Organisational Development Specialist

Keywords: Organisational development, employee experience, performance optimisation, leadership programmes, capability building, stakeholder engagement, evidence-based decision making, inclusive workplace, flexible work arrangements, project delivery.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Organisational Development Specialist to join a leading higher education institution in the Northern sububs. This 6-12 months project role offers the chance to make a significant impact on workforce performance and employee experience. You will play a pivotal part in designing, developing, and delivering enterprise-wide initiatives that enhance engagement and drive organisational success. The organisation is renowned for its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and flexible working arrangements, providing you with the support needed to balance your professional and personal responsibilities. With access to inspiring campuses and a collaborative environment, this is your chance to contribute to meaningful change while advancing your career within a forward-thinking and supportive culture.

What you'll do:

As an Organisational Development Specialist - Performance, you will be instrumental in driving impactful change across the institution's workforce. Your day-to-day activities will involve collaborating with People & Culture teams as well as key stakeholders from various departments to coordinate the development and delivery of high-quality organisational development solutions. You will focus on optimising employee performance through targeted initiatives such as leadership development programmes, capability enhancement projects, cultural transformation efforts, employee surveys (including analysis and action planning), reward systems, and more. Success in this role requires you to bring together analytical rigour with creative problem-solving skills-translating complex data into actionable insights that inform strategic interventions. You'll also be responsible for producing comprehensive reports for executive audiences while facilitating workshops that foster learning across all levels. By nurturing strong relationships within the organisation's network you'll ensure seamless project execution while championing an inclusive culture where every voice is heard.

• Apply substantial theoretical and professional knowledge to lead or significantly contribute to a range of performance, leadership, capability, and employee experience programmes aimed at enhancing overall organisational outcomes.
• Lead the planning, delivery, and evaluation of complex projects ensuring alignment with strategic objectives while engaging stakeholders effectively and maintaining clear governance throughout each initiative.
• Analyse and interpret complex data sets to identify patterns and root causes; test solutions; source additional insights where appropriate; and provide evidence-based advice to inform key decisions.
• Utilise extensive experience and sound judgement to navigate complex situations where solutions may not be immediately apparent in order to deliver high-quality professional services.
• Provide expert advice while contributing original thinking and innovative solutions in areas of specialist knowledge that support the achievement of strategic goals.
• Take ownership of university-wide performance initiatives including cultural programmes, biennial Employee Experience Surveys (and subsequent action planning), exit surveys, annual performance cycles, leadership development programmes, capability building activities, as well as reward and recognition schemes.
• Design or source, implement, and maintain employee and leadership programmes aligned with divisional or institutional priorities by developing resources, frameworks, and toolkits that support these key initiatives.
• Build productive partnerships across the organisation by offering expert guidance and collaborating closely with internal colleagues to ensure objectives are met with high stakeholder satisfaction.
• Oversee the planning, communication, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of activities supporting the implementation and ongoing review of leadership, capability, experience, and performance programmes.
• Develop high-quality reports, communications materials, models, collateral, toolkits, reference documents in a timely manner while delivering relevant workshops or briefings that integrate instructional design principles.

What you bring:

To excel as an Organisational Development Specialist - Performance you will bring proven expertise in supporting large-scale organisational development projects within complex environments. Your background should demonstrate hands-on involvement in designing/delivering impactful leadership/capability/performance initiatives underpinned by rigorous data analysis. You possess outstanding communication skills enabling you to translate technical findings into accessible recommendations for diverse audiences including executives. Your natural empathy allows you to build trust quickly while working collaboratively across functions-ensuring all voices are included when co-creating solutions. A keen sense of responsibility drives your commitment not only towards meeting deadlines but also towards upholding ethical standards/compliance requirements at every stage. Your ability to plan strategically ensures resources are allocated efficiently so intended results are achieved sustainably-with learnings integrated into future practice. Above all else your passion for nurturing talent/inclusive cultures means you thrive when helping others grow-making you an invaluable asset within any people-focused team.

• A degree with substantial extension of theories/principles learned through experience or management background; postgraduate qualifications or progress towards them with extensive relevant experience are highly regarded.
• A proactive mindset characterised by strong ownership over tasks combined with meticulous attention to detail resulting in consistently high-quality outputs.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills enabling you to negotiate effectively; motivate others; influence outcomes; build lasting relationships-including those with senior leaders-across teams/locations.
• Demonstrated experience leading the design/development of diverse organisational development solutions driven by a genuine desire to positively influence both employee experiences and performance outcomes for staff at all levels.
• Proven project management expertise evidenced by successful delivery of projects/programmes/initiatives on time/budget/specification while achieving high customer value (engagement/feedback).
• Advanced ability to analyse/interpret complex data sets generating insights that identify trends/root causes which can then be translated into evidence-based recommendations informing strategic decisions/interventions.
• Critical thinking skills allowing you to objectively evaluate potential outcomes/solutions before forming judgements or taking action based on robust evidence.
• Self-awareness regarding how your behaviours/emotions/thought processes impact yourself/others-and willingness to take ownership/action advancing personal wellbeing/effectiveness.
• Collaborative approach fostering respectful interactions with colleagues/students creating positive environments where ideas/improvements are openly shared/wellbeing prioritised/achievements celebrated.
• Commitment to compliance including willingness (or ability) to obtain/present a Victorian Working with Children Check plus adherence to all relevant policies/procedures/regulatory obligations.

What sets this company apart:

This institution stands out as one of Australia's most respected universities-renowned for its unwavering commitment to diversity inclusion flexibility innovation excellence in teaching research community engagement. Staff enjoy access not only stunning campus facilities but also comprehensive benefits packages tailored support their unique needs-from flexible working arrangements generous leave entitlements through ongoing professional development opportunities mentoring schemes wellness initiatives more. The culture here is genuinely collaborative: employees are encouraged share ideas challenge conventions celebrate achievements together-all within an environment that values respect kindness open communication above all else. Whether you're looking advance your career make tangible difference lives students partners communities-or simply want join team where everyone's contribution matters-you'll find unparalleled opportunities here transform both your own journey those around you.

What's next:

If you're ready to shape the future of organisational performance while enjoying exceptional flexibility support apply now for this rewarding opportunity

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are encouraged to apply.

To apply please click apply or call Wouter De Vries on for a confidential discussion.