Macquarie University is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Dean of Students) portfolio as Manager, Student Safety and Culture. This is a high-impact role at the forefront of one of the most important agendas in Australian higher education — creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive campus environment for all students.

In this role, you will design and lead evidence-informed student safety and culture initiatives, with a particular focus on gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response education and training. You will ensure Macquarie University meets its obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence, while driving programs that are trauma-informed, person-centred, culturally appropriate, and accessible.

Working collaboratively with students, staff, external experts, survivors, and representatives of disproportionately affected groups, you will shape strategy, influence policy, build partnerships, and deliver measurable outcomes. If you are passionate about student safety and have a track record in developing large-scale education and training programs within complex organisations, we want to hear from you.

About the Role

Reporting to the Director, Student Integrity and Compliance, the Manager, Student Safety and Culture lead the design, delivery, and evaluation of student safety and culture initiatives across the University. You will also lead a small team, including the Student Safety and Inclusion Officer. Key responsibilities include:

• Program Development and Operational Management: Design and oversee evidence-informed student safety and culture initiatives using diverse delivery methods, including education and training programs on complex harmful behaviours and GBV prevention and response.
• Specialised Training: Develop training for responding to disclosures of GBV, emphasising trauma-informed and person-centred approaches.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration: Lead the co-design and delivery of initiatives in partnership with students, staff, external experts, survivors, and affected communities
• Quality Assurance and Compliance: Ensure all initiatives align with higher education best practice, are informed by research and leading education practice, and are trauma-informed, person-centred, culturally appropriate, inclusive, and accessible.
• Evaluation and Continuous Improvement: Design and implement robust evaluation frameworks, analyse findings, and use data-driven insights to inform and improve ongoing programs and campaigns.
• Risk Assessment and Management: Collaborate with stakeholders to develop and oversee training for staff conducting GBV risk assessments.
• Communications and Awareness: Develop and operationalise an ‘always on’ student safety and culture communications and awareness campaign in collaboration with marketing and communication stakeholders.
• Reporting: Prepare comprehensive reports for the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Dean of Students) on program effectiveness, evaluation findings, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Team Leadership: Manage and mentor the Student Safety and Inclusion Officer and any casual staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

About Us

The Manager, Student Safety and Culture sits within the Student Integrity and Compliance team under the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Dean of Students) portfolio, within the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) portfolio. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) is the Chief Academic Officer and a member of the University Executive, with a key role in overseeing the planning, quality, and delivery of education to Macquarie’s undergraduate and graduate students.

Macquarie University prides itself on being a vibrant, diverse, and innovative university, committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity in employment and education.

About You

You are a strategic and collaborative leader with deep expertise in student safety, gender-based violence prevention and response, and education program development. You bring cultural competency, a trauma-informed lens, and the ability to influence policy and practice across a complex organisation. You are driven by impact and committed to creating environments where every student feels safe and supported.

Selection Criteria:

• Postgraduate qualification in Education, Social Work, Public Health, or a related field, and/or equivalent extensive experience.
• Expert knowledge of gender-based violence prevention and response strategies and best practices, including trauma-informed and person-centred, culturally appropriate approaches.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing large-scale education and training programs in collaboration with cross-institution and external stakeholders.
• Strong program management and organisational skills, including risk assessment and management.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the capacity to influence, negotiate, and build strong relationships with senior leaders, staff, and students.
• Proficiency in data analysis and evaluation methodologies, with the ability to translate insights into continuous improvement strategies.
• Demonstrated success in stakeholder engagement and collaborative projects, including the ability to build and manage effective partnerships with internal and external agencies.

Desirable: Knowledge of the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence.