Director, Academic Services

James Cook University (JCU) is creating a brighter future for life in the Tropics and beyond, through education and research that makes a difference locally and globally.

We are now inviting applications for the new role of Director, Academic Services, where you will play a key role in enabling academic excellence and driving operational success.

• Full-time, 5 year fixed-term appointment commencing early 2025
• Located at the picturesque Townsville Bebegu Yumba campus, Douglas
• Competitive salary package to be negotiated.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As the Director of Academic Services, you will provide strategic and operational leadership, ensuring the effective delivery of specialist professional and technical services within the Academic Services Directorate that align with JCU’s teaching, learning, and research goals. You will oversee the development and implementation of innovative policies, systems, and practices, ensuring service delivery meets the evolving needs of both internal and external stakeholders. Your ability to build strong relationships across academic and professional sectors will be vital in fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Additionally, you will lead a large, diverse and newly established Directorate, creating an environment that prioritises engagement, inclusivity and wellbeing, while optimising operational efficiency and service culture, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

This role requires a proven leader with postgraduate qualifications and extensive senior-level experience in managing complex professional services, ideally within a higher education context. Your expertise in leading multidisciplinary teams, navigating organisational change, and building a high-performance culture will set you apart. Expertise in financial management, including the ability to oversee substantial budgets and implement corrective actions where necessary, are essential. Additionally, you will bring an accomplished record of successful stakeholder engagement, operational planning, and service enhancement, coupled with an in-depth understanding of regulatory and governance frameworks within the higher education context.

SHAPE YOUR FUTURE WITH JCU

At JCU we’re not just shaping minds; we’re shaping the future.

As Australia’s only university established to focus on the issues of Northern Australia and the Tropics worldwide, JCU is dedicated to helping the world’s tropical regions to prosper. With our main campuses located in the vibrant and diverse tropics of Northern Queensland, JCU is at the forefront of research and education in some of the world’s most critical areas, including marine biology, environmental science, tropical and rural health, and more.

Find out more about JCU, our Careers and our locations.

WHY JCU?

JCU offers a dynamic and culturally diverse workplace where your ideas are valued, your professional growth is supported, and your work-life balance is respected. Working under the values of Authenticity, Excellence, Integrity, and Respect, we support and empower our people through the provisions of;

• A generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions with UniSuper
• 36.25-hour full-time working week
• 5 weeks of annual recreation leave plus leave loading
• 15 days paid sick/carers leave per year
• Cash out annual leave
• Up to 6 months paid parental leave or 12 months at half pay
• A range of flexible working options
• Attractive options for salary packaging
• Staff study assistance and paid study leave
• Ongoing professional development support
• Fitness Passport
• Corporate discount on health insurance
• Free Employee Assistance Program (coaching and counselling)
• Well-equipped modern facilities and contemporary workspaces with access to on-site childcare, medical services, gym and cafes
• Relocation assistance may be negotiated.

HOW TO APPLY AND CONTACT DETAILS

Are you ready to make a difference? Join us at JCU, where your future meets the tropics.

Click the ‘apply’ button to be redirected to the JCU careers page and follow the below steps:

1. Complete the application form.
2. Upload your current resume.
3. Upload a cover letter discussing your motivation in applying for the role and how your skills and experience will ensure your success.
4. Upload a separate document in response to the Key Requirements for Success as listed in the Role Profile (available to download via apply link).

Applications close on 3 December at 11:55 PM AEST.

For any enquiries about the role, please contact Vanessa Cannon on (07) 4781 4078 or email [email protected].

ABOUT OUR PROCESS

At JCU, we are committed to employing individuals who meet the requirements of the role and align with our values. All applicants will be contacted and advised of an outcome once the recruitment process is finalised.

Please visit our Information Privacy Policy to understand how your information is collected, stored, accessed and used.

WHAT MATTERS TO US AT JCU

• Our People - Our staff, students, and the communities we serve
• Our Education - Knowledge has the power to change lives
• Our Place – the Tropics and beyond
• Our Research – a catalyst for innovation and knowledge generation

James Cook University encourages people from all backgrounds who meet role requirements to apply. We value and celebrate the diversity of our community, and are committed to ensuring our community, and are committed to ensuring our learning and working environment is safe and welcoming.