Associate Director, Student Engagement and Belonging

• Shape transformative student experiences and influence institution-wide strategy through senior leadership.
• Full-time appointment on an ongoing basis.
• Competitive salary package plus 17% superannuation.

About the area

The Directorate of Student Life and Community sits within UWA's Education and Student Experience Portfolio and plays a critical role in delivering a world-class student experience. The Directorate brings together expertise across student engagement, equity and accessibility, health and wellbeing, student conduct, and sport to create an inclusive, connected and supportive university community.

Within the Directorate, the Division of Student Engagement and Belonging leads initiatives that foster connection, participation and student success throughout the university journey. The division provides leadership in orientation and transition programs, student leadership development, peer programs, international student engagement, student partnership initiatives, and multi-faith engagement that strengthen belonging, inclusion and community connection.

About the opportunity

• Provide strategic leadership for University-wide student engagement, belonging, student voice and peer engagement frameworks, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and emerging sector trends.
• Lead a diverse portfolio spanning student engagement programs, international student support, leadership development, student partnerships and multi-faith services, delivering innovative and high-impact outcomes for students.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and University executives, influencing policy, governance, service design and long-term planning to enhance the student experience and student success.

About you

• A relevant postgraduate qualification, or equivalent senior leadership experience, with extensive management expertise gained within a large and complex organisation.
• Demonstrated success leading strategic initiatives, organisational transformation, service innovation and continuous improvement programs.
• Strong experience developing policy, governance frameworks, business cases and strategic reports, with the ability to influence institutional decision-making.
• Proven capability to lead high-performing teams, build workforce capability and foster collaborative relationships across a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement and resource management skills, including experience managing significant budgets and operational portfolios.

Note: Employment checks will include information on gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and related misconduct to meet legal obligations. A comprehensive background check and Working with Children Check will be required by the successful applicant.

Position description:  PD [Associate Director, Student Engagement and Belonging] [524075].pdf

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Fiona McAuliffe at ***************@uwa.edu.au

For enquiries on the recruitment process, please contact Petrina Gomez at *************@uwa.edu.au  

How to apply

Please apply online via the Apply Now button. The content of your Resume and Cover Letter should demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Sunday, 16 August 2026

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

Please note: Unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted outside of formal channels.

About the University

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to innovate and inspire, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

Learn more about us.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.