Senior Strategic Advisor - Enterprise Creation
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* Shape the future of applied research and commercialisation
* Market competitive salary
About the Role
Swinburne University of Technology is seeking an exceptional Senior Strategic Advisor - Enterprise Creation to help design, build and scale a bold new model for applied research, innovation and commercialisation.
Reporting directly to the Vice President, Innovation & Enterprise, this is a rare opportunity to operate at the intersection of strategy, execution and enterprise creation. You will play a pivotal role in bringing Swinburne's Ad Astra 2030 vision to life – leading the development of new, globally relevant applied research and innovation entities that translate breakthrough ideas into real‐world impact.
This role is both highly strategic and actively involved in shaping and delivering outcomes. The role operates in a startup‐style model and involves working across the Innovation & Enterprise and Research portfolios to design, build and scale new applied RD&I entities with global ambition. With significant autonomy, you will translate strategic vision into operational delivery, engaging extensively with industry, investors, entrepreneurs, start‐ups and government to attract co‐investment, structure complex commercial deals, and build enduring partnerships that amplify Swinburne's impact.
We're looking for a seasoned advisor with a strong track record in applied research ecosystems, enterprise design, commercialisation and development, who thrives in ambiguity and is energised by building something new. You bring sharp analytical thinking, exceptional stakeholder capability and the confidence to operate at executive level, leading a flagship program aligned to Quantum Leap 3: Co‐creating future industries and providing thought leadership in applied research translation and impact.
Join us and help invent new ways of creating impact at scale.
About You
To be suitable for this role you will need to have experience in the below key accountabilities:
* Proven experience in a senior advisory or strategy role within a large, complex applied research‐intensive organisation.
* Understanding of design principles and innovation methodologies, such as design thinking and human‐centred design.
* Proven stakeholder engagement skills and an ability to lead strategic initiatives and deliver outcomes.
* Demonstrated business development and negotiation skills and the ability to drive commercial discussions to commitment.
* Demonstrated high‐level written communication skills, including the ability to write executive‐level reports, policy documentation, and strategic plans, and experience in the development, implementation, and monitoring of strategic plans, policies, and procedures.
* Analytical and problem‐solving skills and the ability to employ critical thinking to find innovative solutions to complex issues.
* Business case development, including proven financial management and modelling skills, and governance structuring.
Qualifications
Postgraduate or equivalent professional qualification in a relevant discipline, with extensive leadership and management experience; or equivalent combination of experience and education/training.
About Swinburne University of Technology
Our Ad Astra strategy is the cornerstone of Swinburne's bold ambition to lead globally as a university of technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. Ad Astra is articulated through four Quantum Leaps: Tailored and innovative pathways to success for all; Leading and leveraging technology for purpose; Co‐creating industries of the future; and The world is our campus. Together, these set out Swinburne's commitment to designing, building and scaling impact in areas where we can lead globally.
What We Offer You
* Work your way with flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options and generous parental leave to support a balanced lifestyle.
* Exclusive staff discounts, including discounted Medibank health insurance, 50% off Swinburne courses and other partner offers.
* Swinburne offers 17% super and salary packaging options, including car leasing and extra super contributions.
To Apply
Please submit your CV and cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria and your suitability for this position.
To review the Position Description and to apply, please scroll down to the bottom of the page.
If you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click 'apply' and you will be redirected to Swinburne's Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page.
Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Swinburne Talent Acquisition Team on talentacquisition@swin.edu.au
Applications Close: 5pm, Wednesday 25 March 2026.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Swinburne has become a world‐class university, driving social and economic impacts through science, technology, and innovation. As a dual‐sector university, our vision is for people and technology working together to build a better world.
Central to our vision is our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer focused on attracting, retaining, and developing great talent. We work to remove barriers related to gender identity, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and age.
We strongly encourage applicants from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Our Moondani Toombadool Centre leads our Indigenous education and culture at Swinburne, guided by community wisdom and leadership.
We support applicants with disabilities. Adjustments can be requested at any time during the recruitment process. For Reasonable Adjustment requests, including accessible formats for the PD, application form or any other document, please contact DCR@swin.edu.au or call +61 3 9214 3550.
We strongly encourage international graduates to apply.
As a Circle Back Initiative Employer, we commit to responding to every applicant.
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