Victoria University’s governance Council and Committees include external appointed members. Council would like to ensure its membership includes the skills, experience and diversity required to oversee a contemporary and innovative university, govern a multi-million dollar enterprise and be reflective of the communities it serves.

Council and Committee members play an important role in the transformation of a dual-sector university, fostering future leaders and professionals whatever their background, contributing to the development of healthy communities and successful industries especially in the West of Melbourne.

Victoria University’s moral purpose and strategic direction are expressed in the VU Way.

Capabilities sought

Council has determined that the skills and expertise required include the following:

  • Leadership, executive or non-executive governance skills and experience, preferably with a  large (>$500M) and  multi-site organisation
  • Longer-term strategic development and performance monitoring skills and experience
  • Financial and commercial expertise
  • Higher education, TAFE or dual sector institutions experience or knowledge (teaching, learning, research and innovation, industry partnerships)
  • Geographic experience and perspective (West of Melbourne)
  • Behavioural competencies, including collegiality, diligence, integrity, curiosity, courage and being an active contributor.

Subject matter expertise as follows:   

  • Finance, audit, risk management and/or legal
  • Industry networks and experience
  • Public policy or government relations
  • Sustainability (environmental, social, economic and cultural)
  • Precinct development and capital projects.

VU has a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion and particularly welcomes expressions of interest from people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, indigenous people, women and people with disabilities.

Points to consider when expressing interest

As most members serve multiple terms of a minimum of three years, only one or two vacancies may arise in any given year and not in every year.

There are often specific skills required.

Those submitting Expressions of Interest are asked to understand that positions are highly sought after and very few are successful in being appointed.

Council members serve as individuals rather than as representatives of particular bodies, organisations or constituencies. 

They have an overriding responsibility to act collectively in the best interests of the University, and are expected and encouraged to be concerned with all Council issues.

Employees and students of VU are not eligible for the position of appointed members of VU Council.

For more information on elected staff and student members of Council, contact the University Secretary, email: [email protected].

Membership of the Council and its committees requires a significant and sustained commitment of time and energy, including after-hours meetings across multiple locations, such as Melbourne CBD and Footscray. 

The time commitment per year is participation from 6 to 12 meetings, plus forums, and teleconferences and university events, plus personal preparation time. All meetings papers are available via a secured online portal with no hard copies provided.

Members’ fees are payable according to Victorian State Government and Council remunerations guidelines.

Victoria University may put forward nominations for consideration by the Minister, who makes recommendations the State Government for government appointments.

Victoria University will decide the nominations for the Member positions appointed by the Council.

Register your expression of interest

Community members with relevant experience and attributes are welcomed to register their interest.

Express your interest