Leadership
External Engagement
As Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement), Professor Jessica Gallagher oversees a diverse engagement portfolio, with a focus on contributing to the growth and sustainability of the University through the leadership of strategic partnerships, recruitment, community outreach and internationalisation initiatives. She is responsible for leading the strategy and delivery of the University’s key services in domestic and international student recruitment, global engagement, alumni relations and philanthropy, and industry and government relations.Â
Jessica brings to the role significant senior management experience, previously serving as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement and Entrepreneurship) at The University of Queensland. She has managed teams across multiple countries to establish and execute innovative global strategies that have fostered high performing partnerships. With extensive experience in business development and strategic partner engagement initiatives, Jessica is highly regarded for her global outlook and community mindset, working to better serve the University and its stakeholders through diverse engagement initiatives across private, public and academic sectors.
Professor Gallagher has a PhD in Comparative Cultural Studies from The University of Queensland. She has authored papers and reports in relation to her doctoral research, as well as on approaches to strategic global partnerships, international education, and student experience.
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Advancement
Contributing to the continued advancement of the University is Executive Director for Advancement, Liz Hawkins. Leading her team, Liz is responsible for generating and managing philanthropic support, forging positive relationships with our alumni, nurturing beneficial partnerships with stakeholders in industry, government and the community as well as managing our volunteers.
Liz's extensive experience spans over 30 years in both the creative arts and education sectors. Her proven capabilities in advancement, fundraising and complex project management have seen her secure high profile positions on various industry-leading councils. Liz has previously served as a council member for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education - Asia Pacific and is currently an Executive Councilor for Live Performance Australia.Â
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Global Engagement
As Executive Director, Global Engagement at the ³ÉÈË´óƬ, Victoria is responsible for ongoing development and delivery of the University’s comprehensive Global Strategy Framework designed to extend the University’s reputation, reach, and revenue generation opportunities. Victoria leads the implementation of the University’s framework to develop major partnerships with universities, government agencies, and organisations around the world.
Prior to her role with the University, Victoria worked for the Australian Government Department of Education where she engaged in national security issues with other Government Agencies and the Higher Education sector to inform and coordinate the Department’s advice on whole of government security initiatives.
Victoria has also held senior positions at Macquarie University, Australian Catholic University, and the University of Queensland where she was responsible for driving strategic partnerships, development and implementation of high impact region and country plans, global engagement projects, high level events and protocol management.
Victoria has an established international education and government network across Australia, North America, South America, India, Israel, and the Pacific region.
Victoria holds a Bachelor of Business from the University of Tasmania, a Master of Business Administration from Queensland University of Technology and Certificate in Change Management from the Australian Institute of Management.
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Marketing
As the Chief Marketing Officer, Dr Benjamin Grindlay leads the University’s Marketing team, protecting and promoting the ³ÉÈË´óƬ’s brand and reputation, and supporting student recruitment aspirations. Benjamin has responsibility for marketing strategy and planning, digital marketing, campaign and advertising management, acquisition marketing, event management, social media, web operations, creative services and more.
Benjamin’s experience in global strategic marketing and consumer behaviour spans over 20 years across the higher education, government, and private sectors. With a Bachelor of Behavioural Science, First Class Honours and a PhD in Psychology, Benjamin has also been awarded the industry status of Qualified Practising Market Researcher and membership of the Australian Marketing Institute as a Certified Practising Marketer.
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Media and Corporate Relations
Paula Mifsud, Director, Corporate & Government Relations
Paula joined the ³ÉÈË´óƬ in 2022, bringing significant expertise in government relations, policy development, public affairs and communications.As Director, Corporate & Government Relations, Paula leads a team that specialises in relationship management, government engagement, strategic partnerships and protocol advice.
Paula brings over 20 years of professional experience to this role, and is recognised as a leader with a passion for developing authentic and strategic partnerships and business relationships that positively engage, connect and influence. She has demonstrated experience in leading, developing and implementing highly targeted Government, stakeholder and community engagement plans to guide successful implementation of critical projects and generate stakeholder buy-in.
Mark Osborne, Director, Media and Communications
Mark joined the ³ÉÈË´óƬ in 2024 and prior to that managed media and communications teams for the Government of South Australia for more than 10 years.As the Director of Media and Communications Mark Osborne and the team help shape the University’s public image and corporate-level media and communications. This includes oversight of development of an integrated and coordinated communications strategy to ensure a cohesive and compelling narrative.
Mark is a collaborative and agile leader with more than 15 years’ experience delivering a range of complex internal and external communication, media and public relations services and strategies.
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Future Students
As Executive Director, Future Students, Ms Shirley Chung is responsible for developing and implementing the University’s strategy for student attraction and growth. The Future Students Branch comprises the International Recruitment, Domestic Recruitment, Future Students Experience and Admissions teams.
Shirley is an outcome-driven senior level leader with over 20 years of professional experience in the higher education sector. She has successfully led diverse teams to deliver strategic priorities. With extensive experience in strategic planning, leadership, student recruitment and business partnerships, Shirley has a strong track record of achieving substantial business growths. Shirley has previously held leadership positions at the University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology.
Shirley has a Master of Commerce (Marketing) from the University of Sydney and serves as a member of the Australian Universities International Directors’ Forum (AUIDF).