Full-time, fixed term appointment for five years
Based at our Ballarat Campuses
An attractive remuneration will be offered
Position closing date: 06/09/2026
Ranked number one university in Australia for First Generation Student Enrolments (Good Universities Guide 2022) and with top rankings in Victoria around student support, social equity, skills and employment, we are driven to make difference to every student and the community providing lifelong learning, skills, and research locally, regionally, and globally.
With University and TAFE campuses in Ballarat, Berwick, Gippsland, and the Wimmera we are positioned to provide pathways from vocational education and skills training through to higher education.
About the role
Federation TAFE, as the vocational education and training arm of Federation University Australia, traces its roots back to the Ballarat School of Mines and, with campuses across the Ballarat and Wimmera regions, works closely with employers, industry, and community partners to deliver transformational education and training that our regions need to thrive. As part of the only university headquartered in regional Victoria, Federation TAFE is uniquely positioned to provide pathways to work and further education through a new model of co-operative education.
As Chief Academic Officer and a member of the TAFE Executive team, the Director, Skills and Education Delivery will set the strategic ambitions of the Skills and Education Delivery portfolio and lead the provision of high-quality, compliant vocational education and training that meets the needs of students and industry. The Director will deliver the key priorities detailed in the Federation TAFE Strategic Plan 2026-2030, which is a sub-strategy of Federation University Australia’s Strategic Plan, Federation 2040.
Reporting to the Pro Vice-Chancellor VET and Pathways and Chief Executive TAFE, the Director will work with broad direction and significant autonomy, with direct line management responsibility for the leaders of the Centre for Health, Community, Technology and Education, the Centre for Service Industries and Built Environment and the Centre for Corrections Education, as well as TAFE projects and Commercial operations teams.
The Director, Skills and Education Delivery will:
set and execute strategic and operational plans for the portfolio that align with student, industry, and stakeholder needs and expectations and Federation priorities;
drive excellence in teaching and learning, advancing flexible and innovative delivery models and embedding strategies including the Co-operative delivery model to maximise student success and retention;
ensure Federation TAFE is legislatively compliant and responsive to its regulatory and reporting obligations;
work with TAFE leadership on strategic and operational campus planning, student retention, student number growth, and financial sustainability, ensuring courses are viable and deliver surpluses to invest;
develop a high-performing workforce with skills and knowledge aligned to industry, learner, and organisational needs, and create a positive, respectful, inclusive, and safe culture; and
collaborate with Higher Education and senior University leaders to deliver unique career pathways and leverage strong industry partnerships of mutual benefit.
About you
You will be an experienced vocational education and training leader with a track record of delivering against strategic and operational objectives in a large, complex, and highly regulated environment. You will combine strategic ambition with operational discipline, use market and performance data to shape a strong and viable education offering, and build credibility quickly across both the TAFE and higher education environments.
You will possess:
a postgraduate degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field, together with extensive management experience in an educational environment;
demonstrated experience in the senior management of vocational education and training delivery within a large setting;
demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, VET governance, and operational implementation, with evidence of delivery against strategic and operational objectives and regulatory compliance requirements;
proven ability to lead and manage staff, embedding a positive, safe, and inclusive workplace culture and developing a culture of accountability and high performance;
proven ability to build and nurture productive and sustainable partnerships with diverse internal and external stakeholders;
demonstrated interpersonal communication, presentation, and influencing skills, including the ability to negotiate effectively and work through issues constructively; and
demonstrated ability to interpret and analyse data and information and make sound decisions to resolve problems, whilst being open to innovative ideas.
All University positions delivering education and/or services to children must hold a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC) or a current registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).
How to apply
Devereaux Consulting is supporting Federation University with this search process. For a confidential conversation, please contact Dr Jackie Besley, Managing Partner, Devereaux Consulting, directly on 0413 633 195.
To request the position description, please email [email protected]
Any application submitted via Workday, will be forwarded to the above agency.
Applications close on Sunday, 6 September 2026.
Federation University is committed to The Circle Back Initiative program, whereby we will respond to every applicant.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please email the Recruitment team or phone 03 5327 9756. Our position descriptions also list a contact person for job specific inquiries.
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