Associate Director, Governance

Make an impact at the University of Wollongong (UOW) - a purpose driven institution ranked in the top 1% of universities globally.

As Associate Director, Governance, you will lead the development and continuous improvement of UOW’s institutional governance frameworks; driving best practice governance, policy oversight, delegations management and governance capability uplift across the institution. This is a substantive, institution-shaping role. You will ensure UOW’s governance architecture is aligned with legislative requirements, the Expert Council on University Governance (ECUG) principles and UOW’s Strategic Plan 2030, and that it keeps pace with the demands of a complex, evolving higher education environment.

Working closely with the Associate Director, Secretariat, you will ensure governance frameworks and Council operations are coherent and effectively integrated — with a clear distinction between this role’s focus on governance architecture and framework, and the Secretariat’s focus on operational committee delivery.

You will lead a dedicated team of governance professionals, provide expert advice to senior executives and Council, and build governance capability across faculties and divisions in an environment where accountability and continuous improvement genuinely matter.

The Governance team supports the integrity, effectiveness and accountability of decision-making across the University. Partnering closely with senior leaders and stakeholders from across the institution, the team delivers expert advice, governance oversight and strategic support in an environment that is both complex and constantly evolving.

As Associate Director, you will lead a highly capable team and have the opportunity to shape governance practices, drive continuous improvement and contribute to initiatives that have a genuine and lasting impact across the University. This is a role for someone who enjoys working at the intersection of strategy, governance and leadership, and who is motivated by the opportunity to influence meaningful organisational outcomes.

What You’ll Bring

• You are a respected and influential leader with deep governance expertise and a passion for helping organisations perform at their best.
• You bring sound judgement, political acumen and the ability to provide trusted advice in complex environments where competing priorities, risk and strategic objectives intersect.
• You thrive on building strong relationships and have a proven ability to influence, collaborate and achieve outcomes through others.
• Combining strategic thinking with a practical and solutions-focused approach, you can translate governance principles into meaningful action that strengthens accountability, enables effective decision-making and supports organisational success.
• You will bring significant experience leading governance, policy, compliance, legal, risk or related functions within a complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of contemporary governance frameworks, principles and best practice.
• Demonstrated success leading, developing and empowering high-performing teams.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to establish credibility and build trusted relationships at all levels.
• Experience providing expert advice to senior executives, committees and decision-making bodies on complex and often sensitive matters.
• Strong analytical, communication and problem-solving capabilities, coupled with sound judgement and professional integrity.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and the ability to drive change that delivers sustainable organisational outcomes.

Why Join UOW

• 35-hour full-time work week supporting greater balance and flexibility.
• Flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies.
• Generous leave entitlements including additional concession days over the Christmas–New Year period.
• Purchased leave options to provide greater flexibility throughout the year.
• Ongoing professional development and clear career progression opportunities.

Role Details

• Employment type: Full-time 5 year fixed-term appointment.
• Salary: Level 10 | Competitive remuneration package + 12% superannuation.
• Location: Wollongong Campus with hybrid work arrangements.
• Work Rights: Valid Australian work rights required. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

The University of Wollongong is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where diversity is valued, respected and celebrated. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve, removes barriers to participation, and provides equitable opportunities for staff to reach their full potential. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of all gender identities and sexual orientations, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, and those with caring or family responsibilities.