Head of Future Students
Western Sydney University · Richmond, New South Wales, Australia · hybrid
- Full-time, ongoing position at HYEW Level 9.
- Hawkesbury campus with flexible working arrangements.
- Salary: $139,747 – $149,238 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading.
Lead domestic student recruitment across priority cohorts, regions and channels to strengthen conversion and achieve enrolment outcomes.
The Opportunity
You will lead the implementation of the University’s domestic student recruitment strategy, translating portfolio priorities into integrated plans across regions, student cohorts and recruitment channels. Your remit will span current school leavers, non-school leavers and postgraduate prospective students.
You will oversee recruitment performance from prospective student engagement and lead generation through to application. Using recruitment funnel data, market intelligence and performance insights, you will identify opportunities, address underperformance and lead interventions that improve conversion and support agreed enrolment targets.
You will provide strategic and operational leadership to a multi-functional recruitment team, developing managers and senior staff while aligning resources with demand and opportunity. Working with senior University stakeholders and external partners, you will strengthen recruitment capability, establish consistent practices and respond to changes in the domestic higher education market.
What Success Looks Like:
- Deliver an integrated domestic recruitment plan across priority regions, cohorts and channels.
- Improve recruitment conversion through clear performance frameworks and timely, data-led interventions.
- Build an accountable, outcomes-focused recruitment function with consistent processes and standards.
- Direct resources towards high-value opportunities based on demand, performance and expected return.
- Provide clear strategic advice on recruitment performance, market trends, risks and emerging opportunities.
- Lead engagement programs that successfully connect priority cohorts with the University, demonstrating measurable impact across engagement, lead generation, conversion, and enrolment.
Please refer to the Position Description for full details.
About You
- Relevant tertiary qualifications and extensive senior experience in student recruitment, marketing, business development, engagement or a related field, or an equivalent combination of qualifications and experience.
- Demonstrated success leading large-scale recruitment strategies and delivering measurable recruitment, conversion and enrolment outcomes in a complex organisation.
- Proven experience leading multi-functional teams through managers and senior staff, including workforce planning, resource allocation, capability development and organisational change.
- Highly developed strategic, analytical and commercial capability, with experience using market intelligence and performance insights to guide decisions and manage risk.
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement, influencing and communication skills, including experience advising senior leaders and preparing executive-level reports, briefings and recommendations.
Benefits
We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Alongside a rewarding career, we offer a range of benefits designed to support your financial, personal and family wellbeing.
- Financial benefits: Access to staff-only products and offers with selected banking partners, salary sacrifice options for onsite parking, and novated motor vehicle leasing.
- Health and wellbeing support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), complimentary annual flu vaccination, eligibility for Fitness Passport membership, and access to discounted private health cover.
- Onsite childcare: Long day care and early learning services operate at our Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Penrith campuses. Staff may be eligible for discounted fees and salary packaging, with places subject to centre capacity.
Application Details
- Position Enquiries: Direct to Kellie Bourke, Director, Domestic Student Recruitment via Kellie.Burke@westernsydney.edu.au Please include the job reference code
REF2018U
- Closing Date: 11:59pm, Monday 9th November 2026.
- Working Rights: You must provide evidence of full-time working rights in Australia at application.
- How to Apply: Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered. As part of your online application, you will be asked to respond to screening questions addressing the key qualifications, experiences and skills required for this position.
Belonging at Western
We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
For Reasonable Adjustments during the application process, please contact talentacquisitionteam@westernsydney.edu.au.
About Western
This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.
Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.
For the latest please visit our website and LinkedIn.