* Based at either our Geelong Waterfront or Melbourne Burwood Campus hybrid work arrangements
* Full‑time and fixed‑term for 5 years
* Competitive remuneration including 17% superannuation
Why work with us
At Deakin University 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) and 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.
About the role
As the Senior Director, Portfolio Delivery, you will report directly to the Chief Information and Infrastructure Officer and play a pivotal role in leading the strategic vision and execution of university‑wide programmes and initiatives across digital and infrastructure portfolios. You’ll be entrusted with shaping Deakin’s future – aligning investment, innovation and delivery with our strategic priorities and ensuring measurable impact. You’ll lead a team of dedicated professionals fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and collaboration. Working closely with university executives and stakeholders you’ll steer a united model that enables effective portfolio governance while empowering teams to deliver.
Responsibilities
* Strategic Leadership – Lead the planning and delivery of significant infrastructure and digital programmes, projects and initiatives ensuring alignment with long‑term university goals and values.
* People Leadership – Inspire and develop a high‑performing team that thrives on trust, capability building and innovation; foster a strong culture of accountability, inclusion and collaboration.
* Portfolio Oversight – Shape the portfolio governance model, oversee prioritisation and investment decisions and ensure effective delivery of large‑scale programmes.
* Stakeholder Partnership – Build and maintain strong relationships across the university, partnering with executives and business leaders to co‑design solutions and achieve collective outcomes.
* Innovation and Insight – Stay ahead of trends and emerging technologies using data and insights to inform strategic decisions and continuously improve programme delivery.
* Governance and Reporting – Ensure transparent decision‑making and provide executive‑level reporting on programme progress, outcomes, risks and strategic alignment.
* Operational Excellence – Manage budgets, vendors and delivery partners ensuring efficiency, value and accountability across all portfolio activities.
About you
This role is ideal for a leader who thrives in complexity, brings a future‑focused mindset and champions cross‑functional partnerships that drive shared success.
Qualifications and Experience
* Qualifications and experience appropriate for a senior executive appointment with a strong track record of leadership in complex organisations, ideally within higher education, public sector or similarly complex, values‑driven environments.
* Extensive experience leading a Portfolio, Programme or Project Management Office (PMO) with demonstrated success overseeing large‑scale cross‑functional programmes that align with organisational strategy and deliver measurable value.
* Proven experience leading through change in large matrixed environments – with the ability to navigate ambiguity, drive transformation and inspire high‑performing teams through periods of growth.
* Strong leadership capability with experience leading senior leaders, fostering a culture of collaboration, performance, accountability and innovation.
* A sound understanding of IT and/or property infrastructure and strategic asset management with the ability to make informed decisions that balance innovation, risk, cost and long‑term value.
* Strategic mindset with the ability to see the bigger picture, connect the dots across initiatives and align portfolio delivery with long‑term organisational priorities.
* Demonstrated success in the development and implementation of strategic initiatives with a strong grasp of contemporary practices in project delivery governance and organisational performance.
* Highly developed stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills with a customer‑focused mindset and the ability to influence, negotiate and build consensus at senior levels.
Key Skills
* Project / Program Management
* Project Portfolio Management
* Portfolio Management
* Credit Analysis
* Banking
* Pricing
* Analysis Skills
* Financial Analysis
* Budgeting
* Property Management
* Contracts
To apply
Please submit your updated resume and a short cover letter outlining your skills and experience. For a confidential discussion regarding this role please contact Zoe McQuillan, Strategic Advisor – Infrastructure & Digital.
Applications for this position close 11.55 pm 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 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.
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