Polytechnic Institute Australia – Melbourne VIC

Founded in 2010, Polytechnic Institute Australia (PIA) is a leading Institute of Higher Education accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). With campuses in Melbourne CBD, Geelong, Parramatta and Sydney CBD, PIA is a registered provider of courses for international students through the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

We are committed to fostering a creative, supportive, and inclusive culture, PIA empowers students to achieve their skilled aspirations while providing a safe and enriching learning environment tailored to real-world success.

Why your role matters:

PIA is a registered provider of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Business, Information Technology, Education, Behavioural Sciences and Social Work. As we continue to expand our courses, campuses and student numbers, we need additional senior academic leader to continue this drive in growth and quality.

As part of a major reorganisation of the Academic Team at PIA, we are looking for exceptional academic leader to support our expanding range of courses, student numbers and campuses. The appointment will be at an Associate Professorial or Professorial level depending on qualifications and experience.

The Deputy Dean (Academic Operations) provides leadership across the Institute, ensuring efficient, consistent, and high-quality delivery of academic and administrative services. This role is focused on supporting academic delivery and operation, managing non-teaching transactional processes, and ensuring seamless day-to-day operations that support students, staff, and Institutional priorities. The role leads core operational support teams including academic integrity processes, staff engagement, and employability & placements, ensuring services are scalable, compliant, and student-centred.

Employment Status: Full time

Reporting to: Dean

What you'll do:

In this role, the responsibilities include the following:

1. Operational Delivery and Service Excellence

Lead the delivery of all courses and units, ensuring that they are timely, efficient consistent;





monitor service standards and workflows;

Drive continuous improvement in process efficiency and service quality;

Oversee all academic administration functions including timetabling, workload, assessment administration and results processing; and

Drive accuracy, timeliness, and compliance of academic processes;

2. Academic Integrity and Student Interventions

Ensure consistent handling of academic integrity breaches, investigation workflows, documentation and reporting.

3. Staff Engagement and Workforce Support

Drive initiatives that enhance professional staff engagement, wellbeing, and performance; and

Foster a culture of accountability, service orientation, and continuous improvement.

4. Employability and Placements

Oversee the operational delivery of student employability initiatives and placement programs; and

Effectively coordinate internships and work-integrated learning, industry placements and engagement ensuring all placement activities meet regulatory, accreditation, and risk requirements.

5. Process Governance, Compliance and Risk

Ensure all operational activities comply with institutional policies and regulatory frameworks;

Ensure clear governance for transactional processes and decision-making;

Monitor operational risks and implement mitigation strategies; and

Maintain accurate records and reporting for internal and external requirements.

Qualifications and Experience:

Doctoral qualifications in appropriate discipline, or master's level qualifications with extensive professional experience;

Experience in most aspects of the role for which you are applying;

Evidence of ongoing personal continuing professional development and scholarship;

Active in contemporary research;

Effective higher education leadership;





Experience and ability to drive the Institute’s cultural direction;

A team player ethos; and

Commitment to team culture, equity and diversity principles, and Work Health and Safety.

Relevant current professional memberships and registrations; and

Understanding of Higher Education regulatory requirements, including the ESOS Act and the Threshold Standards

Apply Now:

PIA is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We value diversity in all its forms and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or age. We particularly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

All employees must hold and maintain a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) for the duration of their employment.

Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening and probity checks, which will include reference checks and declarations relating to any relevant findings from workplace investigations or disciplinary action.

To be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen and or be a permanent resident or hold a valid work permit or visa.

Workplace Culture and Values:

Our institution is committed to academic excellence, student success, and innovation in learning. PIA employees are required to act in accordance with PIA's values and behaviours of:

Accountability

Collegiality

Commitment

Recognition

Respect

Trust

If you meet the criteria above, you will have a great opportunity to join PIA.

Please provide your application with Cover Letter and CV addressed to the People and Culture Manager at **@pia.edu.au. Recruitment period will close on the 7th of August 2026.

PIA reserves the right to withdraw, amend or close an advertised position at any stage of the recruitment process.

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📌 Deputy Dean (Academic Operations) (Melbourne)
🏢 Polytechnic Institute Australia
📍 Melbourne