Director, Legal and Policy

Make an impact at the University of Wollongong (UOW) - a purpose driven institution ranked in the top 1% of universities globally.

About the Role

This is a newly designed leadership opportunity that brings together Legal Services, Policy and Information Compliance into a single strategic portfolio.
Reporting to the Chief Legal and Assurance Officer and Secretary to Council, the Director, Legal and Policy will provide enterprise-wide leadership across legal advice, policy governance, privacy, records management and information compliance.

As a trusted adviser to senior executives and key decision-makers, you will help shape the University's legal and governance landscape, providing strategic advice on complex legal, regulatory and institutional matters while driving continuous improvement across policy and compliance frameworks.

This role offers significant leadership scope, with responsibility for five direct reports and an overall team of 17 staff. You will lead a multidisciplinary team comprising legal, policy and information compliance professionals, setting the strategic direction of the function while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability and service excellence. Your direct reports include:

• Senior Legal Counsel (x2)
• Paralegal
• Senior Manager, Information Compliance
• Policy Remediation Lead

This is a unique opportunity to lead a newly integrated function, influence organisational decision-making and establish a contemporary operating model that supports the University's strategic priorities.

About the Team

The Integrity, Legal and Governance Division is UOW's central function for legal services, governance, risk and compliance, assurance, wellbeing, integrity, secretariat services, complaints and community safety. The Division works closely with the Vice-Chancellor, University Council, University Executive Board and stakeholders across all faculties and divisions and plays a critical role in how UOW governs itself, manages risk and upholds its obligations to staff, students and the broader community.
This is a division in an exciting period of growth and is expanding its capability and strengthening the way its functions are organised and led.

As Director, Legal and Policy, you will lead one of the Division's two Director-level functions; bringing together Legal Services, Policy and Information Compliance under a single, integrated leadership structure for the first time. You will inherit a capable and experienced team and have the opportunity to shape how legal, policy and information governance services are delivered across a complex, multi-campus institution.

This is a role for a senior leader who wants to do more than manage a legal function — someone who wants to be part of shaping how a university governs itself.

What You’ll Bring

You are a strategic and influential leader with the ability to navigate complex legal, governance and policy environments while building trusted relationships across a diverse stakeholder landscape.

You bring a track record of providing high-level advice, exercising sound judgement and leading teams through change and complexity. Comfortable operating at both a strategic and operational level, you are motivated by the opportunity to lead a newly designed function and drive meaningful impact across the University.

You will also bring:

• A tertiary qualification in Law and admission, or eligibility for admission, as an Australian Legal Practitioner.
• Significant leadership experience within legal, governance, policy, compliance or regulatory environments.
• Demonstrated experience providing strategic advice to executive leaders, governing bodies and senior stakeholders.
• Strong knowledge of governance, legislative and regulatory frameworks and the ability to balance risk, compliance and organisational outcomes.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing, multidisciplinary teams.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication and influencing skills.
• A commitment to fostering a culture that reflects UOW's Values in Action by leading with integrity, collaboration, inclusion and accountability.
• A passion for continuous improvement and building contemporary, customer-focused services that enable organisational success.
• As a member of the Integrity, Legal & Governance leadership team, you will play a critical role in supporting the University's strategic objectives and governance framework.

Why Join UOW

• 35-hour full-time work week supporting greater balance and flexibility
• Flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies
• Generous leave entitlements including additional concession days over the Christmas–New Year period
• Purchased leave options to provide greater flexibility throughout the year
• Ongoing professional development and clear career progression opportunities

Role Details

• Employment type: Fixed-term Full-time Opportunity | 5-Year Term
• Level 10 | Competitive salary on offer
• Position Description
• Location: Wollongong Campus / Hybrid
• Valid Australian work rights required.  Visa sponsorship is not available.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you are required to submit a resume, and cover letter (of no more than 3 pages) summarising your skills and experience as they relate to the selection criteria located in the position description.

For further information about this position, please contact Morgan Bryant, General Counsel, Chief Assurance Officer & Secretary to Council on + 61 2 4239 5111

Closing Date: Sunday 4 October 2026, 11:55pm

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

The University of Wollongong is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where diversity is valued, respected and celebrated.  We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve, removes barriers to participation, and provides equitable opportunities for staff to reach their full potential. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of all gender identities and sexual orientations, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, and those with caring or family responsibilities.

As required by federal legislation, prospective employees are required to declare whether they have been investigated for an allegation of Gender based Violence or determined to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender based Violence, during their previous employment, or otherwise in a legal process. Any such declaration will be included in the University’s employment screening processes and will be treated with the strictest confidence and in compliance with all privacy legislation.
 

At the University of Wollongong (UOW), our people are united by a shared purpose — to create a better future through education, research, innovation and meaningful community impact.

With deep local roots and a growing global presence, UOW is proud to contribute to positive change in the communities we serve and the world beyond them. Guided by our Vision 2035 and Strategic Plan 2030, we are building a future that is innovative, inclusive and committed to societal impact — one where people, ideas and opportunity can thrive.

We are recognised for excellence in teaching and research, and for the real-world impact of our work. But what truly brings UOW to life is our people. Across every role, our staff contribute to something bigger — helping shape the future through the work they do every day.

At UOW, we are committed to fostering a culture where people feel valued, supported and empowered to do their best work. Our Values in Action guide how we work, lead and make decisions — creating a workplace grounded in integrity, accountability, collaboration and excellence.

Joining UOW means becoming part of a values-led community where your work has purpose, your contribution is valued, and the impact you make can be felt locally and globally.