Strategic Adviser

Deakin University; Geelong; Hybrid; AUD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site childcare

Gym access

Medical centres

Cafes on campus

Accessible public transport

Parking

Flexible working arrangements

Extended parental leave

Purchase extra time off

Staff discounts on travel

Health and wellbeing services

Professional development opportunities

Inclusive culture

Job summary

Deakin University in Melbourne and Geelong invites applications for a Strategic Adviser. This full‑time, five‑year fixed‑term leadership role partners directly with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor University Services to shape strategic direction and deliver meaningful organisational impact.

With hybrid work options and campuses at Melbourne Burwood and Geelong Waterfront, you will influence senior stakeholders, translate priorities into practical strategies, and drive continuous improvement across

Job description

• Based at either our Melbourne Burwood or Geelong Waterfront Campus with hybrid work available
• Fulltime and fixed-term for 5 years

Benefits for working with us!

At Deakin, we offer more than just a job - we offer a lifestyle. Across our campuses in Geelong, Melbourne, and regional Victoria, you’ll find everything you need to thrive: on-site childcare, gyms, medical centres, cafes, accessible public transport, and convenient parking. Enjoy flexible working arrangements that support your work-life balance, generous leave entitlements including extended parental leave and the option to purchase additional time off, plus a wide range of staff discounts on travel and more. Our health and wellbeing services, ongoing professional development opportunities, and inclusive, supportive culture make Deakin a place where you can grow - whether you're working remotely or immersed in the vibrant energy of campus life.

Context of this position

The Strategic Adviser is a pivotal leadership role, partnering directly with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor University Services to shape strategic direction, drive university-wide priorities and deliver meaningful organisational impact.

Drawing on deep specialist expertise, strategic insight and exceptional judgement, the role transforms complex challenges and emerging opportunities into innovative, practical solutions that inform executive decision-making and advance significant programs of work. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, the Strategic Adviser connects people, ideas and expertise across organisational boundaries, influencing senior stakeholders, strengthening collaboration and aligning activity to achieve shared outcomes.

Through thought leadership, trusted advice and a commitment to continuous improvement, the role strengthens professional practice, builds capability and helps position the University to respond confidently to evolving priorities and the changing higher education landscape.

As the Strategic Advisor, you will:

• Strategic Leadership and Delivery: Lead a defined portfolio or specialist function, translating University priorities into practical strategies, frameworks and deliverables while adapting to evolving needs and ensuring high-quality outcomes.
• Strategic Advice and Decision-Making: Provide expert advice to senior leaders on complex operational and strategic matters, using sound judgement, critical analysis and evidence-based recommendations to influence decisions and direction.
• Continuous Improvement and Quality Assurance: Drive the development and improvement of systems, processes, frameworks and professional practices to enhance quality, consistency, efficiency and responsiveness to stakeholder needs.
• People Leadership and Capability Development: Lead, support and develop team members by setting clear expectations, fostering accountability, providing constructive feedback and promoting continuous learning and high performance.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration: Build productive relationships across the University and with external partners, collaborating to align priorities, resolve complex issues and achieve shared strategic objectives.
• Strategic Alignment and Organisational Impact: Apply specialist expertise, interpret policies and emerging trends, and contribute to broader strategic initiatives, demonstrating autonomy, initiative and flexibility to deliver sustainable outcomes in a complex and evolving environment.

Pre-employment safety and suitability checks:

In accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence, appointment to this role is subject to successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, including Working With Children Checks and candidate gender-based violence declarations.

Candidates may be asked to declare whether they have been investigated for an allegation of Gender‑based Violence, or determined to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender‑based Violence during the course of their previous employment, or otherwise in a legal process. A declaration is not required from individuals who have experienced gender‑based violence. A ‘Yes’ response does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment, and any information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for relevance to the role and the University’s safety obligations.

Applications for this position close on Thursday 29th October, 11:55pm.

Are You Ready?

Deakin is a Victorian university with a global impact. We are an agile, dynamic, and innovative university committed to making a positive impact through our excellence in education, research and innovation and the contributions we make to the wider community.

We understand that our reputation has been built on the dedication and expertise of our staff and we offer a dynamic and diverse working environment with opportunities to grow and develop careers. We believe that a progressive, thriving culture will ensure that people choose to come, and stay at Deakin and contribute to our ongoing success.

We value diversity and aim to build an inclusive environment that champions, embraces and respects differences. We support and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all abilities, cultures, sexual orientation, and genders.