Head of Student Engagement & Operations
Location: Melbourne (Hybrid)
Sector: Higher Education | Online Delivery | Creative Industries

The Company
Our client is an innovative, fast-growing higher education provider delivering accredited programs to students across the globe. With a strong focus on student success, academic quality, and industry relevance, they are committed to delivering outstanding online education experiences in the creative and technology sectors.

The Opportunity
We’re seeking a Head of Student Engagement & Operations — a strategic, student-centred leader with an exceptional operational mindset. In this senior leadership role, you’ll oversee the entire student journey, from onboarding to graduation, while ensuring regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and exceptional student outcomes.

Reporting to the CEO, this role leads student-facing functions including Student Experience, Registrar Services, and operational frameworks. You’ll build and mentor a high-performing team, drive engagement and retention initiatives, and represent student services at the highest levels of governance and compliance.

What We’re Looking For
You’re a big-picture thinker who thrives in an agile environment. You know how to lead complex student operations, bring people together, and use data to improve outcomes. You’re equally comfortable in executive meetings and on the ground with your team.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage the student engagement and operations team, including student services, registrar functions, and help desk

Develop and implement structured, scalable processes to support growth and enhance student experience

Design and deliver student engagement and retention strategies across the full lifecycle

Oversee onboarding, enrolment, progression, and graduation workflows

Ensure compliance with TEQSA, ASQA, and internal governance requirements

Represent student operations at executive and academic governance forums

Use student lifecycle data to identify trends, address gaps, and implement continuous improvements

Champion equity, inclusion, and student wellbeing across all student services

Collaborate cross-functionally with academic, industry, and regulatory stakeholders

Support international student engagement and be open to flexible hours for global collaboration

Selection Criteria

Proven leadership in student services, student affairs, or registrar operations

Higher education experience essential (online or hybrid delivery preferred)

Strong understanding of TEQSA/ASQA standards and regulatory compliance

Demonstrated success in student engagement, wellbeing, and retention

Track record of implementing scalable systems and operational improvements

Data-literate and confident in using insights to inform strategy and reporting

Excellent communication and collaboration skills across all levels of an organisation

Commitment to equity, inclusion, and high-quality student support

Flexible, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment

Why This Role?

Join a mission-driven, future-focused institution in the creative education space

Lead a passionate team with measurable impact on student success

Hybrid work environment based in Melbourne

High-level strategic influence and organisational visibility

Apply Now
This is your opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic, values-driven higher education environment. Click ‘Apply Now’ to submit your resume. For a confidential discussion, please contact Edutemps directly. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Edutemps is Australia’s leading education sector recruitment agency, connecting top-tier talent with opportunities in vocational and higher education. We specialise in staffing solutions for compliance, academic, operations, and learning design roles.
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