Venture Partner, MEC

UOM University of Melbourne; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

salary packaging

flexible work arrangements

wellbeing support

discounted services

professional development opportunities

Job summary

The University of Melbourne invites applications for the MEC Venture Partner, a two-year, full-time Senior Manager‑level role within the Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre. You will lead the commercial development of research‑based ventures, shaping strategy and directing portfolio companies to scale and succeed.

Join a collaborative team advancing innovation through world‑class research and industry partnerships, guiding founders and researchers from discovery to market success and governance.

Responsibilities

• Assess emerging research and technologies to identify opportunities with venture-scale potential and determine whether they are suited to the Venture Studio model.
• Help build and progress ventures through customer discovery, market validation, commercial strategy, business model development and evidence generation.
• Provide commercial leadership across multiple ventures, identifying the next critical steps, sequencing activities effectively and maintaining momentum through different stages of company development.
• Identify, attract and support commercial founders, executives, advisers and specialist contributors required to build successful companies.
• Build trusted relationships with researchers and commercial cofounders, that enable you to work closely together to shape opportunities and build successful companies.
• Act as a director on Venture Studio portfolio companies, contributing to governance, strategic direction and company stewardship.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of the Venture Studio's company-building practices, methods and operating model.

Job description

MEC Venture Partner

MEC Venture Partner Join the Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre’s Venture Studio in a two-year, full-time Senior Manager 1 role and help turn University research and emerging technologies into investable companies. Help build the next generation of companies based on world-class University research. Work at the intersection of research, entrepreneurship, investment and industry. Shape a new model for university venture creation.

Investing in you:

• 17% superannuation
• salary packaging
• flexible work arrangements
• wellbeing support
• discounted services
• professional development opportunities

The University of Melbourne

We 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 new team – Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre (MEC)

The Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre advances the University of Melbourne’s vision for innovation and entrepreneurship, helping transform research and ideas into ventures with lasting social and economic impact. MEC brings together researchers, founders and commercialisation expertise across the University’s innovation ecosystem.

Your next career opportunity

As a Venture Partner, you will provide hands‑on commercial leadership across a portfolio of emerging ventures—assessing opportunities, validating markets, shaping commercial strategy, building teams and maintaining momentum. You will bring together researchers, founders, investors and industry partners, help evolve the Venture Studio’s company‑building model and, where appropriate, serve as a director of portfolio companies.

What you will deliver

• Assess emerging research and technologies to identify opportunities with venture‑scale potential and determine whether they are suited to the Venture Studio model.
• Help build and progress ventures through customer discovery, market validation, commercial strategy, business model development and evidence generation.
• Provide commercial leadership across multiple ventures, identifying the next critical steps, sequencing activities effectively and maintaining momentum through different stages of company development.
• Identify, attract and support commercial founders, executives, advisers and specialist contributors required to build successful companies.
• Build trusted relationships with researchers and commercial cofounders, that enable you to work closely together to shape opportunities and build successful companies.
• Act as a director on Venture Studio portfolio companies, contributing to governance, strategic direction and company stewardship.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of the Venture Studio's company‑building practices, methods and operating model.

You may be a great fit if

• You have experience building companies or leading commercial growth, venture development or execution in startups, new ventures or other innovation‑led environments.
• You are commercially curious and can identify and shape commercial opportunities around complex research or emerging technologies.
• You bring strong commercial judgement across customer discovery, market validation, commercial strategy, team formation and investment readiness, and can prioritise the next steps that will create momentum.
• You can work independently in ambiguity, make sound decisions with incomplete information and use evidence and rapid learning to reduce uncertainty.
• You are proactive and relationship‑focused, with the confidence to build trusted networks, navigate complex stakeholders and bring the right people together.
• You bring sound judgement, professionalism and experience contributing to governance, strategic oversight or company stewardship.

Experience in one or more of the following would be highly regarded

• venture building or venture studios; startups, scale‑ups, entrepreneurship or company building, particularly in deep or emerging technologies;
• investment, venture capital or fundraising;
• sales and revenue growth;
• commercial partnerships and deal‑making;
• innovation and commercial strategy execution.

A PhD or equivalent experience that demonstrates an ability to understand and work with complex science and deep technology would be advantageous but is not essential.

Be Yourself

The 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 applications from all backgrounds, identities and experiences.

We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We 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].

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.

Want to know more? For queries related to this position, contact Lucy Porter, Executive Recruitment Partner, at [e-mail].

Applications close

Sunday, 4th October 11:55 PM Melbourne time.

Explore leadership opportunities to shape the future and growth of the University of Melbourne - Executive Opportunities

Welcome to the University of Melbourne – where our vision for positive societal change creates impact. Join our community of world‑class thinkers, where innovation thrives, and your ideas shape the future. Whether you're driving groundbreaking research, inspiring the next generation through teaching, or providing essential professional services, we empower you to excel. At the University of Melbourne, your potential is our priority. Elevate your career, make a real difference, and be part of a diverse community that values your unique contribution. Your journey to professional and personal growth starts here. Discover more at - https://about.unimelb.edu.au/ At the heart of our mission is a commitment to enriching society through education and research. Through our strategy "Advancing Melbourne," we're not just shaping our own future; we're shaping the future of the state, the nation, and our global community. Together, we propel Australia forward, positioning it as an ambitious, forward‑thinking leader on the world stage. Our staff play a key role in elevating Australia's reputation and influence globally. Your contributions are the driving force behind our ambition to be a leading force for positive change. Join us, and let's advance Melbourne – and the world – together. Discover more The University has committed to a strategic vision which aims to create a thriving, fair and diverse university community, working together respectfully to make a difference to each other and in the world. Join us on our journey to build a future where everyone in our community can feel a strong sense of belonging, and diverse perspectives fuel success. Discover more Want to know more about us, our processes, or future opportunities? We would love to connect with you! Get in touch with our friendly Talent Acquisition team at [e-mail].