee (and other governance committees as required) and the monitoring and validation of remediation actions.

The Associate Director builds organisational capability and maturity in self-assurance practices, supports consistent evidence and documentation standards, and promotes continuous improvement across the university.

We are seeking candidates with inclusive leadership skills and experience in a large, complex, and preferably regulated organisation. The successful candidate will be a highly collaborative and mission-led professional who will work with colleagues across other central service functions and the academic community to drive enterprise-wide transformation in Assurance and Risk.

Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a young and dynamic institution making a significant impact. Founded on the principles of Catholic social teaching, it aims to promote academic excellence, serve communities, and act as a catalyst for positive change. Ranked in the top two per cent of universities worldwide and in the top 10 Catholic universities, the university has seven campuses around Australia, a campus in Rome, Italy, and an online campus - ACU Online. ACU's Vision 2033 presents a strategy which allows students and staff to respond to the needs of a changing world while working to enable flourishing lives, foster thriving communities and forge an ethical future.

Closing: 11 November 2026.