Associate Director, Awareness

Job no: 577000

Work type: Full-time

Location: Flexible

Categories: Management, Information Technology

• Based at either our Geelong Waterfront or Melbourne Burwood Campus + hybrid work arrangements
• Full-time and fixed-term for 5 years
• Competitive remuneration including 17% superannuation

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

Are you a cyber security leader with a passion for people, culture and resilience? As our Associate Director, Cyber Security Awareness & Enablement you will lead the charge in building a security-conscious culture that puts people at the centre of our cyber defence.

This is your opportunity to shape, influence and lead a university-wide approach to cyber security awareness and behaviour change. Working at the intersection of education, strategy and innovation, you'll design and deliver engaging programs that make a lasting impact — helping our staff and students stay informed, alert and empowered in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

As the Associate Director, Cyber Security Awareness & Enablement, you will:

• Lead a high-performing team of cyber security awareness professionals, creating a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and innovation.
• Design and implement impactful awareness programs that align with Deakin's strategic goals and support a proactive, resilient security culture.
• Deliver customer-centric initiatives that integrate seamlessly with digital and physical environments, enhancing the user experience and driving adoption.
• Plan and run phishing simulations and behavioural testing, measuring effectiveness and using insights to shape future campaigns.
• Track, measure and report on performance using clear metrics and KPIs to demonstrate progress and impact across the University.
• Engage and influence stakeholders at all levels, from cross-functional teams to senior leaders, providing expert advice and championing cultural change.

About you

You bring deep expertise in cyber security awareness and resilience, with a strong track record of designing and delivering large-scale programs that drive meaningful behaviour change. With a solid understanding of the unique challenges facing the higher education sector, you combine strategic thinking and excellent communication skills to effectively engage and advise senior leaders on cyber risk, education and cultural transformation. Your experience in leading high-performing teams and managing complex projects ensures a balanced focus on both immediate impact and long-term outcomes.

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 Dushyant Sattiraju - Director, Cyber Security Operations on

Applications for this position close 11.55pm on Sunday, 2 November 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.

Advertised: 16 Oct 2025 AUS Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: 02 Nov 2025 AUS Eastern Daylight Time