About Universities Australia

Universities Australia is the voice of Australia’s universities. We work hard to ensure Australia has a strong higher education and research sector to support the nation’s future.

We champion the role universities play in generating vast social, economic and cultural value for the nation and the rest of the world. We advocate for higher education policy settings that are in the national interest.

On behalf of our 39 member universities, we actively collaborate with policy makers and political leaders at all levels of government, engage directly with the community and work closely with international partners to help support Australia’s world class university system.

The role

The Senior Director for Tertiary Education and Skills will lead Universities Australia’s (UA) work on tertiary education and skills policy. This includes shaping and analysing policies on higher education, student funding, and equity ensuring universities play a key role in building Australia’s workforce.

The Senior Director will guide UA’s efforts in driving education reform, ensuring the university sector remains central during this period of significant policy change and economic transformation. This includes influencing funding and skills policy, working with the broader UA team, and engaging with our membership and the wider tertiary education sector to strengthen our impact.

This role involves leading research, policy analysis, advocacy and public engagement to address the workforce’s evolving needs. The Senior Director will work closely with government, industry, and education partners to develop forward-thinking solutions for skills development and job creation.

As a key advocate for universities during significant reforms, the Senior Director will build strong partnerships with government and business, co-create funding initiatives, and work to improve collaboration between universities, TAFE and VET providers in Australia’s tertiary education system.

UA is seeking a visionary leader with experience in education reform and strong collaborative skills. The ideal candidate will have a background in tertiary education and skills policy, and a track record of successful policy development. They will lead UA’s thought leadership focusing on higher education and skills reform while building partnerships with agencies like Jobs and Skills Australia and the future Australian Tertiary Education Commission.

In addition to managing the tertiary education and skills portfolio, the Senior Director will support UA’s senior leadership, including the Executive, UA Board, Vice-Chancellors and Committees, helping them navigate the complex policy landscape.

The Senior Director will engage with senior government ministers and officials to ensure that UA is involved in key policy decisions.

The role is supported by a team, including a Senior Manager of Student Funding and Success, as well as several Policy Analysts. The role reports to the Head of Policy as part of the UA Leadership Group.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead policy efforts: ensure UA is a leader in providing expert advice on higher education funding, student success, equity, tertiary education reform and skills policy, ensuring our influence is valued by government and key partners.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships: strengthen partnerships with UA’s members, the tertiary education sector, business community and key  government agencies, positioning UA as a trusted collaborator and policy leader.
• Enhance policy capability: improve UA’s policy development by providing timely advice to members and shifting from a reactive to proactive approach.
• Drive UA’s policy agenda: keep UA ahead of policy trends by delivering valuable and trusted data, analysis and ideas that support our broader advocacy goals.
• Develop bold, innovative and impactful ideas: proactively create policy ideas that put UA at the centre of discussions on tertiary education and skills and ensuring UA’s thinking is integral to the policy reform process.
• Work with UA leadership: collaborate with the UA Executive to design strategies that advance UA’s policy and advocacy goals while increasing member engagement and satisfaction.
• Contribute to leadership: provide analysis and input as part of UA’s senior leadership team to help shape organisational strategies and initiatives.
• Ensure member satisfaction: engage UA Committees and members in our policy work and leverage their expertise and experience.
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills and Experiences Required

• Data analysis and policy advice: proven ability to gather, analyse and interpret data and trends to provide policy advice, especially in the tertiary education and skills sectors.
• Understanding of the policy landscape: in-depth knowledge of the current policy and political environment in Australia, with a strong record of building networks across government, education and business sectors.
• Expertise in Australian tertiary education: comprehensive understanding of the tertiary education system, including the ongoing reform efforts like the Australian Universities Accord, Jobs and Skills Australia and a future Australian Tertiary Education Commission, as well as key regulatory bodies.
• Leadership experience: including in leading teams, providing advice and policy advice to senior executives, and representing the organisation in public forums and external events.
• Policy advisory services: experience delivering high-level policy advisory services that align with organisational goals, particularly in a member-based organisation.
• Excellent communication skills: interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with people at all levels.
• Project management: proven ability to lead and manage projects in a dynamic, collaborative and cross-functional team environment.
• Relevant senior experience: experience in tertiary education policy, a peak industry body, ministerial or political office, or advocacy organisation is desirable.

Please apply via Seek Online providing a Cover Letter and Resume.

Applications close on Sunday 17 November 2024 at 11:55pm.