Vacancies

Chief Operating Officer

Reference no: 498581
Work type: Fixed Term - Full Time
Location: Bathurst
Categories: Professional

Charles Sturt University is seeking an accomplished and collaborative Chief Operating Officer to help shape the next chapter of Australia’s leading regional university. This is a significant executive role overseeing the University’s core operational portfolios and driving operational excellence in support of the Vice-Chancellor, University Council and academic community.

With multiple campuses and deep roots in regional Australia, Charles Sturt plays a vital role in strengthening regional capability, opportunity and wellbeing. The University has a proud history of widening access to education, supporting industry and communities, and delivering nationally recognised online learning. Candidates who bring a genuine connection to regional Australia or an appreciation of its contribution to national prosperity are strongly encouraged to consider this opportunity.

Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor, the Chief Operating Officer leads a broad portfolio spanning Finance, People and Culture, IT, Facilities, Student Support, Safety and Wellbeing, and Customer Experience. The role requires a highly collaborative executive who can foster a strong service culture, work effectively with academic and professional colleagues, and build alignment across a large, multi-campus environment. Strong relationship management skills, including the ability to work productively with Council, will be essential.

Charles Sturt is seeking a seasoned leader with experience in large, complex organisations and a track record of delivering high-quality operational performance. Insight into higher education, government or comparable service environments will be valuable, along with the capability to lead teams through change, strengthen systems, and support an engaged and values-driven workforce.

Johnson Partners is supporting Charles Sturt University in this search.

This role will need to be located in one of CSU's regional centres, which includes locations such as Bathurst, Albury-Wodonga, Wagga Wagga, Orange, Port Macquarie and Canberra.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Dean Hassall at dean@johnsonpartners.co

To apply, please send your CV and Cover Letter to team@johnsonpartners.co

Applications close: 4th December 2025.

Advertised: 01 Dec 2025 09:00 AM - AUS Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 04 Dec 2025 11:00 PM - AUS Eastern Daylight Time