Director - Engagement, Defence Science Institute

University-of-Melbourne; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 184,000 - 203,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Health & wellbeing programs

Salary packaging

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The University of Melbourne’s Defence Science Institute (DSI) invites a senior leader to shape Defence innovation across Victoria and Tasmania. You will helm engagement and operations, partnering with the Director – Academic and Associate Director to drive national impact through universities, industry and government.

You will design funding programs, maintain capability intelligence, and build high-level government and Defence partnerships while securing long-term funding and overseeing budgets

Qualifications

• Hold a PhD or equivalent experience in a Defence-relevant discipline or closely aligned industry sector.
• Demonstrate a track record leading multi-year, large-scale projects within universities, Defence organisations or complex partnerships.
• Excel at building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across government, defence and industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead DSI’s engagement strategy and day-to-day operations in partnership with the Director – Academic and Associate Director.
• Design, deliver and refine funding programs that grow Defence-relevant R&D and talent pipelines across partner universities.
• Maintain up-to-date intelligence on Defence-focused research capability, matching universities and industry to national priorities and opportunities.
• Cultivate senior relationships with governments, Defence and industry, representing DSI at missions, delegations and key events.
• Secure and steward long-term funding, manage budgets, track KPIs and report to DSI’s governance bodies.

Job description

Role type: Full-time, Fixed Term to September 2028Faculty: Engineering and Information TechnologyDepartment/School: Computing and Information SystemsSalary: Level D - $183,859 - $202,556 p.a. plus 17% superStrategic leadership role / Shape Defence research and innovation across Victoria and Tasmania / High-profile engagement with senior stakeholdersJoin DSI to lead collaborative Defence R&D, connecting universities, industry and government to deliver national impact.Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.The University of MelbourneWe take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.Your next career opportunityYou will lead DSI’s engagement and operations, shaping Defence innovation across Victoria and Tasmania. You will connect universities, industry and government, translating research into capability and driving multi-year strategic initiatives.What you will deliver:Lead DSI’s engagement strategy and day-to-day operations in partnership with the Director – Academic and Associate Director.Design, deliver and refine funding programs that grow Defence-relevant R&D and talent pipelines across partner universities.Maintain up-to-date intelligence on Defence-focused research capability, matching universities and industry to national priorities and opportunities.Cultivate senior relationships with governments, Defence and industry, representing DSI at missions, delegations and key events.Secure and steward long-term funding, manage budgets, track KPIs and report to DSI’s governance bodies.You may be a great fit if you:Hold a PhD or equivalent experience in a Defence-relevant discipline or closely aligned industry sector.Demonstrate a track record leading multi-year, large-scale projects within universities, Defence organisations or complex partnerships.Excel at building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across government, industry and university leadership, nationally and internationally.Show success in securing or managing major funding for research or research-facilitation programs and initiatives.Possess Australian citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain an NV1 security clearance and WWCC.Display deep understanding of Defence innovation ecosystems, strategies and priorities, or readiness to rapidly develop this expertise.For further information please refer to the attached PD.What we offer you!We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:Build future financial security with 17% superannuationSupportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-beingCareer development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn LearningProgressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave, cultural leave, and menstruation and menopause leave.Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre CompanyHealth and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance ProgramYour new team – Defence Science InstituteYou will join the Defence Science Institute, a joint University–Defence–Government centre hosted within FEIT. DSI links ten universities, Defence and industry to grow research, innovation, skills and jobs in Victoria and Tasmania.As part of the national ADSUN network, the team enables cross-State initiatives in Defence innovation, science and technology. You will work in a collaborative, mission-focused environment that values diversity, partnership and real-world impact.Be YourselfThe University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ApplicantsWe aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at [e-mail] .Application essentials:Visit \"apply with us\" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.You are not required to address the Selection Criteria for this application .Want to know more?For queries related to this specific position, contact Toby Murray at [e-mail] questions related to our recruitment process email Nick Petersen at [e-mail] recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on [phone] or at [e-mail] (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').Apply today, and join a community that’s shaping the future.Applications close: Sunday 6 December 2026 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.: JR-019013 - DSI Director - Engagement .pdfJR-019013 DSI Director - Engagement (Accessible).docx