Academic Registrar and Senior Director Academic Services in Sydney

At Torrens University Australia, making a difference is in our DNA. As a Certified B Corporation, we belong to a global community of future-focused companies using business as a force for good. We believe in the transformative power of education to change lives, families, communities – and the world. That’s why we’re on a mission to increase access to higher education, so learners from all walks of life can chase their dreams.

A progressive university, we ground our studies in industry. Expert academics bring their insights into the classroom, with a range of assessment types that aim to be authentic and informed by industry needs. Bridging the gap between study and work, our educators prepare students for career success and connect them with future employers. Building relevant skills, experience and networks from day one, students don’t just learn about their industry, they live it.

The Academic Registrar and Senior Director Academic Services is the university's senior leader for Academic Services. The role provides strategic leadership across the university's academic services ecosystem, setting portfolio-wide direction, service standards, planning frameworks, assurance and performance expectations. The role leads student academic services and academic administration across the student lifecycle, including academic records, progression and completion, graduations, subject and course logistics, academic systems, complaints and appeals, student safety and wellbeing compliance, academic data processing and support for academic enquiries.

You will be accountable for the integrity, security, accuracy and effectiveness of academic records, student administration, academic governance, planning, complaints, appeals, student information systems, data and delivery readiness. The role connects three portfolios: student governance, compliance and academic services assurance; academic governance and administration; and academic planning and operations.

Principle accountabilities (but not limited to):

• Senior Leadership and Portfolio Governance - lead Academic Services by setting strategic priorities, service standards, accountabilities and performance expectations across the three-portfolio operating model.
• Academic Governance, Policy and Quality - lead academic governance and quality processes, ensuring academic rules, regulatory requirements, reporting frameworks and escalation pathways support sound decisions and continuous improvement.
• Registrar, Complaints, Appeals and Independent Assurance - provide senior oversight of the assurance function, complaints, appeals, procedural fairness and student wellbeing and safety risks while protecting independence and impartiality.
• Records, Results, Completions and Graduation - oversee the accuracy, security and integrity of student outcomes, academic records, results, completions, certification, conferral and graduation processes across the student lifecycle.
• Academic Planning, Timetabling and Delivery Readiness - lead integrated academic planning, timetabling and delivery readiness using demand, capacity, progression and workforce data to identify risks and support timely decisions.
• Systems, Data and Continuous Improvement - drive continuous improvement across Academic Services systems, processes, data and workflow by strengthening automation, data quality, controls, integrations, security and vendor delivery.

Who you are:

• Senior leader with extensive higher education, VET or dual-sector experience across academic services, registry, governance, planning and operations.
• Experienced in academic planning, forecasting, timetabling, delivery readiness, systems, data and process improvement.
• Experienced in overseeing student wellbeing and safety, including sensitive matters, high-risk issues and regulatory obligations.
• Trusted adviser who can influence senior leaders and governance bodies across complex organisational structures.
• Accomplished people leader skilled in building high-performing teams, accountability and organisational change.
• Strong knowledge of the Australian tertiary regulatory environment, including HESF, TEQSA, ASQA, ESOS, the National Code, CRICOS, VET, privacy and data requirements.
• Strong institutional judgement and data-led capability in assurance, reporting, continuous improvement, automation, and AI.
• Collaborative, student-centred and solutions-focused, with confidence to challenge established practice constructively.
• Exceptional communicator with strong attention to detail, accuracy and student information systems literacy.

Qualifications:

• Relevant postgraduate or professional qualification in education, higher education, business, governance, public administration, law or related discipline.
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40110 or TAE40116), or equivalent contemporary credential, is desirable where relevant.
• Professional qualification or certification in academic governance, compliance, risk, quality, or public administration is desirable.

This is a permanent, full-time position. The preferred location for this role is at our Surry Hills campus in Sydney.

Why join us?

• Study free in a course or degree related to your position.
• B Corp certified university - values driven and purpose led.
• Access to internal opportunities - be supported to learn, grow and move across the organisation.
• A collaborative, student-focused environment where you can help shape the future of academic services.

Hiring process:

We aim to provide you with the information you need at each stage of this process to help you present your best self. If you have any accessibility requirements, please contact your recruiter for confidential support. We are committed to ensuring an equitable, barrier-free application process and have a Reasonable Adjustment Procedure in place to support you throughout the recruitment process.

To learn more about what makes Torrens University Australia a great place to work, visit our blog.

Applications for this role will close on Wednesday 4th November.