Director, Student Success

Pulse; Wollongong City Council; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12% employer superannuation

Job summary

The University of Wollongong invites applications for the position of Director, Student Success. Reporting to the Dean of Students, this senior academic role provides strategic leadership to advance student success, retention, progression and completion across the University.

The role requires an Academic Level D or E track record, data-informed decision making and strong stakeholder engagement to drive institution-wide change.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in higher education.
• Scholarly track record in student success.
• Experience driving equity and inclusion in student outcomes.
• Ability to influence across a large university.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Student Success Framework.
• Drive institution-wide initiatives to improve outcomes.
• Collaborate with academic and professional leaders across the University.
• Oversee retention, progression and completion efforts.

Skills

Academic leadership

Student success expertise

Data-driven decision making

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Education

Academic Level D or E appointment

Job description

Make an impact at the University of Wollongong (UOW) - a purpose‑driven institution ranked in the top 1% of universities globally.

About the Role

As Director, Student Success, you will provide strategic academic leadership for advancing student success, retention, progression and completion across the University of Wollongong. Reporting to the Dean of Students, you will lead the development and implementation of the University's Student Success Framework and student success strategy, driving institution-wide initiatives that improve student outcomes and educational success.

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly regarded senior academic with a track record of leadership and achievement commensurate with an Academic Level D or E appointment to shape the future of student success at the University. The successful candidate will bring expertise in student success, retention, progression, educational practice, higher education policy or a related field, together with the ability to influence and drive change across a complex university environment.

Working collaboratively with academic and professional leaders across the University, you will drive an evidence-informed, whole-of-institution approach to student success, leveraging data, analytics, sector research and leading practice to improve educational outcomes for diverse student cohorts.

About the Team

You will join a collaborative and student-focused portfolio dedicated to enhancing the student experience and supporting success at every stage of the student journey. Working closely with academic leaders, faculty teams and professional services staff across the University of Wollongong, the team plays a critical role in driving initiatives that improve student retention, progression, belonging and achievement. As Director, Student Success, you will lead specialist student success functions while fostering strong partnerships across the University to create a coordinated and evidence-informed approach to student success.

What You will Bring

• A strong academic background, with a record of achievement and leadership commensurate with an Academic Level D or E appointment.
• A demonstrated track record of scholarship, research, learning and teaching leadership, or evidence-informed practice relevant to student success and higher education outcomes.
• Proven success leading institution-wide initiatives that improve student retention, progression, belonging and academic achievement.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and work collaboratively with senior academic leaders, researchers and educators to drive strategic change.
• Experience using data, research and evidence to inform decision-making, evaluate outcomes and support continuous improvement.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build trusted relationships across complex organisational environments.
• Proven leadership experience, including developing high-performing teams and fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and excellence.
• Significant experience within the higher education sector and a genuine commitment to enhancing the student experience and success.

Why Join UOW

• 35-hour full-time work week supporting greater balance and flexibility
• Flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies
• Generous leave entitlementsincluding additional concession days over the Christmas–New Year period.
• Purchased leave options to provide greater flexibility throughout the year.
• Ongoing professional development and clear career progression opportunities

Role Details

• Employment type: Fixed-term 3-year contract
• Attractive salary package plus 12% employer superannuation.
• Position Description
• Location: Wollongong Campus / Hybrid
• Valid Australian work rights required. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Closing Date: 25 November 2026, 11:55pm

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

The University of Wollongong is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where diversity is valued, respected and celebrated. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve, removes barriers to participation, and provides equitable opportunities for staff to reach their full potential. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of all gender identities and sexual orientations, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, and those with caring or family responsibilities.

As required by federal legislation, prospective employees are required to declare whether they have been investigated for an allegation of Gender based Violence or determined to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender based Violence, during their previous employment, or otherwise in a legal process. Any such declaration will be included in the University’s employment screening processes and will be treated with the strictest confidence and in compliance with all privacy legislation.