Job Description:

• Lead Governance at the Heart of the University
• Competitive and negotiable salary + 17% superannuation
• Full-Time Fixed-Term, 12 – 14 months Opportunity

About us:

University of Canberra is more than a university, it’s a community committed to shaping a better world through education, research, and opportunity with a strong commitment to inclusivity and reducing inequalities. Our vibrant campus in Australia’s capital city is a hub of innovation & opportunity. Ranked number one in Canberra for graduate outcomes and student support, UC values progress over perfection, inclusion over competition, and real‑world impact over prestige.

About the role:

We are seeking an experienced and strategic governance professional to join UC as the University Secretary on a fixed-term leave cover. Reporting to the Chancellor, this pivotal senior leadership position will work closely with key stakeholder across the university to ensure the highest standards of governance, supporting the Chancellor, Council and Academic Board. Working at the centre of decision-making, the role will influence the effectiveness, integrity and compliance of the University’s governance framework while leading a high-performing Secretariat team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Support the Chancellor in all aspects of her role
• Lead and manage the University Secretariat team
• Develop and implement governance frameworks
• Oversee delivery of secretariat services for Council, Academic Board and committees
• Manage governance processes including appointments, elections, inductions, performance reviews and conflict of interest registers
• Ensure effective operation and planning of governance bodies, including annual schedules, workplans and reporting
• Maintain compliance with statutory, regulatory and recordkeeping requirements
• Manage governance-related budgets and oversee Secretariat financial planning and reporting

About you:

You are a seasoned governance professional operating at a senior manager or director level with the following key requirements and attributes:

• Significant experience in governance, company secretariat, or senior executive support
• Deep understanding of governance frameworks, compliance and regulatory obligations
• Strong organisational awareness and ability to navigate diverse stakeholder environments with confidence and tact
• Highly organised with a strategic mindset and ability to balance big-picture thinking and operational detail
• Demonstrated integrity, sound judgement and the ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters with discretion
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills with the ability to provide high-quality advice
• Strong leadership capability and experience managing high-performing teams
• A law or governance-related background is desirable
• Experience in the higher education or public sector environment would be advantageous

If you are motivated by purpose, influence and the opportunity to elevate governance practice in a complex, values-driven organisation, you’ll find a rewarding and impactful role at UC.

Offerings/ Benefits/ Culture:

The University offers excellent conditions and benefits which can be further explored on our “Work at UC” site such as flexible, family-friendly policies, on site gym, on site medical services, pharmacy, a grocery store, and Early Childhood Education and Care facilities.

We believe people deserve to feel welcome, supported, and empowered to realise their potential. Being a values based organisation, UC sets a goal to be the national sector leader in equity, diversity, inclusion and access via our Reconnected Strategy. UC encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, neurodiversity and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Eligibility:

• Applicants who wish to apply for this position should have valid working rights at the time of submission.
• The University of Canberra is committed to the safety of vulnerable and young people. As such, successful applicants will be required to have a current ACT working with vulnerable people registration. For further details on how to apply please click https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au

How to apply:

Please apply with you Resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and suitability. Also, please ensure you take the time to align your Resume with the Position Description requirements. We want to understand how your skills and experience relate to the position you are applying for.

For job specific information: Please contact Lisa Paul, Chancellor via [email protected].

For recruitment and application questions: please contact Jemima William, Talent Advisor 0447 404 529 or email [email protected]. We recognise people communicate and process information differently, and we support multiple ways to participate in the recruitment evaluation. For reasonable adjustment, please reach out to the UCTalent team.

Closing date: 11.55pm, Sunday 19 July 2026