Academic Director – Lifelong Learning
Location: UNSW Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Employment type: Full‑time, continuing role
Remuneration: Level D – competitive total package
About UNSW
At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work. We aspire to be Australia’s global university, improving and transforming lives through excellence in research, outstanding education and a commitment to advancing a just society.
About the role
UNSW’s Lifelong Learning (LLL) strategy focuses on expanding its portfolio of fully online award programmes designed for working professionals looking to accelerate or transition their careers. The current UNSW Online offering includes eight Master’s programmes, with significant planned growth across the university in the coming years.
The Academic Director – LLL (Online Award Programs) is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing all academic elements of the UNSW Online portfolio and collaborating closely with teams across LLL and the wider university. Reporting to the Dean, Lifelong Learning and leading one direct report, this role will play a pivotal part in positioning UNSW as a global leader in lifelong learning.
Responsibilities
* Shape the strategic direction of lifelong learning at UNSW, focusing on fully online award programmes in partnership with the Dean and LLL leadership.
* Identify opportunities for new academic programmes aligned with industry demand and UNSW’s academic strengths.
* Provide strategic oversight to programme directors to ensure high academic standards across UNSW Online programmes.
* Establish and maintain standards, processes, and systems that ensure consistent academic quality, including a robust academic review and continuous improvement framework.
* Oversee curriculum development to ensure programmes meet industry needs and uphold UNSW’s academic excellence.
* Provide academic leadership to all academic staff engaged through lifelong learning.
* Engage with third‑party providers to ensure alignment with UNSW’s academic standards and develop value‑adding academic experiences for students and alumni.
* Represent lifelong learning on relevant UNSW committees, promote UNSW’s online education expertise, demonstrate UNSW values, and ensure health and safety risks are effectively managed.
About You
* PhD‑qualified academic with a strong record of scholarly excellence and relevant experience.
* Ability to articulate a strategic vision for lifelong learning and lead organisational change to achieve it.
* Proven capability in developing strategies that respond to evolving higher education needs and adult learner expectations.
* Demonstrated excellence in designing, delivering, and leading high‑quality online learning for adult learners.
* Track record in establishing successful award programmes and ensuring academic quality, particularly for fully online programmes.
* Experience managing and collaborating effectively with others, including third‑party providers.
* Evidence of working collaboratively across complex university environments to deliver shared outcomes.
* Exceptional communication, external engagement, and thought leadership skills, with the ability to build strong internal and external partnerships.
How to Apply
Submit your CV & cover letter detailing your interest and suitability for the job (as per the skills & experience bullet points in the job description) before Sunday 11th January 2026 by 11:55 pm.
Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role. Valid Australian working rights are required on application.
Benefits
* Additional 3 days leave during December festive period.
* Career development opportunities.
* Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses.
* Flexible 17% Superannuation contributions, additional leave‑loading payments and salary sacrifice.
* Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness passport).
Contact
Tai James, Talent Acquisition Consultant
E: tai.james@unsw.edu.au
(applications to the address cannot be accepted, please apply online)
Equal Opportunity Statement
UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.
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