Manager, Operations and Programs

• Flexible location + hybrid work arrangements
• Full-time and fixed-term until December 2026

About the role:

The Centre for Humanitarian Leadership (CHL) is an award-winning partnership between Deakin University and Save the Children Australia. Established in 2011 as an innovative combination of academic rigour and humanitarian practice, CHL supports crisis and humanitarian leaders in more than 90 countries with accredited and non-accredited academic courses in multiple languages. CHL champions humanitarian action that centres the agency of affected communities, respects diverse perspectives, elevates local actors, and furthers social justice. Come join a dynamic, high-performing team that is working to improve humanitarian and disaster response globally. It's a unique opportunity to engage with local leaders, academia, non-governmental organisations, government stakeholders, and philanthropic funders who work to improve humanitarian outcomes for people living in crisis.

As Manager, Operations and Programs, you will form part of the leadership team within CHL, contributing to its overall direction, operations, and stakeholder engagement. The Manager, Operations and Programs will take a proactive role in guiding the Centre's activities, managing professional staff, driving strategic initiatives, ensuring high-quality delivery of CHL's projects, fostering internal capability, and representing CHL both internally and externally. The Manager, Operations and Programs brings innovation, initiative, and high-level judgement to guide complex programs, budget management, and donor engagement. You will also have responsibility for leading a small team and stepping in for the Director during times of leave or travel.

As Manager, Operations and Programs, you will:

• Work with team members to facilitate growth and development by giving balanced, constructive feedback considering individual capability and team performance, in alignment with Deakin's code of conduct and core university strategies and policies that promote a safe, sustainable and productive working environment.

• Provide strategic input into CHL leadership and committee meetings, representing the Centre in internal and external stakeholder engagements.

• Deliver high-level specialist advice to the University on CHL's projects, grants, and strategic initiatives.

• Oversee commercial opportunities, including tenders for education, commissioned research, and professional development programs.

• Strengthen stakeholder engagement by supporting the development of donor proposals and contributing to fundraising efforts in collaboration with the CHL Director and partners.

To be successful, you'll have:

• Experience or accreditation in project management with proven ability to plan, implement, monitor and evaluate.

• Experience working collaboratively to develop and implement new frameworks and practices within a complex environment.

• Experience with donor compliance, log frames and fundamentals of monitoring and evaluation.

• Experience managing large, complex institutional and philanthropic donor awards.

• Understanding and experience of humanitarian work and humanitarian environments and knowledge of associated educational and research funding environment is desirable.

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 Jess Plummer (Senior Communications Advisor) on

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

PD - Manager, Operations and

Applications for this position close on Monday, 29 September 2025 at 11:55pm.

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.