Director of Student Services and Community

Provide leadership and management of the joint MST/ECA Student Services team and oversee key areas of the student experience, including student welfare, admissions, registrar functions (partially), enquiries, student engagement, communication, student support and follow-up.....

September 2026

Melbourne School of Theology (MST) and Eastern College Australia (ECA) are non-denominational Christian organisations that work together to provide higher education awards in theology, education, arts and social sciences.

MST and Eastern are Christ-centred organisations committed to living, modelling and proclaiming the Gospel. We seek to provide an environment where students are equipped through quality christian higher education, spiritual formation and Christian community.

To learn more about our organisations, visit:

Melbourne School of Theology (MST) website:
Eastern College Australia (ECA) website:

Role Summary:

MST and Eastern are seeking an experienced and committed Director of Student Services and Community to provide leadership and oversight across our joint Student Services function and contribute to the broader spiritual and community life of the Colleges.

Working closely with the broader Executive Leadership Team, the Director will provide leadership and management of the joint MST/ECA Student Services team and oversee key areas of the student experience, including student welfare, admissions, registrar functions (partially), enquiries, student engagement, communication, student support and follow-up. The role also provides oversight of the pastoral care and support of students, including international students, and contributes to creating a welcoming, connected and supportive College community.

This is a senior, relational and hands-on role that requires a combination of strong administrative and organisational skills, people leadership, pastoral sensitivity and a commitment to Christian higher education.

Key Responsibilities

The Director of Student Services and Community will be responsible for:

• Student Welfare and Support: Oversee student welfare, pastoral care, student support processes and appropriate referrals, including support for overseas students.
• Student Services: Provide oversight of student enquiries, admissions, reception, student communication, engagement and follow-up processes.
• Team Leadership: Lead, manage and support the joint MST/ECA Student Services team, including setting team goals and contributing to relevant policies, budgets and procedures.
• Spiritual and Community Life: Plan and organise weekly Chapel services and contribute to the spiritual formation, prayer and community life of the Colleges.
• Student Events and Engagement: Oversee or contribute to key student and community events, including Orientation, Graduation, Open Day, alumni events and Community Lunches.
• Executive Leadership: As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, contribute to the spiritual, strategic and executive leadership of MST and Eastern, including reporting on student matters and trends.
• External Engagement: Oversee student-related promotional events and work collaboratively with the Communications Team on student engagement, promotion and related activities.

Selection Criteria:

Background and Experience

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• At least 5 years' experience in administration, with experience in academic administration highly desirable.
• Experience managing staff and/or leading a small team.
• Experience working in a higher education or related educational environment highly desirable.
• Experience in student services, student welfare, pastoral care or a related field will be highly regarded.
• Experience working with international or overseas students will be advantageous.
• Experience planning and coordinating events or community activities will be advantageous.

Skills and Abilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A strong student and customer service orientation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and high-level administrative capabilities.
• The ability to lead a small team, manage and support staff effectively.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• A positive "can-do" attitude and the ability to work as a self-starter.
• The ability to handle sensitive and confidential student matters with maturity, discretion and professionalism.
• Ability to use CRM and student management systems and leverage AI and emerging technologies to improve efficiency, student engagement and the overall student experience.
• A commitment to work within and contribute to MST and Eastern College’s Mission and Values.

Further Information:

Please contact Cheryl Osment for a copy of the role description - cosment@eastern.edu.au

How to Apply:

If you would like to be considered for this role, please submit your covering letter and resume to:

Rev Cheryl Osment, General Manager, Eastern College Australia via the 'Apply to this Job' button below.

Applications Close – Monday 31^st August 2026 at 5pm.