Job no:
Work type: Full-time
Location: Versatile, Geelong - City, Melbourne - Burwood
Categories: Management, Information Technology
Based at either Geelong Waterfront or Melbourne Burwood Campus + hybrid work arrangements
Full-time and fixed-term for 5 years
Competitive remuneration including 17% superannuation
About the role
As the Senior Director, Portfolio Delivery you will report directly to the Chief Information and Infrastructure Officer and will lead the strategic vision and execution of university-wide programs and initiatives across digital and infrastructure portfolios. You'll align investment, innovation and delivery with strategic priorities and ensure measurable impact. You'll lead a team of professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and collaboration, and work with university executives and stakeholders to enable effective portfolio governance and delivery.
Strategic Leadership:
Lead planning and delivery of infrastructure and digital programs, projects and initiatives aligned with long-term university goals and values.
People Leadership:
Inspire and develop a high-performing team, foster accountability, inclusion and collaboration.
Portfolio Oversight:
Shape the portfolio governance model, oversee prioritisation and investment decisions, and ensure delivery of large-scale programs.
Stakeholder Partnership:
Build relationships across the university to co-design solutions and achieve outcomes.
Innovation and Insight:
Use data and insights to inform decisions and improve delivery.
Governance and Reporting:
Ensure transparent decision-making and provide executive-level reporting on progress, risks and alignment.
Operational Excellence:
Manage budgets, vendors and delivery partners to ensure efficiency and accountability.
About you
This role is ideal for a leader who thrives in complexity, with a future-focused mindset and a talent for cross-functional partnerships that drive shared success.
You'll bring:
Qualifications and experience
suitable for a senior executive appointment, with leadership experience in complex organisations (ideally within higher education, public sector or similarly complex environments).
Extensive PMO/Portfolio leadership
experience with large-scale, cross-functional programs that align with strategy and deliver measurable value.
Proven change leadership
in large, matrixed environments, ability to navigate ambiguity and inspire teams through growth.
Strong leadership
with experience leading senior leaders, fostering collaboration, performance and innovation.
Understanding of IT and/or property infrastructure
and strategic asset management to balance innovation, risk, cost and long-term value.
Strategic mindset
with ability to align portfolio delivery with organisational priorities.
Track record in developing and implementing strategic initiatives
with governance and performance focus.
Stakeholder engagement
with ability to influence and build consensus at senior levels.
Please submit your updated resume and a short cover letter outlining your skills and experience. For a confidential discussion, please contact Zoe McQuillan – Strategic Advisor, Infrastructure & Digital at
Applications close:
11:55pm on Sunday, 12 October 2025.
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 education, research and innovation.
We value diversity and aim to build an inclusive environment that champions, embraces and respects differences. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all abilities, cultures, sexual orientations and genders.
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📌 Senior Director, Portfolio Delivery
🏢 Deakin University
📍 Geelong