Associate Director, Leadership

• Flexible location + hybrid work arrangements
• Full-time and fixed-term for 5 years

Why work with us?

At Deakin University, 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.

About the role

This is a senior and influential position for a seasoned leadership and organisational development expert who thrives on driving change, developing people and collaborating at all levels. Reporting to the Director, Leadership & Organisational Development, you will lead a high-performing team to deliver innovative and context-rich programs that build leadership capability, drive cultural transformation and support the university's strategic priorities.

As the Associate Director, Leadership & Organisational Development, you will:

• Lead, coach and inspire a team of skilled professionals, building a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance culture.
• Design, deliver and facilitate strategic initiatives that build leadership capability and future-ready talent aligned with Deakin's vision and values.
• Collaborate across the university to drive programs that foster strong leadership, operational effectiveness, and employee engagement.
• Champion cultural and structural transformation, influencing senior leaders and stakeholders to embed practices that support growth, innovation and inclusion.
• Oversee professional development initiatives including learning programs, workshops and digital solutions that enhance staff capability at all levels.

About you

You're a strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into action and measurable outcomes. You have a passion for people, facilitation, development and creating positive cultural change.

You'll bring:

• Extensive experience designing, delivering and facilitating contemporary learning and organisational development strategies in large, complex organisations.
• Strong knowledge of current practices in learning and organisational development.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Sound judgement, adaptability, and the ability to influence and gain support for new initiatives.
• Excellent consulting, communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

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

PD - Associate Director, Leadership & Organisational

To apply

Please submit your updated resume and a short cover letter outlining your skills and experience.

For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Rochelle Sharpe - Director, Leadership and Organisational Development on

Applications for this position close 11.55pm on Thursday, 16 October 2025.

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.