- A Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant discipline such as education, psychology, business, social sciences, law or student affairs., with relevant working experience in the management of the student university life cycle and student matters.
- A postgraduate qualification in a relevant field, such as higher education leadership, counselling, public policy, or organisational development, which is relevant to the position.
- Substantial senior leadership experience in student experience, wellbeing, or employability functions within a higher education or similar setup.
- Proven ability to analyse student data, interpret trends, and use insights to inform service delivery, institutional reporting, or policy development.
- Sound knowledge of the full breadth of student administration and its role in enhancing the student journey.
- Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills with the ability to build trust and collaborate effectively with students, staff, executive leadership, and external stakeholders.
- Excellent organisational skills including the ability to plan, schedule, monitor, and report on activities and projects effectively.
- A good knowledge of quality assurance and enhancement systems and processes.
- Highly developed influencing and relationship-building skills including the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels across the University.
- Proven track record in team management including the ability to lead, coach, and foster a high-performing team environment.
- Demonstrated capacity to lead high-performing, cross-functional teams and manage change across diverse service portfolios.
- Proven ability to develop, deliver, and evaluate large-scale student support and engagement programs that enhance belonging, wellbeing, and graduate outcomes.
- Demonstrated experience in budget planning, resource allocation, and performance-based reporting for service units or strategic projects.
- Strong knowledge of digital transformation trends and experience leveraging digital platforms, CRM systems, analytics tools, or online engagement tools to scale and personalise student services.
- Experience with industry engagement, alumni relations, and co-curricular recognition frameworks such as employability awards, internships, or service learning.
- Ability to interpret, develop, and review relevant University policies and procedures and communicate clearly to students and staff.
- Experience in developing, implementing, and monitoring policies and procedures aligned with institutional goals.
- Substantial experience in student administration functions, particularly in areas such as admissions, examinations, awards and graduation ceremonies.
- A strong understanding of strategic role of student services within a contemporary university.
- Familiarity with international student wellbeing standards, academic advising models, and inclusive practice frameworks.
- Understanding of student conduct management, case coordination, or threat assessment protocols in tertiary settings.
Job Requirements
2. The application must also include a separate document addressing each applicable element of the Key
Selection Criteria (as listed in Section C above)
3. The application should also include a separate document of your 5-year plan for the position to be written
in one (1) page.
4. Please prepare the following documents before proceeding to number 5
- Resume/CV
- All academic certificate and transcript (SPM/STPM/Diploma/Degree/Master/PHD/Professional Certificate)
- Completed Key Selection Criteria Form
- 5-year plan document
5. Click APPLY HERE to complete the application form below:
1. Download the Key Selection Form below and complete it
1. Policy Development and Implementation
- Provide leadership across the student experience and employability unit, aligning services with institutional strategy and student needs.
- Drive digital transformation across student-facing services by leading the adoption of emerging technologies, integrated platforms, and data-driven decision-making to enhance engagement, access, and student success.
- Lead the formulation, implementation, and review of policies and procedures related to student engagement, wellbeing, employability, conduct, and student life.
- Ensure policy alignment with the University, and compliance with relevant Malaysian and Australian legislative and regulatory frameworks.
- Stay abreast of emerging trends in higher education student affairs and apply national and international best practices.
- Provide strategic advice on institutional positioning and policy implications related to student success and graduate outcomes.
- Ensure staff within the Unit are appropriately guided on policy interpretation, execution, and compliance expectations.
- Identify gaps and develop student administration policies and procedures to ensure consistent and effective.
- Liaise with University on drafting and reviewing University wide policies and procedures.
- Ensure compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements of Malaysian and Australian governments and relevant accreditation bodies.
- Oversee implementation and compliance with the University policies where applicable, and University policies where they differ.
2. Financial Management
- Oversee the preparation, monitoring, and reporting of Unit budgets, ensuring financial sustainability and accountability.
- Optimise the use of resources within student engagement, wellbeing, and employability portfolios while supporting institutional efficiency goals.
- Support income-generating or cost-recovery activities (e.g., accommodation services, short courses, and employer partnerships) where appropriate.
- Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting aligned with university standards and performance requirements.
- Support the University in achieving its financial and strategic growth objectives.
3. Compliance and Information Management
- Ensure Unit compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, institutional policies, and accreditation requirements.
- Champion the implementation and continuous improvement of digital tools and systems (e.g. CRM, digital career platforms, wellbeing case management, feedback helpdesk) to improve service delivery, data integrity, and regulatory compliance
- Oversee the secure and ethical management of student data, case files, and records related to counselling, safety, employability, and co-curricular programs.
