Academic Director - Lifelong Learning

UNSW; Remote; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent Australian university is seeking an Academic Director for Lifelong Learning to oversee its online award programs. This leadership role involves strategic direction, ensuring academic quality, and developing new programs aligned with industry needs. The ideal candidate is PhD-qualified with extensive experience in higher education and online learning, demonstrating strong leadership and collaboration skills. The role offers a competitive package and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Additional 3 days leave during festive period

Career development opportunities

Discounts on UNSW courses

Flexible superannuation contributions

Various discounts and entitlements

Qualifications

• Strong record of scholarly excellence and relevant experience.
• Proven capability in developing responsive strategies for higher education needs.
• Exceptional communication and external engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Shape strategic direction of lifelong learning programs.
• Ensure high academic standards in online programs.
• Oversee curriculum development to meet industry needs.

Skills

PhD qualification

Leadership skills

Strategic vision articulation

Online learning design

Collaboration and management

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Job description

This Job is based in Australia

• Employment Type : Full Time, Continuing role
• Remuneration : Level D – competitive total package
• Location : Kensington, NSW

About UNSW

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work. We aspire to be Australia’s global university, improving and transforming lives through excellence in research, outstanding education and a commitment to advancing a just society.

About The Role

UNSW’s Lifelong Learning (LLL) strategy focuses on expanding its portfolio of fully online award programs designed for working professionals looking to accelerate or transition their careers. The current UNSW Online offering includes eight Master’s programs, with significant planned growth across the university in the coming years.

The Academic Director - LLL (Online Award Programs) is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing all academic elements of the UNSW Online portfolio and collaborating closely with teams across LLL and the wider university. Reporting to the Dean, Lifelong Learning and leading one direct report, this role will play a pivotal part in positioning UNSW as a global leader in lifelong learning.

Responsibilities

• Shape the strategic direction of lifelong learning at UNSW, focusing on fully online award programs in partnership with the Dean and LLL leadership.
• Identify opportunities for new academic programs aligned with industry demand and UNSW’s academic strengths.
• Provide strategic oversight to program directors to ensure high academic standards across UNSW Online programs.
• Establish and maintain standards, processes, and systems that ensure consistent academic quality, including a robust academic review and continuous improvement framework.
• Oversee curriculum development to ensure programs meet industry needs and uphold UNSW’s academic excellence.
• Provide academic leadership to all academic staff engaged through lifelong learning.
• Engage with third‑party providers to ensure alignment with UNSW’s academic standards and develop value‑adding academic experiences for students and alumni.
• Represent lifelong learning on relevant UNSW committees, promote UNSW’s online education expertise, demonstrate UNSW values, and ensure health and safety risks are effectively managed.

About You

• PhD‑qualified academic with a strong record of scholarly excellence and relevant experience.
• Ability to articulate a strategic vision for lifelong learning and lead organisational change to achieve it.
• Proven capability in developing strategies that respond to evolving higher education needs and adult learner expectations.
• Demonstrated excellence in designing, delivering, and leading high‑quality online learning for adult learners.
• Track record in establishing successful award programs and ensuring academic quality, particularly for fully online programs.
• Experience managing and collaborating effectively with others, including third‑party providers.
• Evidence of working collaboratively across complex university environments to deliver shared outcomes.
• Exceptional communication, external engagement, and thought leadership skills, with the ability to build strong internal and external partnerships.

For further information on the role & responsibilities, please refer to the Position Description.

How to Apply

Submit your CV & cover letter detailing your interest and suitability for the job (as per the skills & experience bullet points in the job description) before Sunday 11th January 2026 by 11:55pm.

Please note

Sponsorship is not available for this role, valid Australian working rights are required on application.

UNSW Benefits and Culture

• Additional 3 days leave during December festive period.
• Career development opportunities
• Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses
• Flexible 17% Superannuation contributions, additional leave‑loading payments and salary sacrifice.
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness passport)

Job queries contact

Tai James, Talent Acquisition Consultant

E : [e-mail] (applications to the address cannot be accepted, please apply online)

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.