• Based at either our Melbourne Burwood or Geelong Waterfront Campus + hybrid work arrangements
• Full-time and fixed-term for 5 years
• Competitive salary and benefits including 17% Superannuation

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

As trusted advisors and collaborative partners, the Finance and Assurance function provides a range of services to all parts of the university to drive financial sustainability and provide expert advice and compliance assurance to support delivery of the University Strategy and operational activities.

The Head of Legal Services brings extensive and specialist knowledge of their area of expertise and an understanding of the complexities of the higher education environment. The role is recognised as a principal specialist in legal services and leads and motivates a team of professionals to collaborate and deliver outstanding advice and services to our customers. The role leads the enhancement of practices and methodology in legal services and recommends solutions to more complex university-wide issues.

In this key leadership role, you will:

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of skilled professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment. Provide guidance and support to team members in delivering strategic initiatives, ensuring their growth and development.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives that align with Deakin’s goals and future needs. Advise university leaders on legal matters, ensuring the university operates within the law and aligns with its strategic goals. Identify, assess, and manage legal risks, providing recommendations to minimise liabilities and ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
• Oversee the management of all litigation involving the University, including the selection and management of external legal representation.
• Liaise with and manage relationships with external legal service providers, ensuring that the university receives cost-effective and high-quality legal advice.
• Partner with senior leaders and oversee and coordinate legal proceedings involving the university, including litigation, arbitration, and mediation, while liaising with external legal counsel when necessary. 

To be successful, you’ll bring

• An equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training (A Bachelor of Laws degree).
• Admitted to practice as an Australian Legal Practitioner within the meaning of the Legal Profession Uniform Law (Victoria).
• Knowledge and experience in general commercial law, contract law, corporations law, competition and trade practices, intellectual property and with expertise in employment law.
• Extensive experience conceptualising, developing and implementing contemporary legal solutions, strategies and services to achieve a large organisation’s objectives.
• Demonstrated capacity to build and maintain strong and productive relationships with internal and external partners and customers.

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

 PD - Head of Legal Services.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, 9 March 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.