Overview
Campus Location: North Sydney, Australia | Melbourne, Australia
Job No: APTAV114880#013
At Australian Catholic University (ACU), we stand for dignity, knowledge, and the common good. As a world-ranked university with a strong mission and a global footprint, we are seeking a visionary and dynamic leader to join our Faculty of Education and Arts as Director, Strategy and Operations (DSO).
The Faculty of Education and Arts is deeply aligned with ACU's mission to pursue knowledge, uphold human dignity, and serve the common good. Every initiative—from education to research—is guided by values of excellence, dignity and engagement, making your work both professionally rewarding and socially impactful.
This is your opportunity to shape the future of higher education through strategic leadership, operational excellence and a commitment to service.
About The Role
As DSO (Faculty General Manager equivalent), you will lead a Professional Services Hub supporting a faculty's academic and research mission. Reporting to the Senior DSO and working closely with the Executive Dean, you will:
* Drive strategic planning and performance across the faculty and portfolio.
* Lead operational transformation and service excellence initiatives.
* Oversee planning, budgeting, workforce development and stakeholder engagement.
* Champion innovation, continuous improvement and alignment with ACU's mission.
* Collaborate across faculties and directorates to deliver integrated, high-impact services.
About You
You are a strategic thinker and experienced professional who thrives in complex environments. You bring:
* Postgraduate qualifications in business or a related field.
* Proven leadership in managing diverse teams and large-scale operations.
* Expertise in strategic planning, governance, and change management.
* A track record of driving innovation, service culture, and performance uplift.
* Strong financial acumen and experience in higher education or similar sectors.
* A commitment to ACU's mission, values and service excellence.
Contact
General enquiries can be sent to Martin Taylor, Senior DSO, Director, Professional Services Hub Provost and DVCRE at: Martin.Taylor@acu.edu.au
What We Offer
* The University pursues an excellence agenda and offers an environment where staff are welcomed and safe, and valued through development, participation and involvement.
* 17% employer superannuation contributions to eligible continuing and fixed-term staff.
* Annual leave loading of an equivalent to 17.5% of four weeks' salary pro rata payable, dependent on your commencement date.
* As an ACU staff member, you will have access to generous benefits which include but not limited to: flexible work, study leave, a variety of leave provisions and salary packaging. Find out more information about the benefits or working at ACU here.
How To Apply
Step 1: Review the Information Package for Candidates and become familiar with Our Mission and the Application process
Step 2: Click the 'View Position Description and Apply' button, and populate your candidate application details, including your:
* Resume.
* Recommended responses to the Selection Criteria and Core Competencies in a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) or in the online Declaration and Criteria application page.
* Brief online responses to any pre-screening employment questions.
Applications close: 22-FEB-2026 at 11:59pm AUS Eastern Standard Time
Preferred candidates will be required to complete mandatory pre-employment declarations and background checks, including those related to gender-based violence and foreign interference, in line with ACU's compliance requirements.
Candidates must hold Australian work rights to apply for this position. For permanent/ continuing roles, applicants must have permanent work rights. For further information visit Immigration and Citizenship(homeaffairs.gov.au)
Your Privacy of personal information is maintained in accordance with ACU policy. For more details visit: www.acu.edu.au/careers
ACU is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and enables our people to reach their potential. This is underpinned by our mission and values, grounded in our respect for all people and the advancement of the common good. In line with our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion we welcome candidates from all backgrounds and lived experiences. ACU is recognised as a Veteran Employment Supporter and veterans are encouraged to apply. ACU offers support for candidates that may require adjustments through the recruitment process. Please contact recruitment@acu.edu.au to discuss your requirements in confidence.
About ACU
Australian Catholic University (ACU) is an inclusive community which welcomes students and staff of all beliefs. ACU has over 2,500 staff supporting more than 34,000 students across eight campuses - Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, North Sydney, Strathfield, Blacktown and Rome. ACU aspires to be a home for our staff, offer the care of a family and develop an academic and professional community. Whatever your faith or culture, and whether you are academic or professional staff, there are many opportunities both for learning and contributing at ACU. As valued members of our community, all staff members are expected to have an understanding of ACU's mission and values and to demonstrate an active contribution to them.
ACU does not accept candidate applications submitted by external recruitment agencies through the ACU careers website.
Learn more about Athena Swan
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