- Lead regular reporting and analysis of student engagement metrics, graduate employability data, wellbeing trends, and co-curricular participation.
- Ensure readiness for internal audits and external reviews by regulatory, quality assurance, or governmental bodies.
- Ensure continuous operational compliance with regulatory requirements of relevant governmental, statutory, and accreditation bodies.
- Oversee planning and delivery of services and programs in line with legal and compliance standards.
- Lead the monitoring and maintenance of accurate and compliant staff records.
- Ensure the availability of reliable and timely information for internal and external reporting, including for management, the Board and the University Council.
4. Leadership and People Management
- Provide leadership across a diverse Unit, driving innovation in student experience, inclusion, and employability outcomes.
- Manage, develop, and support staff across the Unit reporting to the Director, ensuring high standards of performance, engagement, and continuous professional development.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability within the team, aligned with University Values.
- Implement structured staff development frameworks, succession planning, and talent retention strategies.
- Ensure all staff have clarity in role expectations and participate in regular performance feedback and improvement planning.
- Foster a culture of learning, innovation, and performance to build organisational capacity aligned with the University’s vision.
- Proactively manage change by identifying key drivers and realigning priorities and initiatives.
- Drive continuous improvement by reviewing and refining policies and procedures to align with university strategy.
- Lead, coach, and manage teams to ensure optimal performance and achievement of strategic goals.
- Develop team capabilities through targeted professional development and succession planning.
- Set and uphold professional standards while aligning individual performance plans with university objectives.
- Encourage a positive, productive work environment through feedback, involvement, and delegation.
- Implement human capital strategies to support staff retention, engagement and growth.
- Promote a culture of coaching, professional development, and continuous self-improvement.
5. Wider University Involvement
- Contribute to institutional governance and strategic decision-making as a member of the Executive Group.
- Actively engage with the University and other internal and external stakeholders to align student services with wider university strategy.
- Support and participate in university events, public engagements, and interunit collaborations.
- Provide high-level reports, strategic updates, and expert insights to the University Council, Board of Directors, and external partners as required.
- Lead or contribute to cross-functional task forces and working groups on student experience, safety, transformation, and inclusion.
- Provide strategic advice and support to academic and administrative units to enhance institutional performance.
- Contribute to the effective governance and operation of the University as an active member of the Executive Group and in coordination with the University.
6. Customer Service
- Champion a culture of student-centred service excellence across all touchpoints, from counselling and employability to orientation and complaints handling.
- Leverage digital channels to improve accessibility, responsiveness, and personalisation of services across the student lifecycle, including chatbots, self-service portals, and mobile-first platforms.
- Monitor service quality through feedback mechanisms, student engagement data, and continuous improvement processes.
- Ensure visibility and responsiveness of front-line services to meet the evolving expectations of students and other stakeholders.
- Collaborate with internal service units to streamline referral pathways, case management, and holistic student support.
- Build strong relationships with alumni, employers, community stakeholders, and international partners to support co-curricular enrichment and graduate transitions.
- Collaborate with internal and external customers to better understand, anticipate and meet the current and future needs of the branch campus university and its students in accordance with organisational expectations.
- Implement high quality processes that document, assess, improve and deliver favourable service performances.
- Be accessible for client enquiries; and respond to clients in a timely manner.
- Ensure front counter personnel provide a friendly, helpful and responsive service to students and parents.
Director, Student Experience and Employability
Location
Industry
Type
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
JOB SUMMARY
The Director has executive oversight of a comprehensive and integrated portfolio that spans the full spectrum of the student experience. This includes:
- Student Life and Engagement – encompassing orientation programmes, student leadership development, clubs and societies, volunteerism, and campus engagement initiatives;
- Student Wellbeing and Counselling Services – including mental health support, psychological counselling, accessibility and disability services, and proactive wellbeing programmes;
- Employability and Career Development – overseeing internship placements, industry engagement, career readiness initiatives, co-curricular recognition, and graduate employability tracking;
- Accommodation Services – managing on- and off-campus accommodation, arrival and transition services, and on campus life programming to support student integration and success;
- International Student Experience – delivering tailored support for international students including intercultural orientation, compliance support, and social integration initiatives;
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – advancing programs and strategies that support underrepresented and identity-based student cohorts, foster inclusive campus culture, and promote intercultural understanding;
- Student Conduct and Complaints Management – providing institutional leadership over student discipline, misconduct processes, complaints, appeals, and restorative practices; and
- Student Safety and Welfare – implementing systems for crisis response, food and housing security, threat assessment, and student support coordination.