• Flexible location + hybrid work arrangements
• Full-time and fixed term for 5 years – Commencing from 24 February 2025
• An attractive salary package on offer | 17% Superannuation

Team overview:

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,

Our Finance function is responsible for leading the financial planning and end-to-end finance management, analysis and insight to promote financially sustainable operations including responsible and strategic procurement practices.  Along with this our Assurance capability, consisting of Legal Services, Compliance and Contract Governance, develops the University frameworks and policy, and key expertise that underpins compliance and corporate governance and Deakin's commitment to high standards of integrity

About the role:

The Executive Director, Assurance is an experienced, driven and collaborative leader and manager responsible for the planning, drive and delivery of outstanding services to our stakeholders. The position requires extensive knowledge, skills and experience in the service area of legal, compliance, contract governance and overall assurance and leads and manages advisory and operational teams to deliver innovative service practices and solutions. The position requires an exceptional customer focussed mind-set and the ability to shape, define and implement a range of activities in a complex, changing specialised environment in alignment with university goals.

In the key Executive leadership role, you will:

• Provide leadership in driving initiatives, fostering a culture of innovation, adaptability, and continuous improvement. Collaborate with executive leadership to align with the University's Strategic Plan and relevant functional Strategy.
• Champion the advancement of Assurance services ensuring alignment with the university's objectives and long-term vision. Oversee the prioritisation and delivery of compliance, legal services and contract governance.
• Collaborate with senior leaders and the executive to identify strategic opportunities that enhance compliance, legal services and contract governance. Establish and maintain strong relationships with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure alignment with Deakin's culture and values.
• Provide exemplary leadership to the Assurance team, fostering an environment of collaboration, growth, and innovation. Develop team members' skills and capabilities.
• Stay up to date of the latest trends and developments in the assurance landscape, providing insights and recommendations to enhance the university's competitiveness and operational efficiency.

To be successful, you’ll have:

• Qualifications and experience commensurate with appointment at level. Postgraduate qualifications in a legal/commerce discipline and/or extensive relevant experience.
• Demonstrated success in the development and implementation of compliance, legal services and contract governance strategic initiatives.
• Demonstrated strong understanding of contemporary assurance discipline concepts and strategies and the capacity to adapt and implement these for the benefit of an organisation.
• Proven ability to work with a significant degree of independence, operating within broad objectives and providing leadership in area of expertise.
• Proven resource and people management skills, including demonstrated ability to build effective high-performance teams and to successfully lead change.
• Demonstrated high level negotiation, influencing, advocacy and facilitation skills as well as excellent written and oral communication skills.

Here's how to apply: 

Only people with the right to work in Australia may apply for this position.

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    

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

 Executive Director, Assurance_SL3.pdf

Applications for this position close on Sunday, 5 January 2025.

The university will be closed from 23 December until 2 January 2025 and applications will be reviewed after this date.

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.

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.