• Based at either our Melbourne Burwood or Geelong Campuses + hybrid work arrangements 

• Full-time and fixed-term for 5 years 

• Competitive salary and benefits  

Why work with us? 

Deakin is a Victorian university with a global impact. We are agile and innovative, and committed to making a positive impact through our excellence in education and research and the contributions we make to the wider community. We aim to be a catalyst for positive change for the individuals and the communities we serve. We aspire to be recognised as Australia’s most progressive university. 

At Deakin, you will enjoy a range of benefits, including various leave options such as generous parental leave and the ability to purchase additional leave; flexible working arrangements to help manage your work-life balance; ongoing learning and development opportunities to advance your career; an inclusive, supportive culture and environment to work in, both online and on campus. 

About the role 

The Director, Research Finance is a specialised senior leader working with stakeholders to shape, monitor and implement new policies, practices and/or services that impact fundamental and core university elements. The Director will champion the advancement of Research Finance, ensuring alignment with the university's objectives and long-term vision and formulate strategy for the Research Finance team and the structured planning and execution of tailored business service offerings, tools and performance indicators. The position is a critical leadership position of the Finance and Assurance leadership team and maintains a close engagement with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Executive Director, Research Office and Senior Research Leaders and is responsible for the management and mentoring of direct reports to ensure the delivery of capability, culture and a high standard of research accounting across all aspects of research operations and grants.  

In this key leadership role, you will: 

• Lead and motivate others to collaborate and confer with colleagues across the university to resolve conflicts and deliver results.  

• Identify emerging Research finance and commercial needs and challenges for the higher education sector, and for Deakin University in particular, to support the development of innovative and best practice research finance strategy, policies and initiatives.  

• Ensure high quality service delivery by championing continuous improvement strategies and align operations with leading practice. Respond flexibly to changing demands. 

• Develop the strategic direction for the Division/Unit and create a shared sense of purpose by demonstrating how elements of the strategy fit together and contribute to higher-level goals. 

• Agree on clear performance standards and deliver constructive feedback in a manner that gains acceptance and achieves resolution.  

• Take personal responsibility for meeting objectives and progressing work. Show initiative and proactively step in and do what is required. Commit energy and drive to see that goals are achieved.  

To be successful, you’ll have: 

• Qualifications and experience commensurate with appointment at level.  

• Demonstrated success in the development and implementation of strategic initiatives.  

• Demonstrated strong understanding of contemporary discipline concepts and strategies and the capacity to adapt and implement these for the benefit of an organisation.  

• Proven ability to work with a significant degree of independence, operating within broad objectives and providing leadership in area of expertise.  

• Proven resource and people management skills, including demonstrated ability to build effective high-performance teams and to successfully lead change.  

 For a copy of the full position description, please see below: 

 PD - Director, Research Finance.pdf

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 Clare Lezaja, Chief Financial Officer on c.lezaja@deakin.edu.au  

Applications for this position close on Sunday, 27 April 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.