Associate Director, Strategic Projects

The University of Adelaide; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 149,000 - 159,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Job summary

The University of Adelaide is seeking an Associate Director, Strategic Projects within the International and External Engagement portfolio, based at the City West campus. You will lead governance, delivery and transformation of strategic programs, guiding cross-functional teams and steering stakeholders to successful outcomes.

This full-time role requires extensive experience in strategic initiatives, change management, and strong analytical and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading complex strategic initiatives and cross-functional projects.
• Strong ability to assess issues, identify risks and develop practical recommendations.
• Proven track record delivering end-to-end strategic programs and benefits realization.
• Experience leading organisational change and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, negotiation and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead governance, implementation and delivery of strategic initiatives across the portfolio.
• Provide high-level strategic analysis and project leadership.
• Coordinate operations to drive portfolio priorities and outcomes.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Governance

Change management

Cross-functional collab

Analytical thinking

Job description

The University of Adelaide is a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaborations - offers you vast scope and...

• Based in International and External Engagement at the City West campus
• Full‑time, continuing position
• Salary Range: $149,351 - $159,177 per annum (plus 17% superannuation)

At Adelaide University, we create the opportunities you need to achieve your ambitions – because when you thrive, we thrive.

We are transforming education for contemporary learners and global citizens. Building on a proud legacy and shaped by bold ambition, it's a place of excellence and equity, where our vibrant community of staff are united by our purpose to inspire Australia's future change-makers and create a better tomorrow.

Work that matters

The Associate Director, Strategic Projects is responsible for leading the governance, implementation and delivery of strategic initiatives and transformational programs across the International and External Engagement portfolio. The role provides high-level strategic analysis, project leadership and operational coordination to drive portfolio priorities, ensure effective execution of key objectives, and support the successful delivery of organisational outcomes.

Curious to learn more? Explore the full role description above to discover more about this opportunity.

The team

The International and External Engagement portfolio advances Adelaide University’s vision through strategic partnerships, global engagement, brand leadership, student recruitment and philanthropy. By fostering strong relationships with industry, government, communities, alumni and international partners, the portfolio enhances the University’s reputation, expands its impact, and supports its position as Australia's most industry-engaged university.

Our people are guided by purpose, curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning. We embrace authenticity, innovation and collaboration, and harness diverse thinking in our pursuit of excellence.

Learn more about our people, what we stand for and what we offer at Careers at AU .

Experience

To join our community and thrive in this role, you will likely have the following skills and experience:

• Extensive experience leading complex strategic initiatives, transformation programs and cross-functional projects within a large and complex organisation, delivering outcomes through influence, collaboration and effective stakeholder engagement
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability, including the ability to assess complex issues, identify implementation risks and opportunities, and develop practical recommendations that support successful delivery of strategic priorities
• Demonstrated success managing the end-to-end delivery of strategic programs, including planning, implementation, monitoring, risk management and benefits realisation
• Strong experience leading organisational change, continuous improvement and transformation activities, including managing competing priorities and delivering outcomes in ambiguous and evolving environments
• Highly developed stakeholder engagement, negotiation and influencing skills, with a demonstrated ability to build productive relationships across portfolios, functions and external partners to achieve agreed outcomes
• Significant experience maintaining governance frameworks, strategic planning implementation and executive reporting
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and project resources, fostering collaboration, accountability and a high-performance culture focused on delivery and continuous improvement

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels respected and valued. Adelaide University, Tirkangkaku is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people of all ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements and providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Submit your application by 11:30pm Sunday 25 October 2026

For further information about this opportunity, please contact (quoting reference number 493393)

Applications welcomed from Australian or NZ citizens, Australian permanent residents and those who have the legal right to work in Australia for the term of appointment.