Location: Sydney Campus (preferred), Melbourne or Adelaide

Job Overview

Group Colleges Australia (GCA) is seeking a visionary Academic Programs Manager to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across our higher education programs at the Universal Business School (UBSS). Reporting to the Chief Academic Officer and the Academic Programs Director, you will be responsible for ensuring the effective delivery, quality, and continuous improvement of our academic offerings while maintaining strict alignment with the Higher Education Standards Framework and TEQSA requirements. This role is central to our mission of fostering an inclusive environment where diversity fuels innovation and every student can reach their fullest potential.

Working collaboratively with Course Coordinators, academic staff, and professional services teams, the Academic Programs Manager monitors key academic performance indicators, including student progression, retention, completion, and satisfaction, and implements evidence‑based initiatives that enhance learning outcomes, student engagement, and academic success. The role oversees assessment schedules, moderation processes, and assessment activities, ensuring academic integrity and consistency in assessment practices.

The Academic Programs Manager contributes to institutional governance through the preparation of reports and papers for Academic Board and the Learning and Teaching Committee and supports the enhancement of Learning Management Systems and educational technologies. The position provides leadership, guidance, and mentoring to academic and professional staff, fostering a culture of excellence in teaching and learning and advancing the institution’s strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead and support initiatives designed to enhance student engagement, retention, and the overall educational experience.
- Coordinate curriculum audits, course reviews, and accreditation submissions to ensure programs meet contemporary pedagogical and industry standards.
- Manage day‑to‑day academic operations, including assessment schedules, moderation processes, and academic integrity protocols.
- Contribute to institutional governance by preparing reports and papers for the Academic Board and the Learning and Teaching Committee.
- Drive strategic and operational projects, such as digital transformation initiatives, student management system enhancements, and campus expansions.
- Provide leadership, mentoring, and coaching to a multidisciplinary team of academic and professional staff, fostering a culture of accountability and innovation.




- Facilitate effective communication and collaboration with internal stakeholders and external regulatory bodies.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

- Academic Qualifications and Sector Experience: Hold postgraduate qualifications in a relevant discipline (e.g., Education or Business) and possess demonstrated academic management experience within an Australian higher education provider.
- Curriculum Design and Pedagogical Leadership: Proven expertise in the end‑to‑end design, implementation, and continuous improvement of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, ensuring curriculum and assessments align with contemporary pedagogical practices.
- Regulatory Compliance and Governance: Deep knowledge of TEQSA, ESOS, CRICOS, and the Higher Education Standards Framework, with experience contributing to academic governance, committee processes, and regulatory reporting.
- Strategic Project Management: Demonstrated success in leading complex strategic and operational projects, including managing concurrent initiatives, implementation schedules, and stakeholder reporting.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Influence: Exceptional interpersonal skills to build productive relationships and the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholder groups.
- Communication and Content Development: Professional written communication skills to produce audience‑focused documentation, policies, and marketing collateral, alongside experience managing organizational communications and digital content.
- Systems Management and Team Leadership: Proficiency in optimizing academic and administrative systems (such as Moodle) while leading, coaching, and developing multidisciplinary teams in a complex environment.
- Analytical Problem‑Solving and Quality Improvement: Strong analytical skills to interpret data and apply evidence‑based approaches that enhance academic quality, student outcomes, and operational effectiveness.

Desirable

- Specialised Academic Development and Communication: Experience in the design and implementation of online and blended learning programs (including postgraduate and MBA‑level offerings), complemented by a background in higher education communications, marketing, or student recruitment.




- Enhanced Regulatory and Accreditation Insight: Proven success in managing accreditation submissions and working with external quality assurance bodies, supported by a deep understanding of the Australian higher education regulatory environment and contemporary issues impacting student success and employability.
- Institutional Project and Change Leadership: Possession of formal project management qualifications or a demonstrated track record of leading complex institutional projects and strategic change initiatives.

Skills and Competencies

- Academic Leadership and Curriculum Expertise: Demonstrated capability to lead academic operations and program delivery across multiple disciplines, supported by advanced skills in developing, reviewing, and enhancing curriculum and learning resources.
- Governance and Strategic Project Management: Proficiency in leading complex strategic projects and managing competing priorities, alongside the ability to prepare governance documentation and contribute effectively to committee processes.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Team Leadership: Exceptional interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse internal and external partners, combined with the ability to lead, mentor, and develop multidisciplinary teams in a dynamic environment.
- Systems and Operational Proficiency: Proven experience in implementing, managing, and optimising academic and administrative systems, with specific expertise in Learning Management Systems such as Moodle and student management platforms.

Personal Attributes

- Strategic Leadership and Professional Integrity: Demonstrates a strategic mindset by aligning academic initiatives with institutional priorities, while maintaining sound judgment, ethical practice, and an inspiring leadership presence.
- Collaborative and Purposeful Communication: Fosters trust and productive relationships through a collaborative disposition and excellent communication skills, tailoring clear and diplomatic messages to diverse stakeholders, including students, staff, and governance bodies.
- Student‑Centred Innovation and Quality: Driven by a student‑centred approach and creative thinking to actively enhance learning, teaching, and academic quality through creative, evidence‑based solutions and a continuous improvement orientation.
- Resilient and Detail‑Oriented Execution: Exhibits adaptability and resilience in fast‑paced environments by managing competing priorities effectively while maintaining high standards of accuracy and attention to detail in all documentation, reports, and communications.

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📌 Academic Programs Manager (City of Sydney)
🏢 Group Colleges Australia
📍 City of Sydney