• Full time, 5-year fixed term position. The successful candidate will also be offered a professorial appointment in an appropriate discipline and will retain that position at the conclusion of their appointment as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students)

• Opportunity to shape the future of education and student success at one of the world's leading universities

• Offering a competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation

The University of Sydney is seeking an exceptional academic and enterprise leader to join the University Executive as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students), a pivotal role shaping the future of education, student success and institutional impact at one of the world's leading universities.

Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor and President, this is a significant opportunity to shape the future of education and the student experience for the institution. The DVC (Education and Students) will set the strategic direction for education and students across the University, advancing educational excellence, innovation, student success and graduate outcomes.

The Opportunity

Higher education is entering a period of profound change. Emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, evolving student expectations, changing workforce needs and increasing regulatory complexity are reshaping how universities design and deliver education. At the same time, universities are being challenged to rethink the value, accessibility and relevance of higher education in an increasingly dynamic global environment.

The DVC (Education and Students) will lead a coherent, evidence-informed agenda for educational innovation, reform and continuous improvement. Working with the University Executive, Academic Board, Senate, Deans, Associate Deans and professional leaders, the successful candidate will bring together academic and professional communities around a shared vision for a transformative, sustainable and learner-centred educational experience. 

Leading one of the largest and most complex portfolios within the University, the successful candidate will influence the educational experience of tens of thousands of students across multiple campuses, disciplines and modes of delivery.

This is a role for an accomplished academic leader who can combine intellectual leadership with institutional impact. The successful candidate will provide strategic direction while building the relationships, capability and alignment required to translate ambition into improved outcomes for students and graduates.

Key Responsibilities

Working across the University, the DVC (Education and Students) will:

• Lead the development and delivery of the University’s educational vision and strategy.

• Advance student success, graduate outcomes, employability and future readiness.

• Provide strategic leadership for educational innovation, digital learning and the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence to enhance learning, teaching and student success.

• Oversee curriculum renewal, teaching quality and educational excellence.

• Strengthen collaboration and alignment across faculties, schools and professional portfolios, working in partnership with Deans and Heads of University Schools.

• Lead an integrated and inclusive approach to student experience, engagement and support.

• Provide executive oversight of educational governance, quality assurance, accreditation, risk and regulatory compliance.

• Represent the University nationally and internationally, shaping sector priorities and strengthening strategic partnerships.

• Contribute to institution-wide strategy, performance, culture and decision-making as a member of the University Executive.

Leadership Impact

The DVC (Education and Students) will lead a significant portfolio spanning education strategy, teaching and learning, curriculum futures, student success, student experience and academic administration. Direct reports include the Academic Registrar, Portfolio General Manager and senior academic leaders responsible for students, teaching and learning, curriculum futures, and education strategy and student success. 

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape a future-focused education agenda, strengthen institutional capability, accelerate evidence-informed decision-making and foster a culture of educational excellence, innovation and collaboration. The role will also ensure that teaching, research and the student experience remain closely aligned and responsive to the changing needs of learners, employers and society.

About You

You will be an outstanding academic and enterprise leader with a distinguished record in learning and teaching and the credibility to influence across a large, complex university.

You will bring:

• A proven record of strategic leadership within a complex academic environment.

• Outstanding expertise and reputation in learning and teaching in higher education.

• A demonstrated strong track record of improving academic performance, enabling innovation and leading institutional change.

• Deep understanding of contemporary higher education issues, including educational technologies and artificial intelligence.

• Experience advancing curriculum quality, student experience, student success and graduate outcomes.

• Demonstrated leadership of high-performing academic and professional teams.

• Strong understanding of educational governance, quality assurance and regulatory compliance.

• The ability to work collaboratively across diverse faculties, disciplines, portfolios and leadership groups.

• The presence and communication skills to represent the University effectively at national and international levels.

• An outstanding record of scholarly achievement appropriate to appointment at professorial level. 

• Demonstrated ability to build alignment and influence across diverse stakeholder groups in complex and distributed environments.

A doctorate or PhD in a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of training and experience, is required. 

Why Join the University of Sydney?

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of education at one of the world's leading universities. As Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students), you will help define how a major global institution responds to technological disruption, changing learner expectations and evolving workforce needs, while delivering meaningful impact for students, graduates and society.

As DVC (Education and Students), you will lead an agenda with direct impact on educational quality, student success and the University’s long-term contribution to society.

The University seeks leaders who demonstrate excellence, trust and accountability, pursue continuous improvement, value diverse perspectives, create inclusive environments and take ownership of institutional outcomes. 

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University.  Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.  

How to Apply

To request a candidate briefing pack or arrange a confidential discussion, please contact:

Dr Courtenay Atwell 
Email: [email protected]

Applications should include a brief cover letter and curriculum vitae and be submitted by midnight on Thursday 29th October 2026 to the Korn Ferry Jobs Portal:

https://jobs.candidate.kornferry.com/go/ext/HHECSH/242

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

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