Our purpose and values are deeply embedded in our University’s culture. They provide a beacon for everything we set out to achieve. They provide the perfect foundation for our next Vice-Chancellor and President, whose role is critical to the success of our University.
Together we work to empower, connect and share knowledge with our people, cultures and places.
To achieve our purpose successfully, as our next Vice-Chancellor and President you will be an inspiring leader of the highest personal integrity, with a growth mindset, who possesses considerable commercial acumen and entrepreneurial skill to take on the challenge of our future.
You will lead our academic endeavours and be dedicated to building an organisation focused on excellence, that is committed to Canberra, its surrounding regions and through this, the world.
You will be compelling in your conviction, decisive, an exemplary communicator and networker and lead the institution in our commitment to access and equity. You will champion our commitment to indigenous Australians in everything we do.
You will be excited by our 10-year strategy Connected and personally equipped to drive its successful implementation.
Accountable to the Chancellor, you will also work closely with University Council and Academic Board to deliver the University’s Strategy while maintaining the highest standards of academic quality at all times.
Aligned to our values, find out more about what you can expect from us, and what we ask of you in return.
Celebrate differences and embrace similarities. Value unique contributions and promote accessibility and equity for all.
An inclusive and welcoming University that outwardly demonstrates its purpose and values to staff, students, partners and community.
A University that seeks to be the most accessible university in Australia and a global leader in driving equality of opportunity. Currently ranked Top 5 in the world (THE Impact Rankings, 2023) for reducing inequalities and on a mission to retain or improve this standing.
We have commenced our journey to deliver reimagined education offerings, to address student experience and success, revise educational delivery modes to broaden accessibility and flexibility.
Substantial experience of institution-wide leadership and senior management, including a reputation for leading a positive and engaging executive team and workplace culture by being a highly visible, compelling, engaging, and persuasive leader, who advocates for the University and its strategic goals.
A commercially astute, experienced and compelling change-leader, who understands the importance of placing our people at the heart of change, who can channel resistance into support, and has an unwavering focus on delivering results while supporting our people.
Connect and collaborate with our community, both near and far. Embody the spirit of Canberra as a meeting place of ideas and creativity. Show what we have to offer.
A place-based University, committed to embedding the principles of civic and community engagement in its activities.
A commitment to driving the socio-economic wellbeing of our city and region through deep collaborations that are Canberra-focused and globally relevant.
A University with a Civic Partnership Agreement with the ACT Government which recognises our combined commitment to enabling civic practice and contribution through thought leadership to enhance our place in, and value to the community.
Visionary leadership that will serve as the University’s ambassador to both local and federal governments, playing a pivotal role in shaping policy decisions, including those that have an impact on the University’s civic mission.
Expertise and knowledge of the Australian Higher Education Sector to develop and strengthen partnerships that promote the interests of the University locally, nationally, and globally, aligned to the University’s strategic goals.
Embrace Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing in our work and our culture. Get amongst the conversation. Listen authentically and be a driver of meaningful reconciliation.
Actively learning, listening and connecting with our Indigenous Community, working closely to deliver our Indigenous Leadership Strategy, and striving to make Indigenous business everyone’s business by working towards meaningful collaboration, contribution and outcomes.
A commitment to providing opportunities and ongoing support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to succeed as students and staff wherever they are located, on our campus and remotely.
The University of Canberra’s Indigenous Leadership Strategy seeks to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pedagogy across the units and courses we teach.
Advocate for the University’s Indigenous Leadership Strategy and drive its benefits to students, staff, partners and community.
A genuine commitment to improving Indigenous outcomes, enhancing the leadership of the University’s responsibility to lead and advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Find purpose in learning. Step out of our comfort zone. Be brave, stir curiosity and share ideas and discoveries that shape our future.
Measuring academic excellence by the quality of our academic programs, the success of our students and the impact of our research, is at the heart of everything we do.
A vibrant and respected research community has established our university as research-led, and one that prides itself on educational excellence and the success of our students.
Our Research Plan (2024-2028) outlines steps that will result in a University whose research is mission-driven and has measurable impact in our region, contributes to national priorities, and has global significance.
Lead our academic endeavours seeking to enhance our global reputation for high quality teaching and research, outstanding student experience and graduate outcomes.
A champion of the University’s research, research training, learning and teaching priorities, with a focus on improving social inclusion, access and impact.
Stir our curiosity, challenge our status quo and drive improvements in our internal and external measures, including our overall university rankings and as the higher education partner of Canberra and the surrounding region.
Don’t be afraid to have an impact. Do things differently. Inspire each other to be innovative.
A small university with big ambitions.
A Digital Master Plan aiming to radically enhance our university experience by seamlessly connecting digital and physical environments.
A review of our operating model seeking to create efficiencies and a better experience for staff, students and partners.
A Campus Master Plan which details an urban strategy for a distinctive Bruce Campus that connects neighbourhoods, community, and people through an ageless pursuit of learning.
Sustainability based on Environmental Stewardship, Social Responsibility and Governance (ESG), as articulated in the University’s developing Sustainability Strategy.
A networker and campaigner that promotes the University and develops productive and beneficial relationships with government, industry and community.
Financial acumen, effective in reliably and responsibly managing the University’s finances consistent with our strategic priorities and financial position and targets.
A decisive and highly adaptable individual that uses these skills to drive the success of our University and makes the decisions to enable our research to flourish, our staff to be highly engaged, and delivers a five-star student experience.
The University of Canberra will be supported in the appointment process by Bill Kett and Tanu Mehta from Heidrick & Struggles. Heidrick & Struggles will support the selection committee to identify the widest possible field of exceptional candidates and to assist in the assessment of candidates against the requirements of the role.
Applications should consist of a comprehensive curriculum vitae detailing academic and professional qualifications, full employment history and relevant achievements. CVs should be accompanied by a covering letter describing why the appointment is of interest to the candidates, what they believe they can bring to the role, and how they would address the Immediate Challenges outlined in the Position Description.
All enquiries should be directed in confidence to:
For a confidential discussion or to receive a copy of the information booklet, please enter your details below and a representative of Heidrick & Struggles will contact you for a confidential discussion.
