The University of Canberra is a young University anchored in the national capital and works with government, business, and industry to serve our communities and nation. The University of Canberra challenges the status quo; always pursuing better ways to teach, learn, research, and add value – locally and internationally.

The University is now entering a bold new chapter with its refreshed strategy, Reconnected: 2025–2027. This plan reaffirms our commitment to being a modern, inclusive and student-first university - one that is built around the individual, not institutional ego. Reconnected sets out a clear and actionable framework to deliver lifelong learning, impactful research, and deep community engagement. Our ambition is to be the most accessible and practical university in Australia, and a global leader in driving equality of opportunity.

It is an exciting time to be joining us.

The Chief Operating Officer will be at the forefront of leading and inspiring change, working in close partnership with all areas of the institution to optimise the efficiency, commercial effectiveness and responsiveness of key services that underpin the University’s strategic and operational performance.

Working closely with the Vice-Chancellor and as part of a small, high-performing Executive Team, the Chief Operating Officer has oversight and accountability of the Operations Portfolio’s business units to achieve the goals set out in Reconnected.

Candidates will be commercially astute business leaders with the relevant experience and ability to drive business outcomes and growth through ongoing collaboration, engagement, and transformation. This includes leveraging the University’s resources, infrastructure, and capabilities to maximise value, drive sustainable growth, and strengthen competitive positioning, enabling the university to be a resilient and financially viable institution, one that can invest in our staff and students.

To learn more about this unique opportunity please contact our advising consultants Alun Parry and Vicky Garvey at Boyden on +61 2 9225 7400 or vicky.garvey@boyden.com

https://www.canberra.edu.au/about-uc/vip-jobs-at-uc/vip/senior-management-and-executive-recruitment

Applications close on 17 November 2025.