About VU

At VU, we aim to be one of the leading impact universities in the world. VU is an impact‑driven university committed to equity, excellence and opportunity. Based in Melbourne’s west and connected globally, we put students first through the VU Block Model®, dual‑sector pathways and strong industry partnerships. We are a values‑led, inclusive workplace where diverse talent is supported to make a real difference.

Victoria University has a proud and long-standing partnership with the Western Bulldogs, spanning more than four decades and encompassing sport science, strength and conditioning, research and student placements.

In 2023, this partnership entered an exciting new phase with the launch of the VU High Performance Centre at Mission Whitten Oval, providing students with opportunities to learn and work within a professional sporting environment.

About the Team

The Hospitality, Tourism and Event team at VU is focused on educating and training professionals for the sport, cookery, hospitality, tourism and events industries. The team works across education and industry engagement to support students and strengthen industry connections. The team delivers a wide range of courses at vocational (TAFE level, including sport, cookery, hospitality, tourism and events. Courses are designed to blend theory with practical experience, ensuring students graduate with industry-relevant skills and knowledge.

About the Role

You will play a leading role in establishing the identity, curriculum and student pipeline for the new program.

Working closely with the Manager, Hospitality, Tourism and Events, academic staff and Western Bulldogs colleagues, you will lead curriculum design and help create course structures, unit content and assessments that are industry-aligned and support employability skills and pathways to further study. You will also help embed contemporary operational, event and digital tools into the student learning experience.

As a key liaison between VU and the Western Bulldogs, you will help co-design authentic learning experiences with Club staff and identify industry professionals, businesses, guest presenters and other specialists who can contribute their expertise to the program.

A significant focus during the establishment phase will be building awareness and a strong student pipeline. Working with VU Future Students, Marketing and Western Bulldogs staff, you will promote the program, engage prospective students and support their journey from initial enquiry through to enrolment. This will include participating in information sessions, career expos, Open Days, school visits and Club activation events.

Position Key Duties

- Lead the design and development of the sports operations program, ensuring the curriculum is contemporary,



industry-aligned and supports employability skills and pathways to further study.
- Develop course structures, unit content, learning activities and assessments in collaboration with relevant academic staff and in accordance with VU academic governance and quality requirements.
- Work with the Manager, Hospitality, Tourism and Events and academic staff to embed contemporary sports operations, events, project management, digital systems and industry practices within the curriculum.
- Act as the primary academic liaison between Victoria University and the Western Bulldogs, working collaboratively to co-design authentic learning experiences and opportunities for students.
- Identify and engage industry professionals, businesses, guest presenters and potential contractors with expertise relevant to the program and its learning outcomes.
- Provide leadership and a clear identity for the program, representing the course at information sessions, industry and community events and other promotional activities as required.
- Work collaboratively with Future Students, Marketing and Western Bulldogs staff to develop and implement a targeted recruitment strategy and build a strong student pipeline.
- Respond promptly to prospective student enquiries, maintain engagement with prospective students and support their progression from expressions of interest through to enrolment.
- Attend and contribute to VU Open Days, school and career events, Club activation events, Western Bulldogs games and other recruitment or promotional activities, including after-hours activities where required.
- Support the development of entry criteria, information sessions and scholarship processes where applicable, and contribute to the ongoing review and continuous improvement of the program.

Position Details

- Classification: VT5
- Salary: $ 117,998 er annum
- Employment Type: Fixed term (until end of 2027)
- Hours per Week: 38
- Location: Footscray

For a detailed overview of the role’s duties and responsibilities, please refer to the Position Description

About You

We are looking for someone who is passionate about sport and excited by the opportunity to create something new.

You may currently work in sports management, events, marketing, business or project management, or you may be an experienced educator with current industry expertise in one or more of these areas.

You will bring a combination of strategic thinking and hands-on delivery,



with the ability to take an idea from concept through to implementation. You will be inquisitive, innovative and digitally confident, with strong attention to detail and an understanding of project management from inception through to completion.

Importantly, you will be a robust relationship builder who can work confidently across education and industry. You will have demonstrated experience developing trusted partnerships with industry, employers and community stakeholders and be able to turn those relationships into meaningful opportunities for students.

Please note: The University is a Child Safe organisation. You will be required to hold a current Employee - Working with Children Check (WWCC) or be willing to obtain one prior to commencing employment.

Who to Contact

For further information relating to the position, please contact:
Name: Tracey Kirwan

Position: Manager Hospitality

Email: *************@vu.edu.au

How to Apply

To submit your application please click on the Apply button.

Applications must be submitted as a single document comprising:

- A cover letter
- Your curriculum vitae/resume
- Your responses addressing all selection criteria located in the position description
- Evidence of applicable qualifications, licences and registration

Applications will close Monday, 05 October at 5pm. This advert may close earlier should a suitable candidate be identified. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires for applicants to have full and permanent working rights in Australia.

Why Join VU

VU provides competitive salaries, excellent superannuation, and a variety of benefits. University fosters an environment where staff can excel, achieve their goals, and develop their careers. With a focus on diversity, inclusion, and family-friendly policies, VU supports both professional and personal well-being. For more information, please visit our Careers at VU Webpage

Our Commitment

Victoria University is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and socially responsible community. We honour our deep diversity by respecting First Nations perspectives and embedding sustainable approaches to Protecting Country, while championing progressive inclusivity for all—embracing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and racially marginalised communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people of all ages and socio‑economic backgrounds. As a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, we strive to create a place where everyone feels they belong, and we ensure a positive, barrier‑free recruitment experience by providing adjustments and accessible formats upon request at ***************@vu.edu.au or (03) 9919 5***.

📌 Teacher Sport (Footscray)
🏢 Victoria University
📍 Footscray