Director, Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and Placements

About VU:

At VU, we aim to be one of the leading impact universities in the world. VU is an impactdriven university committed to equity, excellence and opportunity. Based in Melbourne's west and connected globally, we put students first through the VU Block Model, dualsector pathways and strong industry partnerships. We are a valuesled, inclusive workplace where diverse talent is supported to make a real difference.

About the Team:

The Director, Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and Placements will join the Tertiary Education Portfolio and work closely with Colleges, professional services and senior leaders across the University. The team is focused on strengthening the quality, consistency and effectiveness of WIL and placement experiences while ensuring compliance, governance excellence and strong industry partnerships. Through a collaborative, university-wide approach, the team supports students to gain valuable real-world learning opportunities that enhance employability and professional readiness.

About the Role:

This is a unique opportunity to lead a significant institutional reform agenda at Victoria University. Reporting to the Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer, you will provide strategic leadership for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and placements across both Higher Education and Vocational Education.

You will design and implement a contemporary operating model that strengthens governance, compliance, risk management and system capability while supporting discipline-specific delivery across the University. Working closely with executive leaders, academic staff and professional teams, you will drive transformational change that enhances the student experience, improves organisational performance and ensures VU remains aligned with regulatory and accreditation requirements.

This role offers the opportunity to shape university-wide strategy, influence senior stakeholders and leave a lasting impact on how students engage with industry and workplace learning.

Position Key Duties:

• Lead the design and implementation of a university-wide WIL and placements operating model.
• Provide strategic leadership and institutional oversight of WIL and placements governance, compliance and risk management.
• Develop and maintain governance frameworks, accountability structures and decision-making processes.
• Lead the development of policies, procedures and institutional frameworks that support consistent and compliant WIL delivery.
• Drive system optimisation, data governance and process improvements to improve efficiency and reporting capability.
• Establish and oversee compliance monitoring, assurance activities and reporting frameworks.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with academic leaders, professional services teams, industry partners and external stakeholders.
• Lead university-wide collaboration and governance forums to support continuous improvement.
• Develop sustainable workforce capability and resourcing strategies for WIL and placements.
• Oversee implementation of the University's WIL and placements transformation roadmap and foster organisational adoption of new operating models.

Position Details:

• Classification: HEP Level 10
• Employment Type: Full Time Continuing
• Hours per Week: 36.75
• Location: Footscray

For a detailed overview of the role's duties and responsibilities, please refer to the Director WIL and Placements Position Description.

About You:

You are a strategic and influential leader with significant experience operating in complex and highly regulated environments. You are passionate about driving institutional improvement and building effective governance frameworks that deliver long-term value.

You will bring:

• Extensive senior leadership experience in governance, compliance, risk management or large-scale program delivery.
• Demonstrated success designing and implementing operating models, organisational reforms and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance, quality assurance and risk management frameworks.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across executive, academic and professional contexts.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and navigating complex change environments.
• Highly developed analytical, strategic thinking and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into practical solutions.
• Experience within tertiary education or another highly regulated sector.
• Experience in Work Integrated Learning, placements or student experience initiatives will be highly regarded.

Please note: The University is a Child Safe organisation.You willbe requiredto hold a current Employee - Working with Children Check (WWCC) or be willing to obtain one prior tocommencingemployment.

Who to Contact?

For further information relating to the position, please contact:
Name: Ismene Thiveos
Position Title: Senior Advisor, Strategic Projects
Email:[email protected]

How to Apply:

To submit your application please click on the Apply button.

Applications must be submitted as a single document comprising:

• A cover letter
• Your curriculum vitae/resume
• Your responses addressing all selection criteria located in the position description
• Evidence of applicable qualifications, licences and registration

Applications will close Monday 3 August 2026 at 11.59pm. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.This role requires for applicants to have full and permanent working rights in Australia.

Why Join VU:

VU provides competitive salaries, excellent superannuation, and a variety of benefits. University fosters an environment where staff can excel, achieve their goals, and develop their careers. With a focus on diversity, inclusion, and family-friendly policies, VU supports both professional and personal well-being. For more information, please visit ourCareers at VU Webpage

Our Commitment:

Victoria University is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and socially responsible community. We honour our deep diversity by respecting First Nations perspectives and embedding sustainable approaches to Protecting Country, while championing progressive inclusivity for all-embracing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and racially marginalised communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. As aWGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, we strive to create a place where everyone feels they belong, and we ensure a positive, barrierfree recruitment experience by providing adjustments and accessible formats upon request at [email protected] or (03) 9919 5999.