At Collarts, students come first. We are proud to welcome a diverse range of learners to our VET and HE courses, and see difference as powerful. We are committed to making Collarts increasingly accessible, improving inclusion by partnering with students to understand their lived experience and change Collarts for the better. We want to provide students with an exceptional student experience from onboarding through to graduation.

The Student Engagement Manager leads the planning and execution of institution-wide engagement initiatives, events, and communications that foster belonging, participation, and retention across the student lifecycle. A hands-on role, it oversees the delivery of key lifecycle events such as orientation, welcome festivals, campus activations, industry networking, alumni engagement, and graduation ceremonies all whilst ensuring student communications are effective and timely.

About us:

Collarts (and its predecessor Ausmusic) began more than 30 years ago with three programs, a handful of students and a small team of dedicated lecturers. Our foundation disciplines were music and audio – a proudly rock and roll start to life.

Operating as Collarts from 2010, today we teach more than 2,000 students from over 30 countries in 4 campuses and 50 high schools. We offer 24 degree programs, 5 vocational certificates and we’re ranked #1 for QILT student engagement for creative industry providers in Australia. We welcome international students from more than 30 countries and host exchange students from China, Germany, France and the USA.

We have some of the brightest minds in industry across all disciplines: ARIA award winners, renowned playwrights, actors and comedians, leading film and screen directors, DOLBY Atmos practitioners, recognised music producers and sound engineers, design and animation award winners, and some of the most experienced and respected event and entertainment academics in Australia.

In 2024 we launched a new Strategic Plan, Creativity on Purpose, with goals focused on reach, engagement, sustainability and quality. The plan represents an inflection point for Collarts, as we find new audiences, launch new online and postgraduate products and work towards University College status. It’s the perfect time to join the team: welcome to Australia’s best creative education community.

The role:

The Student Engagement Manager plays a pivotal role in enhancing the student experience from onboarding through to graduation, ensuring students feel settled, connected, equipped, and motivated throughout their academic journey. This position leads the planning and execution of institution-wide engagement initiatives, events, and communications that foster belonging, participation, and retention across the student lifecycle.

The Student Engagement Manager is responsible for developing and implementing engagement strategies informed by data and student feedback, targeting diverse cohorts effectively. Overseeing the delivery of key lifecycle events, Collaboration is essential, and requires strong partnerships with internal teams and external stakeholders to deliver high-quality initiatives and create meaningful industry and alumni connections that enrich the student experience.

In addition to leading the Student Engagement team and managing resources and budgets, this role drives continuous improvement through analytics and student voice initiatives. By fostering a vibrant alumni community and leveraging industry partnerships, the Student Engagement Manager strengthens career pathways and builds a connected, supportive environment that empowers students to thrive during their studies and beyond.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Graduate or Postgraduate qualifications in relevant area and/or extensive experience and management expertise.

• Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering student engagement strategies and programs, including events, communications, industry partnerships.

• Demonstrated ability to innovate and take responsibility for design, developing, testing and outcomes of initiatives.

• Proven ability to lead teams in the planning, organising and execution of initiatives across multiple stages of the student lifecycle.

• Proven ability to establish and maintain productive relationships with students, staff, industry partners, and alumni.

• Proficiency in interpreting policies, procedures, systems, processes and how they interact with other related functions.

• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail and an inclusive approach.

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, budgets and deadlines effectively.

• Experience working cross-functionally within an educational or similar environment.

• Competency in using data and feedback to inform decision-making and improve engagement initiatives, with strong analytical and reporting skills.

• Demonstrated initiative and ability to exercise sound judgment.

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and student wellbeing.

• Proficiency and knowledge in MS office, digital communication tools (e.g., email, social media, CMS).

It's a bonus if you have:

• Familiarity with student platforms such as Salesforce/CRM, Canvas.

• Experience in event and project management

• Creative industries experience

• Knowledge of higher education provider

Advertising closes: 5pm AEST Monday 10 November 2025

As shortlisting will commence immediately, we reserve the right to close this recruitment earlier than the stated closing date. You must have the legal right to live and work in Australia to apply for this role plus obtain a working with children check. For a confidential discussion please contact Linda McCarthy, Chief Student Officer on [email protected]. For a copy of the position description and perks of working at Collarts click here: https://www.collarts.edu.au/about-us/careers-at-collarts/

At Collarts we are committed to a workplace that celebrates the rich heritage and contributions of our First Nations peoples. We encourage and welcome applications from our First Nations individuals, recognising the unique skills, perspectives, and knowledge they bring to our team. Join us on our journey toward a more inclusive future!