OVERVIEW The Academic Programs Officer role at the University of Melbourne supports the delivery of academic programs within the Melbourne Dental School, based at the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne. This position plays a central role in coordinating administrative processes across the student lifecycle in a busy clinical education environment. Two full-time opportunities are available, one continuing and one fixed-term for 12 months. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES – Provide end-to-end administrative support across the student lifecycle, including admissions, enrolment, assessments, results, and Board of Examiners processes. – Respond to student enquiries by providing accurate advice on academic progress, university and school policies, special consideration, and misconduct matters. – Administer and deliver student events such as orientation activities, award ceremonies, Open Day, and information sessions. – Interpret and apply University and School policies to manage cases, resolve issues, and escalate complex matters appropriately. – Collaborate with academics, professional staff, and students to ensure a seamless and compliant academic experience. – Contribute to continuous improvement by reviewing procedures, streamlining processes, and sharing feedback within the Academic Programs team. REQUIREMENTS – A degree qualification and/or relevant experience in academic programs administration or complex administrative coordination roles. – Demonstrated organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities while maintaining attention to detail. – Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience providing high-quality advice and documentation to diverse stakeholders. – Confidence using MS Word and Excel, with the ability to adapt quickly to enterprise systems such as learning management systems, StudentOne, and other student administration platforms. – Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment, particularly in a busy clinical school setting. – Capacity to identify opportunities for process improvement and support change initiatives that enhance the student experience. WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS Academic Programs Officers are essential to the quality and integrity of the student experience, particularly in professional and clinical education settings. By ensuring that academic processes run smoothly and policies are applied consistently, this role helps students progress successfully through their programs. The position also supports academic staff and contributes to institutional compliance and continuous improvement. BONUS: APPLICATION ADVICE – Clearly map your experience to the student lifecycle stages listed in the role, using concrete examples from higher education or comparable environments. – In your cover letter, highlight experience working with academic policies, assessments, or student case management, particularly in regulated or clinical contexts. – Address the selection criteria in a separate document, using a clear structure and evidence-based responses. – Demonstrate familiarity with student administration systems or your ability to learn new enterprise platforms quickly. – Emphasise your communication skills and experience supporting diverse student cohorts. – Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements, including valid Australian work rights and willingness to obtain a Working with Children Check.