Director, Culture, Capability and Belonging

Illawarra Mercury; Coniston; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in New South Wales is seeking a Director of Culture, Capability and Belonging. This senior management role focuses on shaping a values-led culture through initiatives that emphasize inclusion and capability development. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in organizational culture, a strategic mindset, and a passion for fostering a supportive workplace environment. This is a full-time position located at the UOW Wollongong Campus.

Qualifications

• Strong track record in shaping organisational culture.
• Experience in building capability and advancing inclusion.
• Visionary leadership with strategic insight.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead culture transformation initiatives.
• Drive capability and leadership development.
• Oversee performance and succession frameworks.
• Embed inclusive practices in people policies.
• Collaborate with leaders to enhance engagement.

Skills

Collaborative leadership

Strategic planning

Cultural transformation

Capability building

Inclusivity practices

Job description

Overview

Level 10 | Senior Management

Full-time / Maximum term 5 years

People & Culture Division, Vice President (Operations) Portfolio

Location: UOW Wollongong Campus.

Reporting to the Chief People & Culture Officer, the Director, Culture, Capability and Belonging is a newly created leadership role, established at a pivotal time in UOW’s journey.

The University has entered a period of renewal and transformation. With change comes the opportunity to reset and strengthen how we work, lead, and connect. This role will be central to shaping a people and culture agenda that is values-led, inclusive, and future-focused — and to building the cultural foundations that will support UOW’s long-term success.

This is a defining opportunity for a values-driven leader who is passionate about building capability, fostering inclusion, and enabling a culture where people feel valued, trusted, and empowered to thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Culture transformation – designing and leading initiatives that embed UOW’s values, strengthen belonging, and build a positive people experience.
• Capability and leadership development – providing enterprise leadership of the newly created UOW Academy, ensuring professional, academic, and leadership programs prepare our people for the future.
• Talent and Performance planning – overseeing performance and succession frameworks that develop talent and support long-term workforce sustainability.
• Reward and recognition – embedding a values-based approach that celebrates achievement, reinforces cultural alignment, and supports retention.
• Equity, diversity, and belonging – ensuring inclusive practices are woven through people policies, frameworks, and everyday practices.
• Partnership and collaboration – working closely with academic and professional leaders to embed the Values in Action Framework and co-design initiatives that build engagement and performance.
• Measurement and improvement – using data, insights, and feedback to evaluate impact and drive continuous improvement.
• Foster collaboration across P&C teams and with external partners to co-design, scale and embed initiatives that enhance people experience and organisational performance.

About You

You are a collaborative, strategic leader with a strong track record in shaping organisational culture, building capability, and advancing inclusion. You bring vision, influence, and the ability to translate intent into meaningful outcomes. Energised by the opportunity to lead through change, you thrive on creating environments where people can do their best work and feel proud to belong.

How To Apply

Applicants are requested to submit a resume and cover letter. The cover letter should be no more than 3 pages, summarising your skills and experience as they relate to the selection criteria outlined in the position description.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Ali Bourke at **********@uow.edu.au.

Closing date: Friday 10 October, 12pm (midday)

Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Only candidates with valid work rights in Australia are eligible to apply.

Position Description