The Senior Director, Tertiary Education and Skills is Universities Australia’s senior leader for tertiary reform delivery and the principal external interface with government on major tertiary education and system reform priorities.

The role provides strategic leadership across UA’s tertiary education and skills agenda, with a particular focus on the Australian Universities Accord, the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) and the broader reform architecture shaping the future of the sector. It positions UA to influence reform design, implementation and outcomes in ways that advance member interests and strengthen the organisation’s national leadership role.

The Senior Director is responsible for representing UA in high-level engagement with government, reform bodies and sector stakeholders, and for providing strategic advice to UA leadership on the implications, opportunities and risks arising from reform. The role ensures UA’s response is well positioned, externally credible and focused on securing practical, workable outcomes for universities.

The role works closely with the Senior Director – Policy Futures & Reform to align immediate reform delivery with longer-term policy development and future directions. It also contributes as a senior organisational leader within UA, leading a team that includes the Senior Advisor: Student Funding and Success.

The role reports to the Executive Director, Strategy & Policy and is part of the UA Leadership Group.

REPORTS TO – Executive Director, Strategy & Policy

DIRECT REPORTS – 2

Employment Type – Full-time – 2-year contract

Key responsibilities

• Lead UA’s tertiary reform agenda: Drive UA’s strategic approach to tertiary reform and secure strong outcomes for members across the Accord, ATEC and related reform priorities.
• Lead engagement with ATEC and the reform architecture: Shape UA’s engagement with ATEC, State of the Sector processes, mission-based compacts, funding and pricing reform, tertiary harmonisation, and related reform structures.
• Drive tertiary harmonisation and skills system alignment: Lead UA’s engagement across higher education, VET and skills policy, including with Jobs and Skills Australia and related bodies.
• Lead strategic external engagement: Build influential relationships across government, UA members and sector stakeholders to advance UA’s reform priorities.
• Lead member implementation and sector responses: Translate reform into implications for universities, coordinate sector responses, and develop positions and guidance that support effective decision-making.
• Advise UA leadership on reform impacts and priorities: Provide strategic advice to the UA Executive, Board and Committees on reform developments, risks, opportunities and response options.
• Lead and evolve AAUT: Strengthen the Australian Awards for University Teaching as a flagship national program with strong governance, profile, member value and long-term sustainability.
• Shape enterprise priorities and cross-team delivery: Work with the UA Executive to align tertiary reform delivery with organisational priorities and drive collaboration across teams.
• Strengthen member engagement and sector impact: Work with UA Committees and members to test reform implications, shape sector positions and support strong outcomes for universities.
• Provide senior organisational leadership: Lead and develop staff, strengthen capability and contribute to enterprise decision-making as a member of the UA Leadership Group.
• Undertake other duties as required: Perform additional responsibilities consistent with the scope and seniority of the role.

Key relationships

Internal:

• Executive Director, Strategy & Policy
• Leadership Group
• Policy and Strategy and Public Affairs teams
• Cross-functional leadership to support One UA ways of working

External

• Member organisations and sector groups
• Australian government departments and agencies

Capabilities and experience

• Deep expertise in Australian tertiary education and skills reform: Strong understanding of the tertiary education system and key reform agendas, including the Accord, ATEC, funding and pricing reform, tertiary harmonisation and skills policy.
• Senior reform leadership: Proven ability to lead complex tertiary reform agendas and secure practical outcomes for institutions and the sector.
• Strategic understanding of government and reform architecture: Strong knowledge of Australian government, policy and decision-making processes, and sound judgement in complex and politically sensitive environments.
• Government engagement, representation and influence: Demonstrated success engaging senior government and sector stakeholders, representing organisations credibly, and influencing policy and implementation outcomes.
• Senior leadership and organisational contribution: Experience leading teams, building capability and contributing effectively in complex, stakeholder-rich environments.
• Strategic and practical advisory capability: Experience providing high-level advice that translates reform into clear implications, risks, opportunities and response options.
• High-impact communication and stakeholder leadership: Exceptional communication skills and the ability to influence and engage credibly with senior stakeholders across government and the sector.
• Delivery leadership in complex environments: Proven ability to lead complex work programs, coordinate diverse stakeholders and maintain momentum across multiple priorities.
• Relevant senior sector or government experience: Senior experience in tertiary education policy, a peak or member-based organisation, government, ministerial or political office, or a comparable advocacy environment will be highly regarded.
• Team leadership and capability building: Experience leading high-performing teams, building capability and sustaining performance in complex environments

Measures of success

• UA has a strong and visible role in major tertiary education and skills reform discussions.
• Briefings, submissions and advice are delivered on time and are well regarded by the Executive Director, Strategy & Policy, Executive, Board and Committees.
• Members are actively engaged in shaping UA positions and responding to reform.
• UA’s advocacy supports practical outcomes across Accord, ATEC and related reform priorities.
• Strong working relationships are maintained across government, members and sector stakeholders.
• AAUT is delivered well, with key milestones met and positive member feedback.
• The team delivers high-quality work, works well across UA and continues to build capability.

Personal attributes

• Sound judgement and political awareness.
• A practical, strategic and solutions-focused approach.
• Strong relationship-building and a collaborative working style.
• A supportive and effective leader who builds trust, capability, and accountability.
• Resilience, adaptability and calm under pressure

What we offer:

• Competitive salary with options for 12%, 15.4% or 17% super depending on preference
• Flexible hybrid work model, including remote days and core-hours scheduling.
• Salary packaging options that can improve your take home pay
• Generous parental leave entitlements
• FREE annual flu vaccinations
• FREE parking
• Access to free guidance and counselling through our Employee Assistance Program
• A vibrant, inclusive culture.

We welcome people from all backgrounds and value the different experiences, perspectives and strengths each person brings. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations people, LGBTQIA+ people, people of all ages, neurodivergent people, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Additional Information

Interstate residents will be considered for this role noting that travel will be expected from time to time.

To apply:

Please include your CV and a cover page which outlines your suitability for the role.

Applications close Tuesday 9th June 2026 11:59pm.

Senior Director, Tertiary Education and Skills – Apply here

Please email [email protected] if you have any queries about the role.