- Based at our Melbourne, Burwood Campus/ Geelong, Waterfront Campus
- Full-time, Continuing (Multiple roles available)
- HEW 9 $ 138,102 - $ 146,374 + 17% Superannuation (pro rata, part time)
Deakin is a cutting-edge public university in Victoria, revolutionising education with 61,000 students across seven campuses: Melbourne Burwood, Geelong Waurn Ponds, Geelong Waterfront, Warrnambool, Deakin University Lancaster University Indonesia (DLI), GIFT City, India and our dynamic online Campus. We're proud to be a progressive and open-minded university, delivering the highest student satisfaction in Victoria and consistently ranked in the top 1% of the world's universities.
The Risk Partner plays a key role in strengthening enterprise risk management across the University by working closely with assigned faculties and/or central portfolios to support the identification, assessment, and mitigation of strategic, enterprise and operational risks and risks associated with key strategic ventures. Acts as a key liaison between the risk function and business units and works alongside operational leaders to integrate risk management into decision-making and day-to-day operations. As a trusted advisor and subject matter expert, the Risk Partner collaborates with senior academic and professional staff to embed consistent and effective risk practices aligned with the University's risk framework, strategic objectives, and regulatory obligations. The role contributes to the development and implementation of risk tools, systems and reporting, and builds risk capability across the institution through education, coaching, and engagement.
This position is integral to promoting a culture of proactive and informed risk management, enhancing decision-making, and supporting the resilience and integrity of the University’s operations and reputation. The Risk Partner supports senior leaders and governance bodies by providing high-quality insights and reports on risk exposure, risk trends, and mitigation strategies aligned with the University’s objectives. It also contributes to business continuity planning and the University’s insurance portfolio.
As a Risk Partner, you will:
- Work collaboratively with faculty and central portfolio leaders to identify, assess and manage strategic and operational risks, ensuring alignment with the University's enterprise risk management framework and appetite.
- Support the implementation and continuous improvement of risk management policies, tools and processes, ensuring consistent application across assigned areas and contributing to institutional risk maturity.
- Facilitate the development and maintenance of risk registers; analyse trends and emerging risks; and contribute to the preparation of risk reports and dashboards for senior leadership, governance committees, and the Audit and Risk Committee.
- Develop and deliver training, workshops and guidance materials to build risk capability, awareness and accountability within faculties and portfolios, and support a positive risk culture across the institution.
- Establish strong relationships with internal stakeholders including academic leaders, professional staff, internal audit, and compliance teams to ensure integrated and proactive risk management approaches.
To be successful, you’ll have:
- Postgraduate qualifications and extensive relevant experience; or Relevant qualification and extensive relevant experience in risk, compliance and/or related discipline.
- Proven experience in developing and applying enterprise risk frameworks, policies and practices in a complex organisation, with the ability to provide high-level advice on the identification, assessment, and mitigation of institutional and reputational risks.
- Proven experience in gaining consensus and commitment from stakeholders, negotiating effectively, and resolving conflicts or issues in a manner that aligns with organizational goals
- Highly developed analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to evaluate complex situations, consider strategic and contextual factors, and design practical, sustainable solutions.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and succinctly, with strong active listening skills and the capacity to respond with clarity, respect and understanding in both written and verbal interactions.
- Understanding of the risk, compliance, and governance challenges relevant to the university sector, including legislative, policy, financial and reputational dimensions.
- Ability to interpret and synthesise complex information and data to support evidence-based decision-making, and to prepare clear, concise and insightful risk reports and briefings for senior stakeholders and governance committees.
- Experience using Risk Management tools and software would be advantageous.
Please submit your updated resume along with a brief cover letter outlining your relevant skills and experience by clicking the 'Apply' button.
For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Sharon Wilkes (Head of Risk) via email at sharon.wilkes@deakin.edu.au
For a copy of the position description, please see below:
Applications for this position close on 27th January 2026.
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.
