Vacancy Details
Avondale University is seeking applications for a full-time Director of Student Services (DOSS) to join the Students and Engagement Team.
Be part of the transformation.
This important role will have you providing leadership of the University’s student experience. Leading the development and delivery of initiatives, programs and support services that enable students to flourish, achieve their educational goals, deepen their faith, and engage meaningfully in university life.
What will you do?
Some of the main duties will include (see full job description for more details):
- Own and coordinate the implementation of the University Spiritual Master Plan.
- Make and implement approved recommendations to improve Student Life activities and Student Life facilities across the University.
- Oversee student life activities for all Avondale students in all locations and modes of learning.
- Lead and coordinate the Student Life team (residential, sport, recreation, ACELab and chaplains) to plan and implement a program of activities, social, cultural, recreational, sport, and residential that is appropriate for the respective student cohorts.
- To be aware of the rights of students both individually and collectively and maintain an active vigilance to ensure these rights are not infringed or diminished by any policy, interpretation or action of the University or the activity of any individual staff member or student.
- To develop initiatives that will meet the needs of and help to integrate students from diverse cultural and faith settings.
- Facilitate the delivery of chaplaincy program that supports the spiritual and pastoral care needs of students regardless of location.
- Coordinate the election and/or appointment of students to various student committees, including membership of the Student Council where you will be a non voting member.
- Oversee and coordinate in conjunction with the Residence Managers, appropriate care, support services, and supervision of students living in the residence halls.
About you
To be successful in the Director of Student Services role, you will provide strategic leadership for Universities student experience, ensuring students are supported spiritually, academically and personally.
Essential criteria
- A commitment to promote the Seventh-day Adventist mission and ethos of Avondale by influence and example.
- Be willing to participate actively in the spiritual, cultural and recreational life of the campus.
- Have a tertiary qualification in a service related area.
- Have excellent communication skills and a courteous manner.
- Demonstrate the ability to work in a team and effectively interface with peers, supervisors, and other staff.
- Demonstrate a high level of professionalism in communicating with students.
- Demonstrate ability to develop and implement policies.
- Proven skills in leadership and management.
- Cooperate with all occupational health & safety policies and procedures related to the work being undertaken and ensure that their actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of others at the College. Promote a safe work place and identify unsafe practices.
- Understand and support equal opportunity principles.
Why work at Avondale?
- Half day Friday’s
- Heavily discounted further study options
- Discounted school fees for attendance at Adventist schools
- Free access to onsite ovals, tennis courts, squash courts and Auditorium on Lake Macquarie campus during opening hours
- Free access to Avondale Libraries
- Café on Lake Macquarie Campus
- Values driven organisation
Please visit www.avondale.edu.au/employment for the full job description and details of this position. For further information about the role, please email Avondale University’s People and Culture Manager at [email protected].
Email your application to [email protected], including:
- A resume (four-page maximum)
- A statement addressing the essential criteria
- Contact details of three referees
Salary: Avondale Higher Education Worker Level 9 $127,808 - $137,895 per annum, plus superannuation.
Please note that we will be conducting interviews as applications come in, so please do not delay in submitting your application.
Applications close on 4 September 2026
Applicants must have the right to work in Australia. Avondale is an equal opportunity employer and reserves the right to make a delayed appointment, not appoint, or appoint by invitation.
