Vice-Chancellor and President, Swinburne University of Technology

Swinburne has a strong foundation, a distinctive position and an ambitious future. We are seeking an exceptional Vice-Chancellor and President to build on our momentum, translate strategy into action and accelerate delivery.

This is a role for a leader who can unite an institution around a clear purpose, drive measurable outcomes and strengthen Swinburne's economic and social impact through its distinctive position at the intersection of humanity and technology.

The successful candidate will be a distinguished academic leader with a strong research profile, a proven ability to translate strategy into institutional performance and lead significant organisational change. They will bring a collaborative, high-performance leadership style, deep knowledge of the Australian higher education sector, and a demonstrated capacity to deliver impactful outcomes through strong engagement with internal stakeholders and external industry, government and community partners.

Swinburne values leaders who are curious, collaborative and approachable; leaders who build capability in others, stand behind their people and create the conditions for long-term institutional success. Experience across both higher education and vocational education sectors will be highly regarded, as will demonstrated success leading academic Schools and Faculties as part of a progressive academic leadership career.

 
This is an opportunity to lead a university that is focused not on being bigger, but on being distinctive, excellent and impactful.

Swinburne University is partnering with Odgers Executive Search on this important appointment. Jenny Sutton will be leading this search and conducting confidential conversations. Jenny can be contacted via email ************@odgers.com.

Applications will formally close on 24 September 2026. Interviews will take place in October 2026.

A copy of the position description can be found at www.odgers.com/96711