Head, Academic Operations & Student Affairs – UNSW Bengaluru
· Reports to Chief Operating Officer
· Full-time
About the Role
UNSW Bengaluru is establishing its India campus, and this is a rare opportunity to shape it from the ground up. As Head of Academic Operations & Student Affairs, you will architect the systems, teams, and culture that define the student experience — from the moment an offer is issued to the moment a student becomes a proud alumnus. This is a high-impact, high-visibility role for a leader who combines strategic thinking with a passion for operational excellence and student wellbeing.
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Key Responsibilities
Academic Operations
● Lead the setup and continuous improvement of the LMS in alignment with UNSW Sydney standards
● Oversee academic scheduling, timetabling, and faculty coordination
● Design the student journey from offer acceptance through orientation and pre-commencement engagement
● Drive initiatives to strengthen student conversion, retention, and preparedness
● Establish service standards and processes that support operational excellence in academic delivery
● Partner with admissions and recruitment teams; represent the campus in student outreach
Student Affairs
● Develop and lead a comprehensive Student Affairs strategy covering life, experience, and wellbeing
● Establish and oversee extracurricular activities — clubs, councils, cultural and sports committees
● Build an inclusive, diverse campus culture aligned with UNSW’s values
● Implement student wellbeing and mental health support frameworks in partnership with vendors and stakeholders
● Design programs for community building, personal development, and student engagement
● Create frameworks for student representation, feedback, and governance
● Oversee student grievances, disciplinary matters, and policy adherence
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What we’re looking for
● Master’s degree or higher in Education, Management, or a related field
● 12+ years of experience in higher education administration, student affairs, or campus operations
● Proven success setting up or managing academic operations and student services in a university environment
● Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and scale high-performing teams
● Hands-on experience with LMS platforms and academic scheduling systems
● Strong understanding of student lifecycle management and engagement strategies
● Familiarity with international education systems or global university operations (highly desirable)
● Excellent stakeholder manageement and communication skills across all levels
