We are looking for a dynamic and experienced professional to take on the role of Deputy Director, Student Engagement. Reporting directly to the Director of Student Experience, you will provide leadership and strategic management for the Student Engagement unit. Your expertise in change management, student engagement and support, combined with a solid background in tertiary education, will be key in shaping and enhancing our strategic vision for student success and delivering an innovative, technology-driven student experience.

In this role, you will lead a committed team that plays a crucial part in implementing the University’s co-curricular programs, fostering inclusive student engagement at scale. You will be responsible for delivering a variety of student retention and success programs that prioritise the needs of our students and contribute to the advancement of Swinburne’s Student Experience Framework, as well as support the Student Voice and Student Partnership models.

You will engage externally with student support service providers, government departments, community organisations, and industry partners, while also collaborating internally with student groups, academic units, and various university teams focused on education, experience, and employability.

As a key member of our network of senior professional leaders, you will support the development of policy, strategies, reporting mechanisms, and performance measurements. You will also oversee the management and implementation of projects across the university, ensuring quality outcomes and following up on actionable initiatives.

If you have experience in delivering change and supporting students within an academic environment, we encourage you to apply and join us in creating an exceptional student experience!

About You
To be suitable for this role you will need to have experience in the below key accountabilities:

• Demonstrated experience in leading the development and implementation of innovative student engagement programs across the student life cycle designed to improve student retention and success for diverse cohorts.
• Demonstrated experience in the leadership and management of an operational team and ability to motivate them to achieve specific outcomes and goals.
• Proven ability to achieve change through collaborative and collegial processes and manage significant projects and change initiatives to completion within the agreed timeframes and budget.
• Experience in the tertiary education sector and knowledge of the regulatory and legislative environment.
• Well-developed strategic, analytical and conceptual skills, together with proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans and monitor impact and track targets.

Qualifications

• A relevant post-graduate qualification and extensive relevant experience or equivalent qualification and/or substantial relevant experience in co-curricular student programs, student development, success and/or equity—essential.
• Membership of an appropriate professional body—preferred

**This position is open only to applicants who have work rights in Australia


About Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburne Horizon 2025 draws upon our understanding of future challenges. With this new strategic plan, we choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research, so that:

• Every Swinburne learner gets a work experience
• Every Swinburne graduate gets a job
• Every Swinburne partner gets a tech solution
• Swinburne is the prototype of global best practice

The achievement of our 2025 moon shots depends on our capacity to work collectively, always, as One Swinburne.


To Apply
Please submit your CV and cover letter addressing your suitability for this position.
To review the Position Description and to apply, please scroll down to the bottom of the page.
If you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to Swinburne’s Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page.
For more information about the role, please email Eve at echarif@swin.edu.au .
Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Swinburne Talent Acquisition Team on talentacquisition@swin.edu.au .
Applications Close: Sunday, October 27th at 11pm
Swinburne offers flexible working options contained in our leave and parenting/carer policies to support work-life balance.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Swinburne University of Technology is dedicated to creating a varied, welcoming, and open learning and work environment that embraces diversity, promotes inclusion, ensures fair access to opportunities, and actively opposes bullying, discrimination, sexual harm, victimisation, and vilification. We appreciate every individual in our community, regardless of ability/disability, age, cultural and ethnic background, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and family and relationship status. For further details on our efforts, please explore our Equity & Diversity website.

Disability and Reasonable Adjustments
Swinburne University of Technology actively supports and encourages individuals with disability to apply. We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process by ensuring that we cater to the access and participation needs of all candidates.
For a confidential conversation about your accessibility needs or to offer feedback on how we can enhance our recruitment processes to accommodate any adjustments you may require, please contact Swinburne’s Disability Confident Recruitment at DCR@swin.edu.au or call +61 3 9214 3550.

Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) at Swinburne
Swinburne is enhancing gender equity and diversity, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM), by participating in the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) program.
Swinburne University is actively engaged in improving representation and participation of women in STEMM fields, aiming to address ongoing gender inequity. As an inaugural recipient of the Athena SWAN Institutional Bronze Award, we have implemented our original SAGE Action Plan (2019-2021) and continue our commitment through the current SAGE Action Plan (2022-2025), focusing on meaningful actions to foster long-lasting change and advance gender equity and diversity in STEMM.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
For any support please contact talentacquisition@swin.edu.au or for more information on our Indigenous strategies please follow the link to our RAP Reconciliation Action Plan
Victoria’s Commitment to Action: Improving international student employment outcomes
As a signatory to Victoria’s Commitment to Action, Swinburne seeks to remove barriers to international graduate employment. We welcome and encourage applications from international graduates.
We are a 2023 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant