Pro Vice Chancellor Engagement & Access

Who we are:

At Torrens University Australia, making a difference is in our DNA. As a Certified B Corporation, we belong to a global community of future-focused companies using business as a force for good. We believe in the transformative power of education to change lives, families, communities – and the world. That’s why we’re on a mission to increase higher education access and opportunity, so learners from all walks of life can realise their dreams.

A progressive university, we ground our studies in industry. Expert academics bring their insights into the classroom, facilitating learning that aims to be authentic and informed by industry. Bridging the gap between study and work, our educators prepare students for success and with the future world of work. Building relevant skills, experience and networks from day one, students don’t just learn they grow.

What’s the job?

This is a new role, and an opportunity to support Torrens University Australia Ltd (TUA), Think Education (Think), & Media Design School New Zealand (MDS) in proactively promoting and supporting student success and equality of opportunity by progressing intercultural education, learning, and research. Your main duty will be to create a strategy and educational framework that leverages the potential and capabilities of Torrens University Language Centre (TULC) to boost the academic progress and achievement of students, with a special focus on supporting individuals from disadvantaged groups and Australian First Nations communities. You will work alongside Australian First Nations colleagues to provide leadership within the University that focuses on delivering our aspirations for all learners and learning. You will offer your expertise, services, and strategic leadership to support TUA, Think and MDS dedication to promoting social inclusion and delivering education that is both high in quality and widely accessible. Furthermore, you will spearhead discussions on how TUA, Think, and MDS can meet both national and international objectives and standards for aiding disadvantaged students and Australian First Nations students. This includes efforts to increase engagement and success rates, as well as to elevate Australian First Nations culture and knowledge within the realms of education and research.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Support the DVCA in increasing access to higher education, for disadvantaged learners, including Australian First Nations communities.
• Lead the TULC unit and develop and implement a strategy to enhance access to Higher Education particularly for disadvantaged, and Australian First Nations students.
• Lead the TULC unit in delivering enabling programs that assist learners to achieve their personal, educational and career goals.
• Lead the TULC unit to support learners’ development of necessary skills and knowledge to empower them for future success and learning.
• Focus on developing an inclusive culture of academic success and equity where diversity is celebrated and supported.
• Take a leadership role on TUA, Think and MDS committees and associated strategic activities.
• Contribute to decisions regarding matters of social inclusion strategy, management, administration and related policy.

What else we are looking for:

• Exhibit a mindset that encourages innovation and supports new ideas.
• Be a demonstrated leader who possesses a combination of extensive leadership experience at levels of scale and complexity relevant to the higher education sector, strategic vision, ability to build long lasting partnerships and passion for developing and supporting current and future leaders in research.
• Be able to influence a varied group of stakeholders, from global academics, students, and alumni to government officials and industry leaders

This is a permanent role located Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Adelaide. To apply for this role see below Under “Hiring Process.”

To be successful in this position you will have:

• A PhD is highly desirable
• A record of academic research and experience, that aligns with TUA, Think and MDS’s strategy of advancing social inclusion is advantageous. This can include (but is not limited to) culturally and linguistically diverse people, First Nations people globally, people living with disability, gender and sexuality diverse (LGBTIQ+) people.
• A strong record of relevant industry/sector leadership in a field pertinent to student engagement and access is required.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the challenges and opportunities in supporting disadvantaged people and advancing social inclusion including for Australian First Nations people.
• Highly developed understanding of the higher education sector and academic structures.
• Demonstrated leadership in developing respectful and reciprocal relationships which inspires positive collaboration and alliances internally and externally, locally, nationally and internationally.
• Ability to develop, implement and monitor the effectiveness of strategic initiatives
• Deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that impact student outcomes.
• Proven ability to influence positive change and create stronger teaching and learning environments.

Why join us?

Bold, modern and agile, we’re Australia’s fastest-growing university going from 164 students in 2014 to 40,000+ alumni across 115+ countries and 1900 + staff today. In 2020, Australian Financial Review named us one of the country’s most innovative companies. As we continue to establish ourselves as a truly global university, we never lose sight of our student-centric approach. Supported by teams of passionate people, you’ll find opportunities for professional development and career progression.

We are a private, for-profit university with a robust research agenda as well as social impact initiatives focused on making the world a better place. We encourage meaningful work from our academics that contributes to our overall mission.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, age, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for all positions.

Our culture

Just like our students, our employees are a diverse group who want to make an impact. When you join us, we give you the freedom to be bold, creative and courageous – with flexible working arrangements (hours and ways of working will vary from role to role) that allow you to bring your best. We’ve built a culture that celebrates community, collaboration and innovation, where people love what they do.

What we offer:

We support your personal passions, development and wellbeing, to make your working life a more rewarding experience. At Torrens University Australia, you’ll benefit from: a positive workplace environment that fosters a global, entrepreneurial mindset:

- belonging to a team of researchers making a difference to society

- building on an academic culture connected to industry and community

- opportunities to innovate across teaching and research

- access to internal opportunities that promote professional growth

- flexible working arrangements

Hiring process

We aim to provide you with the necessary information you need at each stage of this process to put your best self forward. If you want to know more, or need assistance or accommodation during the recruiting phase, please contact your recruiter at *********@torrens.edu.au

To apply for this role, we invite you to explain why you think you're the right fit for the position. You're welcome to present your case in whatever format or style you feel best demonstrates your qualifications and most comfortable for you. Whether it's a video, word document, PowerPoint presentation, or any format of your choosing, the goal is to effectively communicate your suitability for the role. (Please keep your submission to a maximum of 500 words in your selected format.)

To learn more about what makes Torrens University Australia a great place to work, visit https://www.torrens.edu.au/blog.

We’d love to hear from you.

Applications close: 7th April, 2024 Interviews will be held Monday 15th April 2024

Job reference: R23302