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Chief Academic Officer

Melbourne, Victoria Permanent View Job Description
Reporting directly to the CEO, the Chief Academic Officer (CAO) is responsible for the academic leadership, quality, integrity & delivery of all teaching activities across Laurus Education. Including face-to-face & online delivery of higher education, vocational education & training and non-accredited programs, academic staff capability and development, course and curriculum design, and stewardship of the learning management systems (LMS).
  • Newly created Executive Leadership Position (Melbourne, Perth or Brisbane)
  • International growth mandate

About Our Client

Laurus Education is a privately owned education group where a newly established Executive Leadership Team will directly influence the future of learning. Laurus Education's Vision2030 is to become a globally recognised, innovation driven education provider, creating life-changing learning experiences across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

Laurus Education delivers vocational, English language and higher education programs to domestic and international students, with every offering designed to strengthen workforce capability and create real employability outcomes.

Under a new CEO, Laurus is entering a dynamic growth phase expanding domestically and internationally while sharpening their focus on student experience, operational excellence, digital transformation and scalable delivery.

This role sits at the heart of their newly established ELT and is pivotal to executing their Vision 2030. This is a rare opportunity where you can apply your strategic thinking, truly scale a business and make a tangible impact on Laurus' next chapter of growth. Role can be based in Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth.

Job Description

  • Drive enterprise-wide academic vision, standards, and delivery models across higher education and VET
  • Oversee quality across all learning modes, embedding inclusive, student-focused practices and continuous improvement.
  • Manage course development, accreditation, and compliance, ensuring alignment with industry needs and regulatory standards
  • Develop a high-performing academic team through recruitment, professional growth, and leadership development.
  • Lead LMS and digital delivery strategy for scalable, accessible, and high-quality online and blended experiences.
  • Ensure robust academic governance, quality assurance, and compliance with TEQSA, ASQA, CRICOS, and ESOS frameworks.
  • Champion strategies that enhance progression, retention, completion, and graduate employability
  • Partner across portfolios to deliver integrated, student-led outcomes aligned with organisational goals



This is a pivotal role ensuring Laurus Education's academic strategy, learning quality and regulatory compliance are fully aligned with Laurus' strategic objectives, student experience goals and long-term enterprise sustainability..

The Successful Applicant

We are seeking a strategic and commercially astute leader with:

  • Doctoral qualification with deep experience in higher education and/or vocational education.
  • 15+ years in senior academic roles (e.g., CAO, Pro Vice Chancellor, Executive Dean)
  • A proven record of shaping enterprise-wide learning and teaching strategies.
  • Experience in regulated sectors, ideally education, with knowledge of TEQSA, ASQA, CRICOS, ESOS, and TPS obligations.
  • Demonstrated success in course design, accreditation, and lifecycle management, plus leadership in online, blended and face-to-face delivery supported by LMS.
  • Skilled in using analytics and feedback to drive continuous improvement in teaching and learning outcomes.
  • Ability to build and develop high-performing academic teams, foster scholarly culture, and lead capability uplift across diverse disciplines and locations.



*Applicants must have the right to work in Australia.

What's on Offer

You will play a critical role in shaping the financial future of a dynamic education provider, working alongside a visionary CEO and Executive Team. As the CAO, the successful candidate will have:

  • Strategic impact the transformation of the Laurus Education group
  • Transformation and Scaling-up of an International Education Provider
  • Create Value and have the opportunity to share in the profit growth
  • Competitive Remuneration - Laurus will recognise your contribution with a salary and incentive program that rewarding your contribution.
  • Passion & Vision for the student experience



How to Apply:

Submit your resume and cover letter to SamanthaFernando@pageexecutive.com or reach out via +61730186313 for a confidential conversation.

Contact
Samantha Fernando
Quote job ref
JN-122025-6910216

Job summary

Function
Operational & General Management
Subsector
Operational & General Management Subsector
Industry
Public Sector & Not-For-Profit
Location
Melbourne
Contract type
Permanent
Consultant name
Samantha Fernando
Job reference
JN-122025-6910216

About Page Executive

Page Executive are inclusive Recruiters and Hirers, as reflected in our Clear Assured Platinum Standard Accreditation from the Clear Company. We are passionate about attracting diverse talent and are committed to ensuring our processes are inclusive and supportive.