About the position



The Assistant Director Policy and Research will work under broad direction and draw on significant policy, research and/or higher education experience to support TEQSA to effectively deliver its regulatory functions. They will perform a strategic role and be responsible for leading a team undertaking data and information collection and analysis, preparation of briefs and reports, and leading research and policy projects. They will need to collaborate widely with internal and external stakeholders to deliver quality outcomes.

The Assistant Director Policy and Research will also lead TEQSA’s submissions to government consultations, and the research and drafting of guidance to the sector in relation to the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) and TEQSA legislative frameworks.

The key duties of the position include:

Duties

The Assistant Director Policy and Research will be required to:

- lead, coordinate and monitor implementation of Policy and Research projects, coordinate and prepare plans and strategies, set, and monitor budget controls.
- facilitate interpretation of emerging policy and ensure this informs TEQSA’s regulatory functions and business improvement strategies.
- work collaboratively across TEQSA to ensure guidance to providers reflects regulatory expectations and operational practices.
- coordinate and provide expert advice on TEQSA’s use of regulatory data to inform risk-based policy and practice.
- build team capabilities by providing leadership to team members, including setting the strategic direction of work priorities, monitoring workflows and resources, developing, coaching, and mentoring staff, resolving conflict, and managing performance.
- develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including other government bodies, peak body associations, providers, external experts, and professional accreditation bodies and represent the Agency in established relationships and networks.
- proactively perform high-quality research and analysis on key sector and risk topics to improve understanding,



using results to inform the preparation of reports and briefs on relevant program activities and/or project milestones for key stakeholders.
- report on project/program deliverables and outcomes and present updates to internal and external stakeholders, including the CEO and Commissioners.
- liaise and consult with other teams across TEQSA, other agencies and external stakeholders to influence and facilitate cross-agency or multi-agency planning of program delivery.
- evaluate a range of consultation papers and prepare high-quality submissions on behalf of TEQSA and lead the review and development of critical TEQSA resources, ensuring relevant consultation and an evidence-based approach occurs at all times.

Our ideal candidate

TEQSA is looking for high-performing candidates who are passionate about contributing to the excellence of Australian higher education. Our ideal candidate will have:

- An ability to think critically, synthesise and analyse complex data and information, and develop quality evidence-based advice.
- Highly developed verbal and written communication skills, including preparing, reviewing, and delivering high-quality advice, reports, presentations and briefs for stakeholders and senior leaders.
- An ability to develop a detailed understanding of the higher education sector within a regulatory context, including sector trends and sector risk.
- Highly developed skills in stakeholder management and the ability to build influential and cooperative relationships, both internally and externally.
- Strong project management skills, including resolving complex issues and managing risks in in the delivery of outcomes.
- Strong people management and leadership skills, including co-ordinating, managing, and directing team members, and supporting the development of staff.

Qualifications and experience

- A relevant tertiary qualification(s)



and/or relevant experience in the higher education sector or government.

Eligibility

The successful applicant must:

- be an Australian citizen.
- complete a National Police Check satisfactorily.
- be able to obtain and maintain an Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) clearance to Baseline status, supported by TEQSA.

Failure to satisfy any of the above conditions may result in the withdrawal of an offer of employment or termination of employment.

Notes

Other relevant information

- This recruitment process is being conducted to fill an ongoing vacancy.
- a merit pool of suitable applicants will be created from this process and may be used to fill similar ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies within TEQSA. It is active for 18 months from the date of this advertisement.
- Before commencing in the role, the successful candidate will be required to disclose details of any material personal interests in connection with their employment at TEQSA via a Declaration of Interest form and seek approval to undertake any outside employment (paid or unpaid) via an Outside Employment application.
- For further information on this role, please contact Tabor Akman on 03 8306 2*** or email ***********@teqsa.gov.au

Getting to know the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency

The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) is Australia’s independent national quality assurance and regulatory agency for higher education. TEQSA’s purpose is to deliver quality assurance that protects the interests of students and the reputation and standing of Australian higher education. As an independent quality assurance and regulatory agency, TEQSA adopts a risk-based approach that is guided by principles of necessity, risk, and proportionality, and which supports quality, diversity, innovation, and excellence in tertiary education. TEQSA has three strategic objectives in delivering its purpose: 1. Promote and support good practice and effective self-assurance across the sector. 2. Identify, analyse, and respond to risks to the sector. 3. Ensure compliance with applicable legislation through effective and effective regulation.

📌 Assistant Director Policy and Research (Melbourne)
🏢 Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency
📍 Melbourne