Program Director, Student Experience & Architecture

University-of-Wollongon; Wollongong City Council; Hybrid; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

35-hour work week

Flexible working arrangements

Purchased leave options

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

University of Wollongong (UOW) invites applications for an experienced Program Director to lead the Student Experience & Architecture (SEA) Program. This 12-month fixed-term contract will provide strategic leadership across a large transformation portfolio spanning the full student lifecycle, including development of the program roadmap, governance, and benefits realisation.

The role sits in Student Services under the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) portfolio, with a strong emphasis on

Qualifications

• Experience leading large-scale enterprise transformation programs within complex organisations.
• Ability to develop strategy, operating models and business cases while engaging executive stakeholders.
• Strong governance, risk, financial management and benefits realisation capabilities.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, vendors and delivery partners.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication and change management skills.
• Experience managing significant budgets, contracts and procurement.
• Higher education, student systems or large-scale transformation background is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop the program roadmap across multiple interconnected initiatives.
• Drive delivery and benefits realisation across the portfolio.
• Lead governance, stakeholder engagement and reporting to executives.
• Oversee strategic planning, business case development and vendor management.
• Coordinate organisational change and benefits tracking across the program.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Program governance

Budget management

Vendor management

Change management

Executive influence

Procurement

Higher education experience

Team leadership

Education

Tertiary qualifications

Project management certification

PMI/PRINCE2 accreditation

Tools

MS Project

Excel

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

We are seeking an experienced Program Director to lead the Student Experience & Architecture (SEA) Program, a significant transformation initiative that will shape the future of the University of Wollongong's student experience and student systems environment.

This 12-month fixed-term contract will provide strategic leadership across a complex portfolio of work spanning the full student lifecycle, from future students through to alumni.

The role will be responsible for developing the program roadmap, driving delivery across multiple interconnected initiatives, leading stakeholder engagement, and governance activities, and ensuring the successful achievement of program outcomes and benefits. The position will oversee a substantial transformation portfolio, including strategic planning, business case development, vendor management, organisational change, and benefits realisation.

About the Team

This role sits within Student Services as part of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) portfolio. The portfolio brings together a range of functions including Student Services, Educational Excellence, Academic Governance & Standards, Library Services, Student Residences, and the Dean of Students.

Working within a highly collaborative environment, the team is focused on delivering an exceptional student experience and supporting the University's strategic priorities through innovation, service excellence and continuous improvement.

What You’ll Bring

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Experience leading large-scale enterprise transformation programs, ideally within complex organisations.
• Demonstrated experience developing strategy, operating models, and business cases, while engaging and influencing executive stakeholders.
• Strong program and project leadership experience, including governance, risk management, financial management and benefits realisation.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, vendors, and implementation partners to deliver strategic outcomes.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication, and change management capability within complex environments.
• Experience managing significant budgets, contracts, procurement processes, and vendor relationships.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or project management qualifications, with extensive experience leading enterprise-scale programs.
• Experience within higher education, student systems, digital transformation, or large-scale business transformation programs will be highly regarded.

Why Join UOW

• 35-hour full-time work week supporting greater balance and flexibility
• Flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies
• Purchased leave options to provide greater flexibility throughout the year
• Ongoing professional development and clear career progression opportunities

Role Details

• Employment type: Full-time fixed-term contract (12 months)
• Level 10 | Competitive salary + 12% superannuation.
• Position Description
• Wollongong Campus | Hybrid working arrangement available (minimum 3 days onsite per week)
• Valid Australian work rights required. Visa sponsorship is not available.
• This position is subject to a National Criminal Check and verification of stated qualifications.

For further information about this position, please contact Alan McAlpine Executive Director, Student Services on [e-mail]

Closing Date: Sunday 18 October 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.