Provost, Chief Academic Officer

Federation University Australia – Ballarat VIC Senior academic leadership opportunity at Australia’s leading regional university A transformative academic leadership opportunity to shape the future of co‑operative education Based at Federation University's Ballarat campus Position closing date: 18/01/2026 Ranked number one university in Australia for First Generation Student Enrolments (Good Universities Guide 2022) and with top rankings in Victoria around student support, social equity, skills and employment, we are driven to make difference to every student and the community providing lifelong learning, skills, and research locally, regionally, and globally. With University and TAFE campuses in Ballarat, Berwick, Gippsland, and the Wimmera we are positioned to provide pathways from vocational education and skills training through to higher education. About Federation University As Australia's leading regional university with over 150 years of history, Federation University transforms lives and enhances communities through access, equity, and opportunity. With campuses across Ballarat, Berwick, Gippsland, and the Wimmera, Federation’s distinctive dual‑sector model delivers integrated university and TAFE education that responds directly to community and workforce needs. Federation is pioneering a transformative co‑operative model that seamlessly integrates work and study in partnership with employers across the regions. Committed to First Peoples' advancement and place‑based education that is globally engaged, the University builds sustainable futures for regional communities while addressing critical workforce needs. With strategic plan themes focused on empowering learners, enabling thriving regions, and providing careers with impact, Federation is redefining the relationship between learning and work. About the Role This is more than a traditional academic leadership role; it is an opportunity to reimagine education for the future, creating pathways from foundation skills to doctoral research that transform lives and build sustainable regional communities. Reporting to the Vice‑Chancellor as the Chief Academic Officer, the Provost is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team. This pivotal role provides strategic and operational leadership across the university's entire academic mission, spanning higher education, vocational education, research, and academic capability development. Central to this role is championing the Co‑operative Education Model as the defining feature of Federation's academic identity, ensuring this employer‑centred approach is embedded in all academic activity. Leading the Pro Vice‑Chancellors (Co‑operative Education, Research and Innovation, Learning and Teaching, Pathways and TAFE), the Provost will ensure educational and research excellence across all portfolios. The Provost will drive implementation of the Federation University strategic plan, fostering innovation in curriculum design, pedagogical practice, and research impact. Key responsibilities include navigating complex regulatory environments (including TEQSA, ASQA, CRICOS), overseeing academic workforce development, ensuring financial sustainability, and building strategic partnerships with industry, government, and communities. About the Successful Candidate To ensure success, the ideal candidate will be an outstanding academic leader with extensive senior leadership experience in a high‑performing university environment and will possess exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with proven capacity to build collaborative teams and foster innovation across complex, multi‑campus environments. Deep industry engagement and work‑integrated learning experience are highly valued, as is a proven track record driving large‑scale strategic initiatives across both higher education and TAFE sectors. The successful candidate will also have a comprehensive understanding of the Australian tertiary sector, commitment to digital transformation and emerging technologies including AI, and ability to navigate regulatory frameworks. Strategic vision combined with operational excellence is essential, including the demonstrated ability to lead change, engage diverse stakeholders, and ensure financial sustainability. Most importantly, the new Provost will demonstrate genuine commitment to Federation's values of inclusion, innovation, excellence, empowerment, and collaboration – leading an inclusive, future‑ready academic culture that supports the University's mission of regional impact and educational transformation. Application Process Devereaux Consulting is supporting Federation University with this appointment. For a confidential discussion or to request a position description, please contact Jackie Besley, Managing Partner, Devereaux Consulting on +61 (0) 413 633 *** or email *******@devereauxconsulting.com. Applications close 18 January 2026 Any application submitted via Workday will be forwarded to the above agency. Federation University is committed to The Circle Back Initiative program, whereby we will respond to every applicant. If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please email the Recruitment team or phone 9***. 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