• A senior leadership role responsible for shaping and driving UWA’s strategic agenda for student success, retention and progression
• Senior Management appointment.
• Full-time on an ongoing basis.

About the area

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a member of the prestigious Group of Eight and consistently ranked among the world’s top 100 universities. The Education and Student Experience portfolio provides strategic leadership across curriculum management, learning and teaching, academic quality and standards, student wellbeing, administration, engagement and global recruitment.

Within this portfolio, the Student Success and Progression directorate plays a key role in shaping and delivering the student journey. The directorate oversees admissions, enrolments and fees, scholarships, timetabling, partnership programs, student advising, exams and progression, graduations, and service enhancement. Working collaboratively across the University, it partners with academic and professional leaders to deliver integrated, student-centred services that support academic success, retention and progression, aligned with UWA’s strategic priorities.

About the opportunity

Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience), you will:

• Lead integrated, high-performing student services encompassing admissions, enrolments, scholarships, timetabling, advising, exams, progression, graduations, partnership programs and service enhancement.
• Drive strategies and initiatives that enhance the student experience through innovation, digital transformation and continuous improvement.
• Partner with senior academic and professional leaders to deliver cohesive, future-focused outcomes that strengthen academic quality and operational excellence.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability and high performance across teams and portfolios.
• Optimise the use of financial, human and operational resources to achieve sustainable outcomes aligned with University priorities.
• Represent UWA nationally and internationally, influencing policy and building partnerships that enhance the University’s reputation for student success and experience.

About you

• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or extensive leadership experience in a large, complex organisation preferably within the higher education sector.
• A proven record of leadership demonstrating the ability to shape strategy, influence institutional direction, and deliver outcomes across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Demonstrated success in translating strategic vision into institution-wide initiatives that enhance student success, retention, and progression.
• High-level experience in leading organisational transformation, including digital innovation, service integration, and managing change.
• Highly developed strategic, analytical, and conceptual thinking skills, with the ability to anticipate emerging trends and position the University accordingly.
• Demonstrated financial and resource management experience, with a track record of delivering sustainable outcomes in a complex environment.
• Strong knowledge of higher education policy, regulation, and quality frameworks (e.g. TEQSA, CRICOS, AQF), particularly in relation to the student lifecycle.

Note: A current National Police Clearance Certificate, Working with Children Check, and “C” class driver’s licence will be required by the successful applicant. Some after-hours and weekend work may also be required.

Position description:  PD [Director, Student Success and Progression] [521806].pdf

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Professor Guy Littlefair at guy.littlefair@uwa.edu.au

How to apply

Please apply online via the Apply Now button. The content of your Resume and Cover Letter should demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria.

Please note: Unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted outside of formal channels.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Monday, 24 November 2025

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia. 

About the University

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

Learn more about us.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.

If you have queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively, please contact the Talent team at people@uwa.edu.au with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number.