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Sharone Ciancio
Director, Corporate Services at Australian Catholic University
Professional Background
Sharone Ciancio boasts an impressive 25 years of dedicated service in the tertiary education sector, drawing upon substantial expertise in leadership and strategic roles aimed at enhancing both corporate and student services. With a proven track record in spearheading service transformation initiatives, Sharone has consistently delivered remarkable improvements in service quality, workplace culture, and operational efficiencies across various functional domains. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated an exceptional ability to lead high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams, as well as oversee major projects with institution-wide implications.
Currently serving as the Director of Corporate Services at the Australian Catholic University, Sharone has played a pivotal role in implementing strategic initiatives that have fortified institutional excellence and stakeholder engagement. Her extensive experience within prestigious educational institutions like Victoria University and the Western Melbourne Institute of TAFE has further cemented her reputation as a transformative leader capable of navigating the complexities of educational administration.
Education and Achievements
Sharone's educational background is a testament to her commitment to professional development and excellence in the field of education management. She studied the Strategic Leadership Program at the Institute of Strategic Leadership, which equipped her with advanced skills in strategic planning, leadership, and organizational change. Furthermore, her Master's degree in Tertiary Education Management from the esteemed University of Melbourne provided her with an in-depth understanding of the intricacies involved in managing educational institutions effectively.
In addition to her higher education degrees, Sharone has also earned a Post Graduate Qualification in Educational Counselling, Counseling Psychology from RMIT University. This program enhanced her psychological insights, enabling her to provide effective counselling and guidance to students. She completed her academic journey with a Bachelor of Behavioural Sciences in Psychology from La Trobe University, which laid a strong foundation for her career in understanding and supporting student needs.
Career Journey
Sharone’s career has seen her excel in various roles that leverage her unique skill set in psychology and education management. Before stepping into her current role at the Australian Catholic University, she served as the Portfolio Manager for Corporate Services, playing an instrumental part in aligning corporate strategies with educational objectives.
Prior to this, Sharone was the General Manager of Student Residences at Victoria University, where she oversaw crucial operations that fostered a supportive living and learning environment for students. Her contributions as the Associate Director within the Office of the Pro Vice Chancellor for Academic & Students at Victoria University further underscore her leadership capabilities, as she worked collaboratively with stakeholders to drive educational policies that benefitted the academic community.
Her role as Portfolio Manager for Students and Technology at Victoria University showcased her innovative approach to integrating technology into the student experience, ensuring that academic and administrative processes were streamlined and efficient.
With earlier positions as Manager of Health, Medical and Allied Services and Head of Unit Access & Health Services at Victoria University and Western Melbourne Institute of TAFE respectively, Sharone laid the groundwork for her current expertise in delivering holistic support services to students. Moreover, her tenure in various youth counselling and support roles at Melton City Council and the Community Youth Support Scheme illustrates her lifelong dedication to the well-being and development of young people.
Notable Achievements
Sharone is recognized for her significant contributions to the tertiary education landscape, particularly in service transformation initiatives aimed at enhancing student experiences and operational outcomes. Her vision for fostering excellence within educational institutions has not only benefitted students but has also cultivated a culture of innovation and responsiveness among staff and faculty.
As a registered psychologist, Sharone’s strong communication and facilitation skills have enabled her to build strong relationships across functional areas, fostering collaboration and teamwork. This has empowered the teams she leads to achieve outstanding results, evident in various institution-wide recognition awards and commendations.
In summary, Sharone Ciancio is a dynamic and accomplished leader in the tertiary education sector, with a profound commitment to developing strategies that drive institutional excellence. Through her extensive education and diverse career experiences, she has emerged as a key figure in shaping the future of education and student services in Australia, making her a respected voice in her field.
