About the role

Chief Operating Officer

Full-time

Ridley College is seeking an experienced and values-aligned Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide strategic and operational leadership across the College and to play a key role in shaping its future. 

The Chief Operating Officer is a senior executive appointment and a key member of Ridley’s Executive Team, working closely with the Principal, Deputy Principals and Chief Financial Officer. The COO provides leadership across core operational and academic support functions, ensuring excellence in student experience, regulatory compliance, academic administration, and organisational effectiveness. 

The role has multiple direct reports and is responsible for leading and developing high-performing teams that support Ridley’s mission and strategic objectives. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Leadership — Senior executive role shaping College strategy, culture and multi-team management. 

• Student Experience — End-to-end ownership of the student journey, registry, curriculum and timetabling. 

• Compliance & Governance — Regulatory accountability to AUT and TEQSA, plus policy and risk frameworks. 

• Digital Learning — Strategic oversight of Ridley Online and the College’s Learning Management System, with a focus on innovation and compliance.

• Operations — Continuous improvement of systems and processes, aligned to strategic priorities. 

• Marketing — Integrated marketing and digital channel leadership, driven by data and growth goals. 

The successful candidate will: 

• Be a person of sound Christian character who is able to work within and support Ridley College’s theological convictions and mission. 

• Have a demonstrated history of senior operational leadership in an equivalent educational setting, ideally within higher education. 

• Bring strong experience in academic administration, compliance, curriculum planning and student systems. 

• Demonstrate proven capability in leading diverse teams and managing complex organisational functions. 

• Hold a degree in an appropriate discipline or demonstrated equivalent knowledge and experience. 

Experience within a regulated tertiary education environment, particularly with TEQSA and/or the Australian University of Theology (AUT), will be highly regarded. 

About Ridley College, Melbourne 

Ridley College is a leading theological college committed to forming godly leaders for mission, ministry and service. As a member college of the Australian University of Theology (AUT), Ridley delivers high-quality theological education across face-to-face and online modes, grounded in academic rigour, Christian character and a vibrant learning community. 

To Apply: 

Applications are closed.