Head of Department

Head of Department (Academic Operations and Governance) Join to apply for the Head of Department (Academic Operations and Governance) role at Torrens University Australia 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. Just like our students, our employees are a diverse group who want to make an impact. When you join us, we give you the freedom to be bold, creative and courageous – with flexible working arrangements that allow you to bring your best. We’ve built a culture that celebrates community, collaboration and innovation, where people love what they do. What’s the job? The Head of Academic Operations and Governance is a senior leadership position responsible for providing strategic direction, operational oversight, and cross-functional leadership across all academic administration, governance, partnerships, planning, and compliance activities within Torrens Global Education (TGE). This role leads integrated teams spanning academic administration, quality and governance, records management, ESOS and CRICOS compliance, business process improvement, and academic partnerships. The position ensures that TGE’s academic operations are efficient, compliant, and student‑centred, while supporting institutional priorities, regulatory obligations, and a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Principal accountabilities are (but not limited to): Strategic and Operational Leadership Provide strategic leadership and oversight across all academic administration functions. Ensure academic operational alignment with institutional goals, supporting student success, regulatory compliance, and quality improvement. Governance and Quality Assurance Lead the development and implementation of academic governance frameworks, including accreditation, course approval, renewal, transition, and teach‑out processes. Oversee academic policy administration and ensure alignment with external regulatory requirements (TEQSA, ASQA, ESOS, CRICOS, RTO). Partnerships and External Engagement Manage domestic and international academic partnerships and third‑party agreements, ensuring compliance with contractual and regulatory standards. Build and maintain strong internal and external stakeholder relationships that foster collaboration, transparency, and mutual accountability. Compliance, Records, and Systems Management Lead the academic records compliance function to ensure data accuracy, integrity, and readiness for regulatory audits and reporting. Ensure institutional compliance with TEQSA, ASQA, CRICOS, ESOS, and RTO frameworks. Planning, Process, and Data Analytics Oversee institutional planning for academic delivery, forecasting, and workforce requirements. Lead business process and systems integration projects to improve service delivery and alignment across academic functions. Leadership and People Development Lead, mentor, and develop high‑performing teams focused on service excellence, accountability, and collaboration. Implement workforce planning, succession management, and professional development strategies to build capability and resilience. Who you are: To be successful in this role, you will have: Minimum 5 years’ senior leadership experience within higher education or vocational education. Proven success in academic administration, governance, quality assurance, or regulatory compliance leadership roles. Demonstrated experience in managing academic systems, processes, and cross‑functional teams. Strong understanding of TEQSA, ASQA, ESOS, CRICOS, and Higher Education Standards Framework requirements. Strategic and operational leadership capability across complex portfolios. Strong knowledge of academic governance, regulatory frameworks, and quality management. This is a full time permanent position. To read more about the role please click here for Job Description. Bold, modern and agile, we’re Australia’s fastest‑growing university, going from 164 students in 2014 to 40,000+ alumni across 115+ countries and 2000+ staff today. In 2020, Australian Financial Review named us one of the country’s most innovative companies. As we continue to establish ourselves as a truly global university, we never lose sight of our student‑centric approach. Supported by teams of passionate people, you’ll find endless opportunities for professional development and career progression. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, age, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for all positions. What we offer: Study free in a course/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 Hiring process: We aim to provide you with the necessary information you need at each stage of this process to put your best self forward. Should you have accessibility requirements or needs please contact for confidential support to ensure an equitable, barrier free application process as we have a Reasonable Adjustment Procedure in place to support you through the recruitment process. Job reference: R28788 Applications for this role will close on Friday 19th December . As we enter our annual shutdown period, please note that updates on your application may be delayed until we return in early January. We will continue to review applications as they come through, and if we identify a suitable candidate earlier, the advert may close before the listed date. #J-18808-Ljbffr