Chief Operating Officer

Campus Location: North Sydney, Australia | Melbourne, AustraliaJob No: APTAV101331#026Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a young and dynamic institution making a significant impact. Founded on the principles of Catholic social teaching, it aims to promote academic excellence, serve communities, and act as a catalyst for positive change.With world-class educators and innovative campuses, we create supportive and immersive learning environments that empower our students to flourish and grow. Our influential research and enterprise activities - with social, cultural and economic benefits - develop innovative solutions to issues impacting human dignity and the common good. At ACU, staff and students are invited to stand up for people in need and causes that matter.Ranked in the top two per cent of universities worldwide and in the top 10 Catholic universities, the university has seven campuses around Australia, a campus in Rome, Italy, and an online campus - ACU Online.Our search for a new Chief Operating Officer (COO) coincides with a strategic inflection point for the university. This year we embark on an ambitious new 10-year strategy, Vision 2033. A strategy which will allow us to respond to the needs of a changing world while working to enable flourishing lives, foster thriving communities and forge an ethical future.Reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor and President, the COO is a member of the senior executive group and responsible for the effective and efficient operational management of the university. This includes leading and directing the governance, financial, planning, resource, marketing and administration functions, as well as the physical and digital infrastructure operations of the university.We are looking for a COO with strong and inclusive leadership skills and with extensive experience in a large and multifaceted organisation. The successful candidate will be a highly collaborative and mission-led leader who will work in partnership with portfolios across the university to drive innovation, transformation and improved performance. Experience working within regulated environments should be complemented by strong financial acumen, a proven track record in leading organisational change, and a working knowledge of industrial relations - including the management of enterprise agreement negotiation. The successful candidate will be instrumental in the smooth functioning of business operations and - through alignment of resources, processes and staff - steer ACU towards sustainable growth and competitive advantage, thereby positioning the university to thrive in an ever-changing higher education landscape.For a confidential discussion or to request the candidate information booklet, please contact Janine Fitzgerald on +61 424 164 765 or at , or Kate Robinson on +61 409 769 560 or at quoting reference RF0214. Applications can be sent to either of the above email addresses.Applications close: 13-JUN-2024 at 11:59pm AUS Eastern Standard TimeACU is not accepting candidate applications through this portal.