Associate Director, Legal Services

The Opportunity

As the Associate Director, Legal Services – Research and Education (R&E), you will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic legal landscape of Monash University's research and education portfolio. Working closely with the Director, Legal Services R&E and the General Counsel, you will lead the delivery of high-impact legal services that support Monash's ambitious research agenda and educational excellence. You will focus on intellectual property, research and development, and the higher-education regulatory space.

This position will be responsible for providing high-level legal advice and strategic risk oversight on some of the University's most complex and high-impact matters including major research collaborations, global funding agreements, clinical trials, and intellectual property strategies. You will lead strategic legal projects aligned with R&E goals, oversee a team of senior legal professionals and expert external contractors, and act as a trusted adviser to the OGC and broader leadership team. You will also monitor, interpret and respond to regulatory developments, supporting Monash's compliance and innovation efforts, and foster strong partnerships across the university and externally.

To be successful in this role, you will have demonstrated leadership in a legal practice setting, and at least 15 years' post-admission experience (indicative), with a current legal practising certificate. You will bring deep expertise in higher education and research and intellectual property law, exceptional negotiation, stakeholder management and communication skills, as well as a proven ability to progress matters and lead teams in high-pressure, high-volume environments. Your strategic mindset, operational leadership, and commitment to ethical practice and process improvement will position you to make a lasting impact on Monash's legal and academic success.

About Monash University

At Monash, work feels different. There's a sense of belonging, from contributing to something groundbreaking – a place where great things happen.

We value difference and diversity, and welcome and celebrate everyone's contributions, lived experience and expertise. That's why we champion an inclusive and respectful workplace culture where everyone is supported to succeed.

Learn more about Monash.

Be part of our story. Work with us to #ChangeIt.

Monash supports flexible and hybrid working arrangements. We have a range of policies in place enabling staff to combine work and personal commitments. This includes supporting parents.

To Apply

For instructions on how to apply, please refer to 'How to apply for Monash Jobs'. Your application must address the Key Selection Criteria.

Diversity is one of our greatest strengths at Monash. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, and people of all genders, sexualities, and age groups.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process at Monash. If you need any reasonable adjustments, please contact us at hr- in an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments Request' for a confidential discussion.

Your employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of all pre-employment and background checks required for the role, as determined by the University.

All senior professional appointments within the University are performance based and fixed term in nature.

Enquiries: For a confidential discussion please contact Sarah Blatchford, Group Manager – Legal Operations & Strategy, OR

Position Description: Associate Director, Legal Services - Research and Education

Applications Close: Wednesday 24 September 2025, 11:55pm AEST

Supporting a diverse workforce