The Vice-Chancellor is the chief executive officer of the university. Pro-Vice-Chancellors in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney have delegated responsibility for assigned areas of policy. Each Pro-Vice-Chancellor is the Vice-Chancellor's representative in their local region, as are the Rectors at Ballarat and Canberra.

The Vice-Chancellor is also assisted by the Faculty Deans, the Executive Director of University Services, the Dean of Students, the Academic Registrar and Directors with national portfolios.

Each faculty is headed by a Dean and supported by a Deputy Dean.

Each campus has a Student Representative Council and there is a national student body, ACUNSA (Australian Catholic University National Students' Association).