Senior Strategic Adviser

• Based at our Geelong, Waterfront Campus or Melbourne, Burwood Campus + hybrid work arrangements
• Full-time (36.75 hours per week) and fixed term for 5 years 
• Competitive Remuneration + 17% Superannuation

Why work with us?

At Deakin you will have access to benefits such as a variety of leave options including 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 grow your career; an inclusive and supportive culture and environment to work in, both online and on campus.

The role:

Join Deakin as a Senior Strategic Adviser, providing high-level advice to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic and senior leaders on key university-wide initiatives. This influential role drives strategic academic priorities aligned with Deakin’s Education and Employability Plan 2025–2030. We're seeking a forward-thinking expert with deep knowledge of the higher education landscape and a passion for innovation and impact.

As the Senior Strategic Adviser, you will:

• Provide high-level strategic counsel that influences the direction, focus, and advancement of major academic programs and initiatives.
• Develop innovative, evidence-based proposals and advice grounded in strategic thinking and rigorous analysis.
• Identify and critically evaluate operational and strategic issues affecting the Academic Portfolio and the broader learning and teaching environment.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement and best practice.
• Support the DVCA with high-level materials including agendas, reports, presentations, and briefings for executive forums.
• Partner with Finance to manage the Academic Portfolio budget and contribute to compliance and reporting obligations. 

To be successful, you’ll have:

• Qualifications and experience commensurate with appointment at level.
• Experience drafting policy, position papers, reports, briefings and other documents.
• Experience handling matters appropriately to maintain and enhance the professionalism of the Executive member’s office.
• Demonstrated capacity to build and maintain strong and productive relationships with internal and external partners.
• Experience advising senior management on policy matters and funding issues affecting the higher education sector.
• Extensive experience conceptualising, developing and implementing contemporary solutions, strategies and services to achieve a large organisation’s objectives.

Here's how to apply: 

Please submit your updated resume and a cover letter (maximum two pages) outlining your skills and experience.

For a confidential discussion regarding this role please contact Siobhan Lenihan via ***********************

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

 PD - Senior Strategic Adviser PD.pdf

Applications for this position close at 11.55pm on 9 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.