- Build on solid foundations
- University of Melbourne-affiliated residential college
- Residential appointment
About the organisation
Established in 1937, University College is a vibrant and contemporary residential college affiliated with The University of Melbourne. Committed to enhancing student experience and success, ensuring safety and fostering a sense of community, the College offers an enriching residential environment that helps students reach their full potential. Home to approximately 340 predominantly undergraduate students, the College provides a variety of support services, including academic tutorials, wellbeing advice, and opportunities for sporting, social and cultural engagement. Welcoming students at The University of Melbourne as well as a small number from nearby universities, the University College community comprises current students, staff, donors and a network of over 7,000 alumni in over 50 countries.
About the role
Reporting to the College President, and working collaboratively with the College Council, the Head of College will guide the strategic direction of the organisation to ensure the College remains contemporary and financially sustainable. Within this structure, the Head of College is afforded significant decision-making latitude, enabling innovative approaches and responsive adjustments aligned with the College's long-term vision while maintaining transparent engagement with the College Council. Taking a whole-of-organisation perspective in ensuring the effective management of all operational areas, the appointee will drive innovation across academic, residential, operational and cultural domains. This will include identifying and overseeing the implementation of opportunities to enhance operational effectiveness. Critical to success in this position will be providing visionary and values-driven leadership, cultivating a culture of respect, inclusion, excellence and accountability. As the College’s principal public ambassador, this highly visible position includes effectively managing, and building enduring relationships with, a broad range of stakeholders to enhance the reputation and profile of the College. This residential appointment requires a passion to be fully engaged in all aspects of college life, including attendance at out-of-hours events and student activities.
About you
You are an accomplished higher education residential college leader, or an academic seeking to apply your focus on student experience in a new context, with a strong academic background and a track record of success and impact. With an understanding of, and empathy for, young adults, and a deep knowledge of the contemporary educational environment, you appreciate how this may best meet student needs within the context of a residential tertiary education college. You possess proven business, financial and organisational management capabilities, including the ability to plan and manage resources effectively. Personally accountable, and driven in advancing initiatives, you adopt a flexible approach to the resolution of operational, practical and individual issues. An inclusive, authentic and approachable leader, you inspire high performance and have the demonstrated capacity to cultivate an engaged culture based on shared purpose. Modelling integrity, collegiality and service, and underpinned by your outstanding communication skills, you excel in complex multi-stakeholder environments. You relish the prospect of applying your holistic leadership capabilities, and passion for seeing students thrive, in this rare opportunity to lead a residential college of first preference in Melbourne’s landmark College Crescent.
How to apply
Click ‘Apply’ to submit your CV along with a covering letter. For more information prior to application, please contact David Pleydell at SHK via email on david.pleydell@shk.com.au, quoting reference 3507840. Direct and third-party applications will be forwarded to SHK.
Applications close 11.59pm on Sunday 29 March 2026.
