Job Opportunities

As an integral member of the ASA Leadership team and a critical enterprise role, this role is accountable for leading non-financial registration and accreditation with the Tertiary Education Quality Standards Agency (TEQSA) and legislative requirements. The Director Quality and Compliance will provide advice and support services to facilitate compliance activities against the Higher Education Standards Framework 2021 (HESF) and the ESOS National Code.

Working under limited direction with a degree of autonomy, the Director Quality and Compliance proactively monitors and asses the organisation’s compliance with the TEQSA Standards (HESF), ESOS Act and the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF). This role also provides leadership within the organisation’s community in the provision of technical advice and expertise in relation to compliance with the TEQSA Standards, policy development and the establishment of best practice in relation to compliance and regulatory obligations to learning and teaching and student services.

The Compliance department is responsible for the maintenance and oversight of policies within the organisation. This position will oversee and manage internal quality audits, corporate and academic governance processes, continuous improvement of the policy framework, strategic planning, risk management planning and external reporting to regulatory bodies and overall compliance with the regulatory Framework within which the organization operates.

Risk and Compliance

• Manage the implementation of the quality risk management framework.
• Responsibility for risk assessment, audit review, monitoring and managing quality compliance within the organisation.
• Provide advice, guidance and support to the organization with regards to compliance.
• Monitor and evaluate internal compliance controls, proactively identifying areas for improvement and implement effective risk mitigation measures.
• Collaborate with multiple stakeholders and business units to foster a team-based approach and risk-aware culture.
• Manage ASA Risk Register.
• Monitor Third Party Agreements and provide regular updates to Academic Board.

Quality Assurance

• Develop and monitor the implementation of quality assurance practices that focus on maintaining academic standards and providing high quality educational experiences.
• Oversee/conduct internal audits as per the compliance calendar or as determined by the CEO or Audit & Risk Committee.
• Monitor, track and report on strategies that support quality assurance and continuous improvements, such as benchmarking, policy and process reviews, and governance decisions to ensure achievement of management actions by agreed delivery dates.
• Manage and lead managers to maintain compliance with the regulatory framework, including requirements established through the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 (National Code 2018), Higher Education Threshold Standards 2017, the Higher Education Support Act (2018) (if relevant) and state-based legislation governing higher education providers.
• Consult with the Board, and CEO to determine proactive Assurance focus areas and associated internal audit program of work, partnering with regulatory audit bodies.

Policy

• Identify the lack of and/or improvements to policy and process, assess effectiveness of current policies and processes and recommend and direct required changes.
• Revise, provide high-level advice, and develop policies and processes as required to support ongoing compliance and quality assurance practices.

Continuous Improvement

• Acquire, apply, and maintain a comprehensive working knowledge of precedents, relevant legislation, Standards (such as HESF, ESOS, TEQSA), quality assurance procedures, reporting requirements, best practice regulatory models, policy, procedures, and guidelines.
• Provide day to day operational compliance guidance and training to staff members, fostering a culture of compliance awareness and understanding.
• Conducting periodic internal audits and supporting external audits.

Reporting

• Compile, review and prepare data as a basis for monitoring program performance, assessing academic risks and analysing overall performance internally and externally.
• Manage, analyse, report on, and ensure compliance of the organisation’s practices with legislative and regulatory obligations (such as HESF, ESOS, TEQSA), and provide advice and recommendations when government legislation and regulatory requirements are revised.
• Undertake directed investigations of quality and risk related issues and drafting reports for Board and audits.
• Manage, report, and facilitate external corporate and academic governance reviews.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Participate in committees and meetings with responsibilities and oversight of matters relating to Quality Management, Governance, Compliance and Risk.
• Foster positive relationships with regulatory agencies and other external stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and collaborations.
• Coordinate and manage the organisation’s submissions and communications for TEQSA registrations, accreditation and re-accreditation of programs, and CRICOS registrations in line with government regulatory requirements and Institute policy.
• Contribute to strategic and operational planning as part of the executive and manage reporting of Institute outcomes against objectives.
• Assist with Agent reviews, monitoring and reporting.

Qualifications

• Completion of a tertiary qualification and relevant quality and compliance management experience in a Higher Education environment.  

Essential experience and skills

• Demonstrated understanding of, and experience in working with, the Higher Education sector regulatory framework.  
• Excellent written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to prepare written material such as Higher Education accreditation reports and governance committee minutes.  
• High level oral communication skills, including the ability to deliver management briefings and consult with staff at all levels of the organisation.  
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and identify areas for improvement. 
• Demonstrated experience in monitoring strategic and operational business plans. 
• Demonstrated experience in continuous improvement of processes and procedures across organisational boundaries, and monitoring outcomes of identified opportunities for improvement.  
• Demonstrated computer literacy, including strong skills in Microsoft Office suite packages.  
• Demonstrated experience in preparing and conducting internal quality and/or compliance audits in a Higher Education environment. 
• Demonstrated experience in preparing and participating in external Higher Education regulatory audits. 
• Collaborative mindset with a proven ability to build positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 

Desirable

• Experience in working in a private Higher Education institute. 
• Working knowledge of auditing principles and proficiency in using MS Office Suite and compliance management software. 

• APPLICATIONS CLOSE 18 AUGUST 2023, unless filled prior to this date. 
• PLEASE NOTE:  Due to the short turnaround time and the anticipated number of applications, only those shortlisted will be contacted. 

If you have enquiries regarding the details of this role, please email [email protected]