Senior Consultant, Business Development

Deakin University; Australia; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible location

Hybrid work arrangements

Full-time and continuing

Job summary

Deakin University is seeking a passionate Senior Business Development professional to join the Business Development and Commercialisation team. You will build relationships with industry and government partners, identify externally funded research and commercialisation opportunities, and help turn ideas into partnerships.

You will develop and manage a portfolio of collaborations, provide practical advice to researchers and senior leaders, and coordinate multi-team proposals to meet university

Qualifications

• Extensive experience and postgraduate qualifications, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Ability to lead programs or major bodies of work in complex environments.
• Strong relationships with industry, government and research stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a portfolio of business development opportunities and partnerships.
• Provide practical advice to researchers and senior leaders to assess opportunities.
• Coordinate complex proposals and ensure university requirements are met.

Skills

Relationship building

Strategic advisory

Governance awareness

Analytical thinking

Education

Postgraduate qualifications

Education/Training equivalent experience

Tools

Proposal coordination tools

Job description

Job no: 589844
Work type: Full-time
Location: Flexible
Categories: Management

• Flexible location + hybrid work arrangements
• Full-time and continuing

Make an Impact

• Build relationships with industry and government partners, connecting their priorities and challenges with Deakin's research expertise.
• Work alongside researchers to identify and pursue opportunities for externally funded research and commercialisation.
• Help turn promising research ideas into successful partnerships, drawing on expertise from across the University.

What You Will Deliver

• Develop and manage a portfolio of business development opportunities, building a strong pipeline of prospective partnerships and research funding.
• Provide clear, practical advice to researchers and senior leaders, helping them assess opportunities and make informed decisions.
• Coordinate complex proposals and partnership activity, bringing teams together and ensuring University requirements are met.

About the Team

You’ll join Deakin’s Business Development and Commercialisation function, a collaborative team connecting researchers with industry, government and other partners to create new research opportunities and bring innovative ideas into practice.

The broader function brings together expertise across business development, intellectual property, commercialisation and entrepreneurship, including Deakin’s Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialisation Hub (REACH).

You may be a great fit for this role if you:

• Bring extensive relevant experience and postgraduate qualifications, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Have led functions, programs or significant bodies of work, managing resources and delivering results in complex environments.
• Build strong relationships with industry, government and research stakeholders, with the confidence to influence decisions and develop opportunities for collaboration.
• Bring strong analytical and problem-solving skills, turning complex information into clear, practical advice.
• Understand governance and policy requirements, and bring a proactive, collaborative approach to improving how work gets done.

Want to Know More?

For a confidential discussion, or for further questions regarding this role, please contact Emma Prime (Associate Director, Business Development, REACH) via [e-mail]

For a copy of the position description, please see below:

Applications for this position close at 11:55 pm on Friday 23 October 2026

Deakin at a Glance

Deakin is a globally recognised university committed to making a positive impact through education, research and innovation. Our success is driven by our people, and we're dedicated to creating a workplace where individuals feel supported, valued and empowered to do their best work.

We offer a collaborative and inclusive culture, opportunities for professional growth, and the flexibility to balance work and life. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

What We Offer

At Deakin , you'll be supported to thrive both professionally and personally. We offer flexible working arrangements, competitive salary and superannuation benefits, wellbeing initiatives, generous leave provisions, and professional development opportunities to help you achieve your career goals. Join a collaborative and inclusive community that values innovation, flexibility, diversity, and making a positive impact through education, research, and engagement. To find out why our staff love working with Deakin, read more here !

Pre-employment safety and suitability checks:

As part of Deakin's commitment to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment, successful candidates will be required to complete relevant pre-employment checks, which include a Working with Children Check and declarations relating to gender-based violence in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence.

Any information provided will be treated confidentially and assessed only where relevant to the requirements of the role and Deakin's duty of care obligations. A declaration does not automatically preclude a candidate from employment.

Advertised: 12 Oct 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 23 Oct 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight Time