Head of Risk

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Work type: Full-time
Location: Flexible
Categories: Management
Flexible location either at Melbourne Burwood or Geelong Campuses + hybrid work arrangements
Full-time and fixed term for 5 years – commencement from 6 October 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 Assurance capability, consisting of Legal Services, Compliance, Contract Governance and Risk develops the University's assurance frameworks and policies, and provides key expertise that underpins compliance and corporate governance and Deakin's commitment to high standards of integrity.
About the role:
The Head of Risk provides strategic leadership in identifying, assessing, and managing institutional and reputational risks across the university, ensuring strong governance frameworks are in place to uphold academic integrity, regulatory compliance and stakeholder trust. They are responsible for overseeing the University's risk management framework, strategy and operations including the insurance and business continuity programs. They bring extensive and specialist knowledge and expertise and an understanding of the complexities of the higher education environment to identify, assess, manage and mitigate potential risks that could affect the university's ability to achieve its objectives.
The role is recognised as a principal specialist in organisational risk and leads and motivates a team of professionals to collaborate and deliver outstanding advice and services to the University. The incumbent develops and maintains positive and effective professional relationships with all internal and external stakeholders and staff to resolve issues and provide professional leadership. The role leads efforts to educate and train university staff on risk management practices and promote a culture of proactive risk awareness and resilience across the institution. The position enhances practices and methodology in recommending solutions to complex university-wide issues relating to risk.
As Head of Risk, you will:
Lead the development and oversee the implementation of the University's risk management framework and policies aligning a contemporary risk strategy with Deakin's objectives and regulatory requirements.
Support Council to set the University's risk appetite
Effectively co-ordinate strategic risk for the University on behalf of the Executive under the Risk Framework aligned with the established risk appetite.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify organisational risk, including those related to strategic initiatives and projects.
Work collaboratively with the Executive and senior management to enhance risk management, controls and governance across the University.
Oversee the University's insurance program.
Oversee the University's business continuity program
Provide clear and sector relevant communication, reporting and advice to Council. Executive and senior leaders.
To be successful, you'll have:
Qualifications and experience commensurate with appointment at level and possess relevant professional accreditations.
Proven ability to lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of enterprise-wide risk management frameworks, with a strong understanding of institutional and reputational risks in a complex and highly regulated environment such as higher education.
Deep understanding of the operating context, legislative and regulatory frameworks, and strategic challenges facing universities, including academic integrity, research governance, and reputational risks.
Strong track record in leading high-performing teams, fostering a positive and collaborative culture, and motivating staff to deliver strategic outcomes in risk, compliance, and business continuity.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with senior executives, academic leaders, professional staff, internal audit and external partners, with a consultative and solutions-focused approach to complex problem solving.
High-level written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing reports, briefings, and policy documents for executive leadership and governance bodies, and the ability to influence organisational change through consultation and collaboration.
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 by clicking the 'Apply' button.
For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Briony Lewis (Executive Director, Assurance) via mail at
For a copy of the position description, please see below:
Applications for this position close on Thursday, 11 September 2025 at 11:55pm.
Benefits for working with us
At Deakin, we offer more than just a job — we offer a lifestyle. Across our campuses in Geelong, Melbourne, and regional Victoria, you'll find everything you need to thrive: on-site childcare, gyms, medical centres, cafes, accessible public transport, and convenient parking. Enjoy flexible working arrangements that support your work-life balance, generous leave entitlements including extended parental leave and the option to purchase additional time off, plus a wide range of staff discounts on travel and more. Our health and wellbeing services, ongoing professional development opportunities, and inclusive, supportive culture make Deakin a place where you can grow — whether you're working remotely or immersed in the vibrant energy of campus life.
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.
Advertised: 28 Aug 2025 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 11 Sep 2025 AUS Eastern Standard Time
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Seeking a strategic leader to oversee the University's risk management strategy, including institutional and reputational risks, insurance programs, business continuity planning and governance frameworks. This role supports academic integrity, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder trust by applying specialist expertise in the higher education sector to identify, assess, and mitigate risks impacting the University's objectives.
Seeking a strategic leader to oversee the University's risk management strategy, including institutional and reputational risks, insurance programs, business continuity planning and governance frameworks. This role supports academic integrity, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder trust by applying specialist expertise in the higher education sector to identify, assess, and mitigate risks impacting the University's objectives.
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