Director, Centre for Pre-University

Job Summary:

The Director of the Centre for Pre-University (CPU) will lead the academic, strategic, and operational functions of a foundation-supported pre-university centre. This role requires a mission-driven leader committed to inclusive education, especially for students from underserved and disadvantaged communities. The Director will ensure that the Centre delivers high-quality academic programmes— including international pathways such as SAM and AUSMAT—while supporting students' holistic development and successful transition to higher education.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a long-term vision for the Centre aligned with the foundation's mission to expand access to quality education.
• Drive strategic initiatives to enhance academic outcomes, student engagement, and university placement success.
• Foster a culture of innovation, equity, and academic excellence across all pre-university programmes including SAM and AUSMAT.

Academic Planning & Quality Assurance

• Design, implement, and continuously improve the pre-university curriculum, including
• internationally recognised programmes such as South Australian Matriculation (SAM), Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT), A-Levels, IB, and local Foundation programmes.
• Ensure the delivery of learner-centric, inclusive, and outcome-driven education.
• Oversee assessment systems and quality assurance practices that align with the academic standards of international pre-university programmes.
• Ensure alignment of teaching and support strategies with university readiness benchmarks and global higher education expectations.

Faculty and Team Management

• Lead recruitment, onboarding, mentoring, and evaluation of faculty and academic staff.
• Promote professional development, academic collaboration, and performance accountability.
• Build a high-performing, student-focused academic team experienced in delivering international programmes including SAM and AUSMAT.

Student Development & Support

• Design and implement comprehensive student support services including academic advising, life skills training, counselling, and career/college guidance.
• Ensure systems to monitor student progress and intervene with appropriate support.
• Promote student engagement, leadership, and community participation within the context of both academic and personal growth.
• Facilitate student preparedness for global university applications, including those transitioning from SAM and AUSMAT.

Programme Operations & Administration

• Manage Centre operations, budgets, academic calendars, and administrative processes.
• Ensure compliance with educational regulations and the foundation's internal policies.
• Work closely with internal M&E teams to track programme outcomes and impact metrics across various academic streams.

Stakeholder & External Engagement

• Build and maintain partnerships with schools, universities, education boards, community groups, and government bodies.
• Represent the Centre in academic forums, donor meetings, and public education initiatives.
• Serve as an ambassador for the foundation's education mission and strengthen the Centre's profile as a provider of internationally recognised pre-university education.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field (Ph.D. preferred).
• Minimum 10 years of experience in academic leadership, ideally within a foundation, NGO, or socially driven education programme.
• Deep understanding of international pre-university education systems, particularly SAM, AUSMAT, A-Levels, and Foundation programmes, and how they serve as pathways to higher education.
• Proven experience in managing diverse teams, curriculum development, and educational programme implementation.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Passion for social equity, inclusion, and student-centered education.