Director, Global Future Students

Job Description

Job Reference: 813050

At Curtin University, we believe in the transformative power of education. With campuses and partnerships spanning Australia, Mauritius, Malaysia, Dubai, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and beyond, we are a truly global university committed to creating impactful, sustainable solutions to address the world’s challenges. Curtin is ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide (ARWU 2024) and is renowned for its excellence in education, research, and innovation.

We are seeking a visionary leader to join our Curtin Global Executive Leadership Team. As Director, Global Future Students, you will play a pivotal role in driving the international student recruitment, admissions, and global mobility programs that will accelerate Curtin’s global impact and further cement our position as a leading, globally diverse institution.

This exciting and strategic leadership opportunity offers the chance to influence Curtin’s international student recruitment strategy, build key global partnerships, and deliver a student-centered application and mobility experience, all while contributing to the University’s mission to be a world leader in education, research, and innovation.

About the Role

As Director, Global Future Students, you will provide high-level leadership in developing and executing Curtin’s international student recruitment and global mobility strategies. You will be responsible for overseeing recruitment activities across diverse international markets, ensuring the development of effective marketing strategies, refining admissions processes, and managing key partnerships with recruitment agents and external organisations.

Reporting directly to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Global (DVCG), you will play an essential role in driving Curtin’s international growth and diversification goals, working closely with senior leadership, academic faculties, and external stakeholders to ensure the University remains at the forefront of global student recruitment.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Provide input to the DVCG Portfolio and lead the development and implementation of Curtin’s international student recruitment and mobility strategies. Monitor and report on progress against international student growth and diversification KPIs.
• One Curtin Global Marketing & Recruitment: Lead the success of Curtin’s unified global marketing, recruitment, admissions, and mobility strategies, including the development and monitoring of related policies, procedures, and best practices.
• International Student Growth: Ensure alignment with Curtin’s strategic goals by driving international student recruitment efforts across all global markets. Oversee the development and management of business relationships with agents, recruiters, sponsors, and mobility partners.
• University Strategy & Global Positioning: Support DVCG in the development and review of Curtin’s Global Positioning Strategy, ensuring alignment with broader university strategic planning processes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with academic faculties, University committees, and the Global Governance and Compliance Team to address international issues affecting recruitment, admissions, and mobility. Contribute to discussions on revenue forecasts and strategic global expansion.
• Compliance & Legal Leadership: Ensure that Curtin’s international student recruitment operations meet all relevant legislative requirements, including those of ESOS, SSVF, and TPS. Collaborate with the Global Governance and Compliance Team to maintain the highest standards in student visa processing and compliance.
• Staff Leadership & Development: Lead and mentor teams across international recruitment, admissions, and global mobility. Provide strategic guidance and foster a positive, high-performance culture through regular staff engagement, professional development, and performance reviews.
• Financial & Resource Management: Engage in strategic budget forecasting, financial planning, and staffing, in close collaboration with Finance and PAC functional areas. Negotiate competitive agreements with partners and suppliers to support recruitment and mobility activities within budget.
• Representation & Stakeholder Engagement: Represent Curtin University and the Global portfolio at national and international forums, conferences, and industry events, while building and maintaining strategic networks to support global student recruitment and mobility goals.

About You

To succeed in this role, you will bring a wealth of experience in international education, strong leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of the global higher education landscape. You will be a strategic, innovative thinker with the ability to drive operational excellence and foster collaboration across teams and with external partners. Your expertise in managing large, complex recruitment operations and your ability to deliver results will be critical to your success

Key Selection Criteria

• Qualifications & Experience: A postgraduate qualification (or equivalent) with extensive experience in international education management or a related field. Alternatively, an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
• Leadership Excellence: Proven ability to lead and motivate teams at a senior level, both within a large university and externally. Demonstrated success in managing cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration, and driving results.
• Sector Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of the international education sector in Australia, including legislative requirements, global trends, and competitive dynamics. Familiarity with international student recruitment and admissions processes is essential.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: High-level analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges and achieve recruitment and operational goals.
• Communication & Influence: Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate with a diverse range of stakeholders at all levels. Cross-cultural sensitivity and experience working in international contexts are highly valued.
• Financial & Resource Management: Significant experience managing large-scale budgets, resources, and contracts in a complex, dynamic environment. Ability to forecast and manage recruitment-related financial planning.
• Global Mobility & Compliance: Strong understanding of global mobility programs and student visa regulations. Experience in managing compliance with the ESOS framework and other international education requirements.  

Why Curtin?

At Curtin, we’re more than just a university—we’re a global community dedicated to making a difference through education, research, and partnerships. Here are just a few reasons why Curtin is an exciting place to work:

• Global Excellence: As one of the top 1% of universities worldwide, Curtin is committed to shaping the future of education and research through innovation and impact. Join a diverse, collaborative team of academics, professionals, and global leaders committed to excellence and making a positive impact in the world. At Curtin, integrity, respect, courage, and innovation are at the heart of everything we do.
• Vibrant Campus: Our Bentley Campus, located on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, is home to a thriving community of students, staff, and researchers. With world-class facilities, a vibrant campus culture, and an abundance of local amenities—including a gym, childcare, medical centre, art gallery, and hotel, endless food options at our Exchange Precinct including a supermarket, beautiful gardens, end-of-trip facilities, accessible parking, and excellent public transport connections. Curtin is the perfect place to live, work, and grow.
• Work-Life Balance: We value our employees and offer a range of benefits designed to support health, well-being, and work-life balance, including flexible work arrangements, wellness programs, and generous leave entitlements.
• Career Development: With a strong commitment to professional growth, Curtin offers significant opportunities for career advancement, skill development, and leadership training.
• Attractive Employee Benefits: In addition to a competitive salary package, Curtin offers a generous superannuation contribution, salary packaging options, health insurance discounts and more.

For more information about our University and we offer, please visit www.curtin.edu.au

Are you ready to lead the future of global education at Curtin?
If you are a strategic, dynamic leader with a passion for international education and a proven track record in global student recruitment and mobility, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on Curtin’s global success.

Apply Now

As part of your application, please include your CV, Cover letter and statement addressing the selection criteria to allow us to assess your suitability for this role.
We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of diverse gender, sex and sexuality, people with disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.  

Applications close: 21 February, Friday, 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.

Disclaimer: Please note that there is no standardised time for the closing of adverts on the specified date. Therefore, we recommend submitting your application ahead of this deadline. Late applications will not be considered, and only successful candidates will be contacted. 

If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on CurtinCareers@curtin.edu.au or 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1), or Abby Fox on abby.fox@curtin.edu.au, quoting the reference number.

Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time.