Manager, Awards and Graduation
Victoria University · Footscray, Australia
About VU
At VU, we aim to be one of the leading impact universities in the world. VU is an impact‑driven university committed to equity, excellence and opportunity. Based in Melbourne’s west and connected globally, we put students first through the VU Block Model®, dual‑sector pathways and strong industry partnerships. We are a values‑led, inclusive workplace where diverse talent is supported to make a real difference.
About the Team
The Awards & Graduations team is part of the Student Services and Administration portfolio and plays a vital role in supporting students through the final stages of their academic journey. Working closely with colleges, professional staff and external partners, the team delivers student completions, awards, official documentation and graduation ceremonies that recognise and celebrate student achievement.
About the Role
This is an exciting leadership opportunity for an experienced people manager who is passionate about service excellence, continuous improvement and delivering outstanding student experiences. Reporting to the Director, Admissions, Enrolments & Graduations, you will lead the University's Awards & Graduations function, overseeing student completions, awards administration and graduation operations.
You will provide strategic leadership, expert advice and operational oversight while working collaboratively with stakeholders across the University to enhance processes, improve system capability and ensure students successfully progress to graduation. This role offers the opportunity to influence university-wide initiatives and contribute to key student lifecycle outcomes.
Position Key Duties
- Lead and manage the Awards & Graduations team, ensuring high-quality service delivery and operational excellence.
- Oversee student completions, awards processing and graduation activities across the University.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance completion and graduation processes.
- Provide specialist advice and recommendations to senior leaders on awards and graduation matters.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to implement effective solutions and process improvements.
- Monitor, analyse and report on student completion and graduation data, identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Contribute subject matter expertise to strategic projects and initiatives impacting student lifecycle services.
- Develop, review and implement policies, procedures and business processes relating to completions and graduations.
- Manage resources, priorities and team performance to meet critical deadlines and service commitments.
- Foster strong working relationships across academic and professional teams to ensure consistent service outcomes.
Position Details
- Classification: HEP Level 8
- Salary: $113,953 - $128,326 plus 17% Superannuation
- Employment Type: Full Time, Continuing
- Hours per Week: 36.75 hours per week
- Location: Footscray Park
For a detailed overview of the role’s duties and responsibilities, please refer to the Manager, Awards & Graduation Position Description
About You
You are a collaborative and strategic people leader with experience managing complex operational services and leading teams through change. You thrive in a customer-focused environment and enjoy working with diverse stakeholders to deliver high-quality outcomes.
You will bring:
- Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or extensive experience in student administration, tertiary education or a related field.
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams and delivering high-quality services in a complex environment.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and critical deadlines.
- Experience driving process improvement, operational efficiency and service excellence initiatives.
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication and influencing skills.
- Strong analytical and reporting capability, with the ability to use data to inform decision-making.
- Sound financial management experience, including budgeting, forecasting and resource planning.
- An understanding of higher education and/or vocational education environments will be highly regarded.
Please note: The University is a Child Safe organisation. You will be required to hold a current Employee - Working with Children Check (WWCC) or be willing to obtain one prior to commencing employment.
Who to Contact
For further information relating to the position, please contact:
Name: Steve Wright
Position Title: Director Admissions, Enrolments & Graduations
Email: Steve.Wright@vu.edu.au
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 Sunday 8th November at 11:59pm. This advert may close earlier should a suitable candidate be identified. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
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. The 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 our Careers 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 socio‑economic backgrounds. As a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, we strive to create a place where everyone feels they belong, and we ensure a positive, barrier‑free recruitment experience by providing adjustments and accessible formats upon request at inclusivecareers@vu.edu.au or (03) 9919 5999.