Newly created full-time, permanent position
Base salary will be in the range $115,645 - $129,654 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 8)
Based at our St Lucia location
This newly created leadership role in the Sponsored Students Unit is central to UQ’s global engagement strategy. You will lead a high-performing team focused on recruiting and supporting international sponsored students, while advancing initiatives that strengthen UQ’s partnerships worldwide.
In this role, you will shape and deliver strategies to meet enrolment targets, build strong relationships with international sponsors and government partners, and ensure compliance with UQ policies and relevant legislation. You will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight, manage a skilled team, and collaborate across UQ to enhance the sponsored student experience.
Key responsibilities will include:
Provide clear leadership and foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture.
Develop and execute strategic and operational plans informed by data and market insights to achieve UQ’s objectives.
Cultivate strong, productive relationships with internal stakeholders, external partners, and global sponsors to drive engagement and outcomes.
Oversee and provide guidance on complex student cases to ensure high-quality support and resolution.
Manage, review and enhance institutional agreements and third-party contracts, including performance monitoring and recommendations.
Oversee budgets effectively, including forecasting, reconciliation, and sponsor-related financial management.
Champion continuous improvement initiatives to streamline processes, enhance service delivery, and leverage technology.
Ensure compliance with legislation and University policies, managing risk and implementing mitigation strategies.
As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world.
Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.
Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued, and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:
Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave/paid primary care leave
17% superannuation contributions + 17.5% annual leave loading
Access to flexible working arrangements
Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family
Career development opportunities – access to exclusive internal-only vacancies and our Study for Staff program
On campus childcare options
Salary packaging options
Postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline or a combination of education and on-the-job experience.
Proven ability to lead and inspire teams, creating a culture of collaboration and accountability that drives strategic outcomes.
Demonstrated success in developing and implementing international student recruitment strategies, including building partnerships with overseas governments and organisations.
Strong cross-cultural communication skills and experience working within complex, multi-layered organisations to coordinate resources and deliver outcomes.
Advanced analytical skills, including the ability to interpret data, monitor performance, prepare concise reports, and manage budgets effectively.
Exceptional interpersonal and presentation skills, with the ability to represent UQ professionally and influence diverse stakeholders.
In-depth knowledge of the Australian international higher education sector, particularly sponsored student programs and Australia Awards.
The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, criminal check, education check, AHPRA registration, mandatory immunisations, first aid and/or CPR certification, blue card check, etc.
You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Johan Arnberg at johan.arnberg@uq.edu.au
For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:
Resume
Cover Letter outlining your suitability
Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.
UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.
Applications close Sunday 1 February at 11.59pm AEST (R-58711). Please note that interviews have been scheduled for week commencing Monday 9 February.