Head of Future Students

About the role

Western Sydney University is recruiting a Head of Future Students for its Hawkesbury campus, a full-time ongoing position at HEW Level 9 with flexible working arrangements. The role leads domestic student recruitment across priority cohorts, regions and channels, from prospective student engagement and lead generation through to application, and oversees a multi-functional recruitment team.

Key responsibilities

• Implement the University's domestic student recruitment strategy, turning portfolio priorities into integrated plans across regions, cohorts and channels, covering school leavers, non-school leavers and postgraduate prospects.
• Oversee recruitment performance and use funnel data, market intelligence and performance insights to identify opportunities, fix underperformance and run interventions that improve conversion and meet enrolment targets.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership to a multi-functional team, developing managers and senior staff and aligning resources with demand.
• Work with senior University stakeholders and external partners to strengthen recruitment capability and adapt to changes in the domestic higher education market.
• Build an accountable, outcomes-focused recruitment function with consistent processes and standards, directing resources to high-value opportunities.
• Advise on recruitment performance, market trends, risks and opportunities, and lead engagement programs that connect priority cohorts with the University.

Required profile

• Tertiary qualifications and extensive senior experience in student recruitment, marketing, business development, engagement or a related field, or an equivalent combination.
• Demonstrated success leading large-scale recruitment strategies and delivering measurable conversion and enrolment outcomes in a complex organisation.
• Proven experience leading multi-functional teams through managers and senior staff, including workforce planning, resource allocation, capability development and organisational change.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, influencing and communication skills, including advising senior leaders and preparing executive-level reports and briefings.
• Evidence of full-time working rights in Australia at application.

Required skills

• Strategic, analytical and commercial capability, using market intelligence and performance insights to guide decisions and manage risk.
• Experience using recruitment funnel data and performance insights to drive improvement.

What we offer

• Salary of $139,747 - $149,238 per annum, plus 17% superannuation and leave loading.
• Staff-only products and offers with selected banking partners, salary sacrifice for onsite parking and novated motor vehicle leasing.
• Free Employee Assistance Program, annual flu vaccination, Fitness Passport membership and discounted private health cover.
• Onsite childcare at the Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta and Penrith campuses, with possible discounts and salary packaging.

Applications are made through the University's online recruitment system, which includes screening questions; enquiries go to the Director, Domestic Student Recruitment. The closing date is 9 November 2026.