Manager - Student Life & Wellbeing
Edith Cowan University (ECU) Sri Lanka is the first Australian university to establish a direct campus in Sri Lanka, offering students the opportunity to experience an authentic Australian education. We deliver both pathway and bachelor’s programs that reflect the same academic excellence, teaching quality, and student focused approach as ECU Australia. As Manager - Student Life & Wellbeing you will be joining the Student & Academic Services Team.
Overview and Objectives of the Position: The Student Life team is a new team within the college, and the Manager, Student Life and Wellbeing will play a key role in managing the team to cultivate a supportive, inclusive campus environment that reflects and responds to the diverse needs of our students. A central responsibility of the position is to lead the development, delivery, and ongoing enhancement of the Student Wellness Framework. This framework incorporates a range of programs and services designed to support student well-being, provide pastoral counselling, and strengthen connections between students and academic staff. This position includes a counselling role and will work collaboratively with internal teams and external service providers to identify emerging support needs, coordinate appropriate referrals, and advocate positive student outcomes. Reporting to the ECU Sri Lanka General Manager, the position forms part of the broader student engagement team responsible for supporting students throughout their lifecycle across ECC and ECU programs.
Key Responsibilities: Student Support Provide individual or small group counselling on matters such as academic progression and policy, and pastoral care issues including living skills, cultural adjustment, health issues, dealing with study and social stress and anxiety, accommodation, employment, personal crisis, as well as advice on college policy and procedures, and facilitate referral to external agencies or professionals when required.
Deliver short-term, solution-focused and evidence-informed interventions to support student wellbeing. Develop Learning Access Plans for students with additional needs based on recommendations of health care professionals. Support students with issues relating to accommodation, wellbeing and guardianship arrangements in keeping with relevant legislation. Provide student workshops on key health and wellbeing topics.
College Support Lead the development and implementation of the Student Wellness Framework to promote the student wellbeing and engagement. Monitor the welfare and safety arrangements of Under 18 students in accordance with relevant legislation and act as a contact officer for student emergencies. Contribute to the assessment of special consideration applications prior to meetings of relevant committees, such as the Board of Examiners and Student Appeals Committee. Collaborate with the university partner, professional organisations and government agencies on issues relating to support, referral, advocacy. Assist the ECU Sri Lanka General Manager in the management of critical incidents involving students.
Leadership Lead the Student Life team to actively engage in and contribute to strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing students’ personal and social adjustment to the higher education environment. Establish productive partnerships with peers, university colleagues, and other relevant stakeholders. Work collaboratively with colleagues to provide student insights that enhance College learning metrics. Offer consultation and training sessions to staff, fostering student mental health and wellbeing literacy and promoting an inclusive campus culture.
Compliance Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, including ESOS Act, National Code, and any other relevant legislative or regulatory frameworks Ensure compliance with applicable Sri Lankan employment laws, regulations, and statutory obligations Ensure ongoing compliance with the requirements of relevant professional accreditation bodies, including those relating to Counselling and other disciplines as required Maintain accurate, complete and secure records in a timely manner and in accordance with organizational and regulatory requirements
Essential: A bachelor’s degree in counselling, Psychology, Social Work, Mental Health, or a related discipline, together with a recognised qualification in counselling. A minimum of two years' relevant professional experience providing counselling, wellbeing, mental health, or student support services. Eligibility for membership, registration, or accreditation with an appropriate professional body relevant to counselling or mental health practice in Sri Lanka. Demonstrated knowledge of ethical standards, professional boundaries, confidentiality requirements, and best-practice counselling principles.
Selection Criteria: Demonstrated leadership capability and experience managing teams in the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of counselling, wellbeing, or student support services, preferably within a higher education environment. Highly developed interpersonal, consultation, counselling, and communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and engage with individuals from diverse cultural, social, and educational backgrounds. Demonstrated ability to manage a diverse workload, exercise sound judgement, prioritise competing demands, and work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Strong understanding of student wellbeing, mental health support, and referral pathways, with the ability to respond appropriately to complex or sensitive matters. Demonstrated commitment to maintaining confidentiality, ethical practice, and professional standards in the provision of counselling and support services. Knowledge of, or the ability to quickly acquire knowledge of, relevant legislation and policies and procedures relating to international students.
You will also demonstrate personal attributes that are congruent with ECC’s and ECU Sri Lanka values
Our main campus location in Colombo, Sri Lanka is conveniently situated between the CBD and the parliament area, close to restaurants, lunch places and shopping. Located in one multifunctional building, the campus features purpose-built biomedical, engineering and computer labs, a digital hub, large modern library, modern classrooms, student collaboration spaces and a coffee lounge. How to Apply
Applicants are assessed upon receipt, so you are encouraged to apply now with your interest in the role. All applicants must have full working rights for Sri Lanka to be considered. Edith Cowan University Sri Lanka staff are employed by Australian College of Business and Technology Pvt Ltd, as part of the Navitas Group. Navitas is a global leading provider of educational services and learning solutions. To view other opportunities, please visit navitas.com/careers