Program Manager – Health, Arts & Design
Swinburne College | Hawthorn
Swinburne College is seeking an experienced and inspiring Program Manager – Health, Arts & Design to provide academic and operational leadership across a diverse portfolio of pathway programs.
Established in 2020, Swinburne College is a joint venture between Swinburne University of Technology and UP Education, delivering high-quality pathway programs that enable students to transition successfully into higher education. Our programs support both domestic and international students and are underpinned by innovation, inclusivity and contemporary teaching practice.
About the role
Reporting to the College Director, the Program Manager (Health, Arts & Design) provides strategic, academic and people leadership for a large multidisciplinary teaching team (approximately 25 direct reports). You will oversee the quality, performance and sustainability of pathway programs across Health, Arts and Design, ensuring an exceptional student experience and strong academic outcomes.
This is a senior leadership role suited to someone who is passionate about education, thrives in a dynamic environment, and enjoys building high-performing teams and innovative programs.
Key responsibilities
Educational leadership
* Provide academic leadership and guidance to teaching staff to ensure high-quality, innovative teaching and assessment.
* Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance teaching, learning and course outcomes.
* Champion contemporary pedagogies, learning technologies and industry-aligned practice.
* Oversee course design, implementation, validation and evaluation in line with regulatory and quality standards.
* Identify and lead opportunities for new program development, working closely with Swinburne University partners.
* Initiate and lead cross-college projects that build capability and deliver measurable outcomes.
Operational management & people leadership
* Lead, mentor and coach staff to deliver outcomes aligned with Swinburne College's strategic objectives.
* Foster a positive, inclusive and high-performance culture aligned with organisational values.
* Manage staffing, workloads and resources effectively and in accordance with the relevant Enterprise Agreement.
* Oversee recruitment, performance development and staff capability initiatives.
* Manage departmental budgets and costs to ensure financial sustainability.
Student experience
* Lead strategies to support student progression, retention and success, including early identification and intervention for at-risk students.
* Work collaboratively with the Student Hub to enhance student engagement and wellbeing.
* Drive continuous improvement in the student learning experience.
* Ensure accurate and timely recording of student progress, assessment and attendance.
Collaboration & partnerships
* Build strong internal relationships across Swinburne College, Swinburne University and UP Education.
* Support marketing and promotion of programs in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
* Maintain strong connections with academic faculties to ensure pathway alignment with degree programs.
About you
You are a confident and collaborative leader with a strong background in tertiary or pathway education. You bring strategic thinking, sound judgement and a genuine commitment to student success.
You will have:
* An AQF Level 5 (or above) qualification in Adult Education.
* A relevant tertiary degree and/or management qualification, or equivalent experience.
* A minimum of 3 years of experience working in tertiary or pathway education environments.
* Demonstrated experience leading high-quality teaching and learning programs for diverse student cohorts.
* Strong knowledge of educational administration systems, quality frameworks and regulatory requirements.
* Proven success in leading and motivating large, multidisciplinary teams.
* Excellent planning, organisational and problem-solving skills, with experience managing budgets.
* Experience operating within regulatory frameworks such as ESOS and TEQSA.
* A current Working with Children Check (or willingness to obtain).
* Full working rights in Australia.
Why join Swinburne College?
* Be part of a purpose-driven organisation shaping pathways into higher education.
* Lead programs that make a real difference to students' lives and futures.
* Work within a collaborative partnership between a leading university and a global education provider.
* Enjoy a dynamic environment that values innovation, flexibility and growth.
If you are an experienced education leader ready to make an impact, we would love to hear from you.
Apply now via SEEK and join us in empowering students for the future.