Director, Experience, Wellbeing and Inclusion

Terms: Five year, full-time, fixed term
Location: Canberra (on-site)

The Australian National University is one of the world’s leading research universities, with excellence embedded in our approach to research and education, and a dedication to cultivating an outstanding and diverse student community that reflects our unique national mission. The Director, Experience Wellbeing and Inclusion drives a bold and innovative agenda that strengthens student belonging, enhances wellbeing, and ensures an inclusive, world‑class university experience for our community of approximately 19,000 students.

This is an opportunity for an experienced senior leader with a strong commitment to the student experience to shape the strategy, guide high‑impact initiatives and foster a cohesive, supportive and enriching environment that enhances the overall student journey at Australia’s national university.

Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), the Director is a key member of both the Portfolio Senior Leadership team and the University Leadership Group, and leads a portfolio dedicated to fostering a safe, vibrant, and supportive environment for our diverse student community. The Director leads the strategic development and delivery of student programs spanning wellbeing, health, culture, sport, orientation, equity, inclusion and enrichment.

As Director, Experience Wellbeing and Inclusion, you will lead a diverse and high-impact portfolio with oversight of the strategic development, delivery, and continuous improvement of programs and services that support a safe, connected, and enriching environment for all students. You will oversee key areas including Inclusive Communities, the ANU Medical Centre, Counselling Services, the Respectful Relationships Unit and Engagement and Success, ensuring that student‑facing services are integrated, high‑quality, and responsive to the needs of a dynamic and diverse student body.

Success in this role requires an accomplished leader who understands the complexity of the student lifecycle and can influence decision‑making at the highest levels to improve student outcomes. You will work closely with senior executives, academic colleges, student associations, national institutions, and external partners to deliver a seamless, inclusive, and engaging student experience. The role demands exceptional judgement, strategic insight, and the ability to translate data, policy, and student feedback into innovative, effective solutions that enhance student wellbeing and strengthen the sense of belonging across the University.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong record of leadership in complex service environments, with demonstrated leadership in student experience, student support, or related domains that centre the needs of learners and campus communities. You will be an outstanding communicator and relationship‑builder, capable of fostering collaboration across diverse groups and representing the University with credibility and influence. A commitment to equity, inclusion, and continuous improvement will be central to your approach, along with the analytical and conceptual skills needed to drive positive change and deliver a world‑class student experience.

This is an opportunity for a dynamic senior leader with a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive, engaging and enriching experience for a diverse student community to shape the future of wellbeing, inclusion and community life at Australia’s national university - leading transformative initiatives that support a vibrant, inclusive and connected student experience across all aspects of university life.

Contact:
For a confidential discussion and to obtain a copy of the Candidate Booklet, including the Position Description and corresponding Selection Criteria, please contact Sarena Bunce, Executive Search Business Partner, ANU Executive Search:

E: executivesearch@anu.edu.au
T: +61 410 355 769

Please note, applications close on Sunday 12 April 2026 at 11:55 pm AEST.

Application information

As part of your application you may be asked to provide:

• A candidate statement addressing the selection criteria.
• A current curriculum vitae (CV) which includes the names and contact details of at least three potential referees with a brief statement of the capacity in which they have known you. Referees will only be contacted with your permission in the final stage of the process.

 Applications which do not address the selection criteria may not be considered for the position.

 Exploratory stakeholder meetings, presentations and/or psychometric testing may be required as part of the selection process.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a background check during the recruitment process. An offer of employment is conditional on satisfactory results in accordance with the Background Checking Procedure which sets out the types of checks required by each type of position.

The University actively encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For more information on employment opportunities, contact our Indigenous Employment Consultant on indigenous.employment@anu.edu.au  

ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to those of all backgrounds and identities. For more information about staff equity at ANU, visit https://services.anu.edu.au/human-resources/respect-inclusion.