Exciting opportunities to shape the future of university education
Deakin University Council invites expressions of interest from individuals with the experience, expertise and enthusiasm to shape the future of university education through serving on the University’s peak governance body, Deakin University Council.
The University has a vacancy arising on 1 January 2026. Applicants will also be considered for future vacancies and for appointments to committees of the Council to gain experience as an incoming or prospective member of the Council.
Expressions of interest are due between Monday 19 May and Friday, 30 May 2025 and will be considered for opportunities from 2026.
Commitment to diversity and inclusion
Deakin is strongly committed to equity and inclusion. 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.
Individuals seeking any adjustments to the application process are warmly invited to use to the contact points listed below for a confidential discussion about how Deakin can meet individual needs.
Deakin University
Deakin prides itself on being Australia’s most progressive and responsive university, with a unique balance of excellence in both education and research.
With 60,000 students and over 6,000 staff members, and with campuses located across Victoria and in India and Indonesia, we serve a broad and diverse community.
We leverage strong partnerships to maximise the social, cultural and economic impact we deliver regionally, nationally and globally.
Deakin University Council
The Council brings foresightful strategic leadership and a global outlook to its governance of the University, together with a deep commitment to meeting the needs of our students, staff and communities.
The Council is responsible for setting the direction and overseeing the performance of the University. Deakin’s distinctive strategic ambition is set out in Deakin 2030: Ideas to Impact. The University has a growing international profile and new campuses in India and Indonesia.
Council members must demonstrate the highest levels of integrity and professionalism and an appreciation of our university values relating to teaching, research, independence and academic freedom.
Members have responsibilities similar to those of non-executive directors.
Deakin staff and students play valuable roles on the Council as elected or official members but are ineligible for this EoI process because the appointees must be independent from university management and unencumbered by conflict of interest.
Skills, experience and diversity of perspectives sought
Deakin is seeking applications for several positions over the next year covering the following criteria. It is appreciated that no one person will meet all the criteria. Applicants are asked to address the essential criteria and whichever of the desirable criteria they wish to address.
Essential skills and experience
- Board level or Executive leadership experience in a large organisation operating in a complex environment.
- Appreciation of the University’s role in education and research to serve its students and communities, locally and globally.
- Expertise or experience to contribute to Council’s oversight of the University’s strategy and performance, which can include expertise or experience in areas such as community and policy leadership, organisational culture, financial management, risk oversight and audit.
Desirable skills and experience
- Experience or expertise in higher education policy settings and directions in Australia and internationally.
- Contemporary ‘hands on’ skills in technology and digital systems, cyber security or artificial intelligence; this could include but is not limited to experience in an edutech environment.
Desirable diversity of perspectives
- We strongly encourage applications from individuals with experience in leading First Nations organisations and initiatives. The University Council wholeheartedly embraces the University’s Indigenous Strategy, which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to Reconciliation, Indigenous Knowledges and improving the experience and success of Indigenous students in higher education.
- We also invite applicants to tell us if they come from a regional or remote background or identify as a person with disability, from a culturally or linguistically diverse background, LGBTIQ+ or a young person (under 25). We invite applicants to outline the perspective this would enable them to add to the work of the Council.
Time commitment and term of appointment
The time commitment required for membership of Council is approximately one day per fortnight, including preparation time for meetings. This includes attendance at meetings of the University Council and at least one committee of the Council.
The University Council meets at least seven times a year and holds at least one meeting at every campus (five meetings in Geelong and one meeting at Burwood and Warrnambool). Committees meet four to six times annually at our Melbourne CBD location and Geelong. Meetings are held in person.
Members of the University Council also attend various University events and are expected to represent and advocate for the University in the broader community.
Council members are appointed for terms up to three years and may be eligible for reappointment in accordance with the Deakin University Act.
Benefits, remuneration and indemnity
Deakin University Council members enjoy a stimulating and collaborative work environment.
The Council offers high quality professional development and excellent networking opportunities.
There is also rewarding engagement with students, staff and community partners. Council members thrive on seeing our students well prepared for their future careers and our staff making a positive impact with their teaching and research.
Council members are eligible for remuneration at rates set by Council within bands determined by the Victorian Government. Remuneration in 2025 including Committee work is in the order of $35,000 pa plus superannuation. Remuneration is reviewed annually.
All members of the Council and its Committees have insurance and indemnity protection from the University for the exercise of their governance responsibilities.
Approval process
Approval authority
The Council has two categories of appointed members – members appointed by the Council and members appointed by the Victorian Government.
There are identical appointment criteria for both categories under the Deakin University Act 2009 (Vic) and the University’s appointment process is aligned with Victorian Government policy.
There is no distinction between Council and Government Appointed Members in terms of their roles and responsibilities.
The vacancy arising on 1 January 2026 is for a Government Appointed Member. Future opportunities may be in either appointment category.
Consideration of expressions of interest
The EoI process outlined here is overseen by Deakin Council’s Chancellor’s Advisory Committee which advises the Council on the good governance of the University.
With support from the University Council Secretary, the Committee will consider expressions of interest against the criteria listed above. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to meet with the University Chancellor, John Stanhope AM.
The Chancellor is responsible for recommending appointments for the consideration of the Council or of the Victorian Government.
The successful candidate must enter an appointment agreement with the University and uphold the Council Charter.
Confidentiality and data protection
All submissions and any inquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Deakin is committed to responsible collection and management of personal and health information.
You can read the University’s Privacy Statement in relation to applications for employment here.
Further information
Interested individuals should consult:
For further information and any questions please contact:
Dr Glenn Nicholls GAICD, University Council Secretary, council-secretary@deakin.edu.au, Tel 61 3 9246 8242.
Submitting an expression of interest
Expressions of interest should be made via the Work at Deakin website. Candidates must complete a short online applicant form and submit:
- a statement of up to 1,000 words addressing the selection criteria as explained above
- an up-to-date resume listing all positions and directorships held.
The deadline for submissions is by 5pm on Friday, 30 May, 2025.
Disclaimer: This information sheet is compiled as at May 2025 on the basis of the Council’s plans and policies for appointment of Council members, and may change in response to external or University requirements. The University will keep interested persons informed about its plans and opportunities.
The intention of the position description is to provide an outline of scope and responsibilities of a general nature. Detailed information is available from the contact officer listed above.
