Head - Industry and Student Services

Position Description

Position Title: Head of Career Advancement Services and Industry Engagement

Reports To: Chief Operations Officer

Position Summary

The Head of Career Advancement Services and Industry Engagement is a senior leadership role responsible for building and sustaining the industry ecosystem that connects UNSW Bengaluru students with meaningful career opportunities at leading organisations worldwide. The role has a clear dual mandate: to forge and grow high-value industry partnerships, and to equip every student with the career readiness, professional networks, and placement outcomes they need to thrive.

Working closely with academic departments, corporate partners, alumni networks, and student support teams, the leader aligns the university's career services ecosystem with the evolving demands of global industry, ensuring that a UNSW Bengaluru education translates directly into professional success. This is a role for a strategic, entrepreneurial leader who can build at scale, influence at the executive level, and inspire a high-performing team.

Accountabilities

• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with industry, government, and professional bodies.

• Coordinate internship programs, work-integrated learning, and graduate placement initiatives.

• Represent UNSW Bengaluru in industry forums and networking events to enhance visibility and reputation.

• Design and deliver career development programs, workshops, and resources for students.

• Monitor and report on graduate outcomes and employability metrics.

• Collaborate with academic teams to integrate employability skills into curricula.

• Oversee student support services including orientation, counseling, and wellbeing programs.

• Ensure timely resolution of student queries and grievances in line with policy.

• Develop initiatives to enhance student engagement and campus life.

• Ensure adherence to UNSW policies and Indian regulatory requirements for student services and industry programs.

• Prepare reports for internal governance and external accreditation bodies.

• Manage career services platforms and student engagement systems.

• Maintain accurate records of internships, placements, and student support activities.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team across career development, industry engagement, and student services functions.

• Foster a culture of collaboration, service excellence, and continuous improvement

Skill & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business, Education, Human Resources, or related field (Master's preferred).

• 10+ years of experience in career services, industry engagement, corporate relations, or placements, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.

• Understanding of higher education frameworks, employability trends, and industry partnership models.

• Familiarity with Indian regulatory requirements and global best practices in student services.

• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.

• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to lead teams and manage multiple priorities.

• Proficiency in career services platforms and student engagement systems.

• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and student success.

Key relationships

• Chief Operations Officer – for strategic direction, performance oversight and reporting.

• Academic Staff – for advice and consultation.

• Professional Staff – including student services, admissions, and learning support for student experience and academic administration.

• Industry and External Partners – for recruiter relationships, campus hiring programs, employer engagement events, internships, and placement coordination.

• Regulatory Bodies – including UGC and accreditation agencies for compliance and quality assurance.