Chief Wellbeing Officer at Victoria University Minimal

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

10 May, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

09 Feb, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Wellbeing, Equity, Inclusion, Leadership, Strategy Development, Change Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Advocacy, Communication, Program Evaluation, Data Analysis, Impact Reporting, Culturally Safe Practice, Collaboration, Multidisciplinary Teams, Continuous Improvement

Industry

Higher Education

Description

About VU: At Victoria University, our aim is to be a global leader in dual-sector learning and research by 2028. Join us on the journey and help us achieve our strategic drives embedded in our Strategic Plan 2022-2028: Start well, finish brilliantly. One of the drivers “Thriving place to Study and Work” will enable us to continue to create places that our students and staff love to belong and feel immense pride. About the Team: The Chief Wellbeing Officer will sit within the Enterprise & Digital portfolio, led by the Deputy Vice‑Chancellor, Enterprise & Digital. In this role, you will work closely with the DVC leadership team and senior leaders across the University to shape, strengthen, and champion wellbeing initiatives for both students and staff. You will play a pivotal role in bringing our progressive inclusivity framework to life ensuring wellbeing, equity, and a sense of belonging remain central to the VU experience. About the Role We are pleased to introduce a newly created executive position Chief Wellbeing Officer. Reporting to the Deputy Vice‑Chancellor, Enterprise and Digital, the Chief Wellbeing Officer provides strategic and operational leadership for Victoria University’s holistic wellbeing, equity and inclusion agenda. The role brings together a diverse range of functions including counselling, advocacy, accessibility, equity and inclusion, active living (VU Thrive and VU Sport), and the University’s response to gender‑based violence into a cohesive, high‑impact wellbeing ecosystem serving both students and staff. You will lead transformative cultural change to ensure every member of the VU community can thrive, participate equitably, and experience a strong sense of belonging. Key Responsibilities: Set and deliver the University-wide vision for wellbeing, equity, and inclusion, aligned with VU’s Strategic Plan and Progressive Inclusivity Framework. Lead and integrate University operations into a cohesive, high-impact portfolio. Oversee the design, delivery, and evaluation of programs and services that support student and staff wellbeing, including counselling, advocacy, welfare, accessibility and active living initiatives. Drive the implementation of the Progressive Inclusivity Framework and action plans for cultural inclusion, gender equality, disability inclusion, LGBTQIA+ pride and mental health. Lead VU’s response to the National Code for the Prevention and Response to Gender-based Violence, ensuring compliance, best practice and sector leadership. Build and maintain strong partnerships with students, staff, living experience networks, community organisations and sector leaders. Showcase VU as a leader in the sector and a preferred employer by championing wellbeing initiatives. Represent VU in external forums, advocating for progressive approaches to wellbeing, equity and inclusion. Provide strategic advice to the Executive and Council, and ensure robust frameworks for measuring impact, evaluation and reporting. Position Details: Employment Type: Full-time, fixed-term up to 5 years Location: Footscray Park & hybrid Portfolio: Enterprise and Digital For a detailed overview of the role’s duties and responsibilities, please refer to the Chief Wellbeing Officer Click Here About You: You are a visionary and collaborative leader, passionate about advancing wellbeing, equity, and inclusion. You bring: Senior leadership experience in wellbeing, equity, inclusion, or related fields within a complex organisation. Demonstrated expertise in strategy development, integration and change management. Deep understanding of trauma-informed, intersectional and culturally safe practice. Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and drive cross-organisational collaboration. Strong stakeholder engagement, advocacy and communication skills. Experience in program evaluation, data analysis and impact reporting. Commitment to the values of equity, inclusion and continuous improvement. Please note: The University is a Child Safe organisation. You will be required to hold a current Employee Working with Children Check (WWCC) or be willing to obtain one prior to commencing employment. Who to Contact? Victoria University has engaged Davidson Executive Search to support this appointment. For a confidential discussion, please contact: Paul Lefebvre Paul.Lefebvre@Davidsonwp.com 0408 036 046 or Kate Chase Kate.Chase@davidsonwp.com 0412 254 802. How to Apply: Applications must submit: A cover letter that addresses the selection criteria located in the position description Your curriculum vitae/resume Applications will close 8th of March at 12pm. Early applications are strongly encouraged. Why Join VU: VU provides competitive salaries, excellent superannuation, and a variety of benefits. The university fosters an environment where staff can excel, achieve their goals, and develop their careers. With a focus on diversity, inclusion, and family-friendly policies, VU supports both professional and personal well-being. For more information, please visit our Careers at VU Webpage Our Commitment to Protecting Country: Victoria University honours its deep diversity as a foundation for collaboration and social progress. We will demonstrate sensitivity in respecting First Nation perspectives. We will ensure that we respect our Indigenous voices and commit to sustainable Protecting Country. We will take leadership responsibility, in all that we do, to improve the health and wellbeing of our local and global communities, and the planet that we share. Our Commitment to Progressive Inclusivity: VU is an equal opportunity employer and proudly committed to progressive inclusivity. We welcome and celebrate diversity in all its forms including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and racially marginalised communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds. We strive to reflect the communities we serve and foster an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment where everyone feels they belong. We are proud to be a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality. Our Commitment to Inclusive Recruitment: VU is committed to providing a positive and barrier-free recruitment experience. If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, including accessible formats of documents, please contact us at inclusivecareers@vu.edu.au or call (03) 9919 5999.

Responsibilities

The Chief Wellbeing Officer will provide strategic and operational leadership for wellbeing, equity, and inclusion initiatives at Victoria University. This role involves overseeing various programs and services to ensure a cohesive wellbeing ecosystem for students and staff.