Expression of Interest – Chief of Staff

Flexible location + hybrid work arrangements Full-time and fixed-term until October 2027 Attractive remuneration offered + 17% superannuation Internal position, applications being sought from current Deakin staff only The Opportunity: Partner closely with the Vice-Chancellor as a trusted adviser, providing strategic counsel on institutional priorities, opportunities and challenges.

Enable executive excellence by anticipating and coordinating high-level decision-making, governance and the effective execution of key initiatives. Lead the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, fostering a high-performing team that delivers exceptional support, insight and outcomes. Serve as Secretary to the University Executive Committee, ensuring robust governance processes and facilitating informed, timely decision-making.

Drive the innovation and delivery of Deakin's communications strategy, strengthening engagement, reputation and alignment across the University community. What Does This Role Offer: Shape the future of one of Australia's leading universities by setting the strategic direction for a significant enterprise function and influencing outcomes that impact the entire Deakin community.

Partner with senior leaders at the highest level, providing trusted advice to the Vice-Chancellor, Executive and governance bodies on critical issues and strategic priorities. Drive meaningful change and social impact, leading initiatives that advance equity, inclusion, safety, wellbeing and belonging across the University.

Lead high-performing teams and build organisational capability, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability and continuous improvement. Extend your influence beyond the University, building strategic partnerships and sector relationships that strengthen Deakin's reputation, influence and impact. What You Will Deliver: Strategic leadership and enterprise impact by shaping and advancing a critical University function that drives equity, inclusion, safety and organisational excellence across Deakin.

Integrated solutions and measurable outcomes through the development and delivery of strategic initiatives that align priorities, services and resources across diverse portfolios. Trusted executive advice and influence by providing expert guidance on complex issues, translating evidence and insight into informed decision-making at the highest levels of the University.

Strong governance, risk and operational performance through sound judgement, effective management of competing priorities, and the delivery of sustainable, compliant and high-performing outcomes. Leadership, capability and culture by building high-performing teams, developing future leaders, and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, inclusion and continuous improvement.

About the Team

The Office of the Vice-Chancellor Portfolio provides leadership and governance for the University, including responsibility for the University Council secretariat, media, communications and government relations, and risk management. You may be a great fit for this role if you... Bring a proven track record of leading complex, enterprise-wide functions, ideally within higher education or similarly complex environments, with deep expertise in equity, diversity and inclusion.

Excel at driving strategic change and integration, bringing together diverse stakeholders, services and initiatives to deliver cohesive, organisation-wide outcomes. Are a trusted adviser and influential communicator, capable of navigating complex issues, shaping executive decision-making and building support through evidence-based recommendations.

Thrive in complexity and ambiguity, balancing competing priorities, managing risk and exercising sound judgement in a dynamic and evolving environment. Have successfully led large teams and significant resources, building high-performing cultures, developing leadership capability and delivering sustainable organisational outcomes.

Apply today : Please submit your current resume and a short covering letter outlining your skills and experience. Want to Know More? For a confidential discussion, or for further questions regarding this role, please contact Kristy Lazic, Recruitment Consultant via deakinrecruit@deakin.edu.au For a copy of the position description, please see below: PD_Chief of Staff.

pdf Applications for this position close at 11.59pm, Tuesday 27 th October, 2026. Please note that only candidates with full working rights in Australia will be considered for this position and is open to current continuing, fixed-term and casual Deakin employees only.

What We Offer

Whether you're looking to develop new skills, gain exposure to a different area, or take the next step in your career journey, this opportunity offers a chance to broaden your experience and continue your career development within our thriving and accomplished university. Here at Deakin , we continue to encourage our people to explore new opportunities, build impactful connections across Deakin, and contribute to meaningful work that continues to support our students, staff, and communities.

Pre-employment safety and suitability checks: As part of Deakin's commitment to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment, successful candidates will be required to complete relevant pre-employment checks, which include a Working with Children Check and declarations relating to gender-based violence in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence.

Any information provided will be treated confidentially and assessed only where relevant to the requirements of the role and Deakin's duty of care obligations. A declaration does not automatically preclude a candidate from employment.