Academic Director – Higher Education

Lead Academic Quality. Drive Innovation. Shape the Future.

AIT, part of the NextEd Group, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Academic Director to lead the academic direction, governance, and quality of our higher education portfolio.

This is a critical leadership role responsible for ensuring compliance with the Higher Education Standards Framework while driving excellence in teaching, learning, and student outcomes.

About The Role

Reporting to the General Manager, you will lead all academic functions across AIT, including academic governance, compliance, course quality, and academic capability. You will play a key role in strengthening AIT’s position as a high-quality, TEQSA-aligned provider, ensuring robust systems for academic quality assurance and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead academic governance aligned with HESF (2021), TEQSA, and ESOS requirements
• Oversee course accreditation, review, and continuous improvement cycles
• Ensure academic integrity, assessment quality, and benchmarking practices
• Drive student success, retention, progression, and graduate outcomes
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing academic workforce
• Contribute to strategic growth, including new program development
• Represent AIT in industry, regulatory, and stakeholder engagements

About You

• Post-graduate qualification in education, IT, leadership innovation, or other discipline aligned to digital technology (PhD Preferred)
• Significant academic leadership experience within a Higher Education institution across multiple disciplines
• Demonstrated experience in:
• Academic governance and quality assurance
• Formal course accreditation submissions, audit preparation and communication with TEQSA
• Strong understanding of:
• Higher Education Standards Framework (HESF)
• AQF and ESOS frameworks
• A strategic, collaborative leader with strong communication and influencing skills

Why Join NextEd?

• Senior leadership role with real organisational impact
• Opportunity to shape and grow a future-focused higher education portfolio
• Work within a modern, innovative and student-centred education group
• Collaborative and values-driven culture
• Sydney CBD location

Apply Now

• If you are an experienced academic leader ready to drive quality, compliance, and innovation in higher education, we encourage you to apply.
• Submit your CV and cover letter via SEEK: https://www.seek.com.au/job/91548562