Australian Data and Cyber Institute (ADCI) is a dynamic and emerging higher education provider based in Perth, Western Australia. We are dedicated to delivering quality academic programs that are industry-aligned, globally relevant, and digitally enabled. As a values-driven institution, we pride ourselves on our commitment to academic integrity, student-centred learning, and continuous improvement.
As we continue to grow, we are seeking an experienced and visionary Academic Principal to lead our academic operations and drive the strategic development of our teaching and learning environment. This is a unique opportunity to shape the academic direction of a young institution and build high-quality programs that meet both regulatory standards and student expectations. This role is ideal for a candidate with a strong background in higher education leadership who is passionate about quality learning outcomes and excited to contribute to building an institution from the ground up.
Experience and Attributes
- Experience with higher education quality management systems and the development of higher education policies and procedures
- Demonstrated commercial capabilities in a higher education context
- Experience in higher education curriculum development, leadership and regulation
- Commitment to scholarship and an understanding of scholarship as it applies in a non-university higher education setting
- Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication skills and highly developed interpersonal skills
- Able to work independently and as part of the Management Committee
- A thorough knowledge, understanding and capacity to implement the principles underpinning antidiscrimination, student equity, workplace health and safety and all relevant legislation
Duties & Responsibilities
The Academic Principal will operate within the overall planning, objectives and policy framework of the Institution and will:
Essential Criteria
Leadership
- Establish and guide the academic functions of the Institution with a comprehensive knowledge of institutional policies and the Higher Education Standards Framework (HESF)
- Contribute to the management, growth and future development of the Institution by providing academic leadership and by participating actively and constructively in ADI’s Management Committee
- Lead the academic development of ADCI by maintaining accredited courses and developing new courses as identified
- Lead quality of teaching and learning processes in both courses, data science and cybersecurity
- Create a rewarding and productive work environment by promoting interaction, collegiality and cooperative activity through civility and mutual respect in relationships among staff and students
- Nurture a culture of scholarship throughout the Institution
- Undertake risk management responsibilities per ADCI’s risk management plan, reporting any new significant risks identified.
- Represent the organisation in key academic and industry forums and collaborations.
- Working knowledge of all Higher Education-related legislation and regulations
- Monitor, review, and report changes to the statutory and regulatory environment to facilitate continued quality assurance and compliance.
- Attend Academic Board meetings and Course Advisory Committee meetings and report to the Academic Board on all academic matters as required, including developing the annual Teaching and Learning Plan and Scholarship Plan.
- Chair the Learning and Teaching Committee and the Curriculum Committee.
- Protect and enhance the company’s academic image and reputation.
- Ensure compliance with academically related legal and regulatory obligations.
- Work closely with ADI’s CEO to drive effective and efficient quality academic matters.
Learning and Teaching
- Provide an academic environment that maintains students central to the institute’s focus and optimises student satisfaction and retention.
- Ensure the development and implementation of strategies to enhance the student experience and retention.
- Provide academic staff with ongoing professional development through appropriate forums.
- Encourage and support a culture of active scholarship across all academic staff.
- Actively engage and consult with students.
- Experience with teaching and supporting the needs of international students.
- Monitor all students throughout their studies and act on students considered “at risk.”
- Liaise with internal and external stakeholders (including industry) to review and improve learning and teaching within the Institution.
- Convene and chair the Learning and Teaching Committee.
- Implement Academic Plans according to operational parameters.
- Lead and teach in two or more of the areas of the existing degree courses, cyber security, and data science and lead the commencement of the new courses.
- Seek opportunities for the Institution’s students to enhance their academic and work experience.
- Provide leadership in course and pedagogical development.
- Guide excellence in teaching and scholarship.
Q*_ualifications *_
- Relevant Doctoral Degree
Desirable Criteria
- Understanding the business, government and industry context in which graduates of Data Science and Cyber Security will work.
- Knowledge of professional and industry issues and trends in Data Science and Cyber Security.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $125,000.00 – $148,000.00 per year
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Perth WA 6000: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Education:
- Masters Degree (Preferred)
Experience:
- Higher education teaching: 3 years (Preferred)
Work Authorisation:
- Australia (Required)
Work Location: In person
Application Deadline: 31/08/2025
Expected Start Date: 06/10/2025