Professional Staff Strategic Leadership Program

HEW 8 Professional Staff Strategic Leadership Program

Applications are now open for the August 2026 intake!

We are pleased to announce the launch of the inaugural HEW 8 Professional Staff Strategic Leadership Program – a fully online program designed to support experienced professional staff at HEW 8 (or equivalent) who are ready to broaden their impact and prepare for more senior, strategic leadership roles within the university sector.

The program has been designed for women who are already leading through people, projects, portfolios or influence, and supports the transition from operational responsibility to institutional-level leadership.

Through exposure to senior leaders’ career stories, strategic decision making experiences and sector insights, participants build enterprise leadership capability, strengthen strategic influence, and develop the confidence to lead effectively across complex university environments.

The program also fosters cross institutional networks and sector awareness, aligned with WATTLE’s commitment to gender equity and inclusive leadership.

Program Objectives – Participants will:

• Strengthen institutional-level thinking and deepen their understanding of the higher education landscape, how universities operate, make decisions and respond to sector change
• Build confidence to contribute effectively in senior leadership forums and institutional conversations
• Strengthen their ability to influence across organisational boundaries, including without formal authority
• Develop a stronger understanding of power, politics and decision-making dynamics and how to navigate these effectively
• Build strategic networks and relationships across the sector

What you can expect:

• Three interactive modules delivered online, focused on:
  • Leading at an institutional level
  • Building strategic influence and impact
  • Performing effectively at the next level
• Insights from senior leaders, practical workshops, and cross-institutional networking

Who should apply?

• Women professional staff at HEW 8 (or equivalent) in Australian universities or research institutions
• Those leading through people, projects, portfolios, or influence, and preparing for broader or more senior roles

Applications are open to both WATTLE member and non-member universities.

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