Risk Partner

• Flexible location based at Melbourne, Burwood or Geelong Campus + hybrid work arrangements
• Full-time and ongoing positions – commencement from 6 October 2025

Team overview:

As trusted advisors and collaborative partners, the Finance and Assurance function provides a range of services to all parts of the University to drive financial sustainability and provide expert advice and compliance assurance to support delivery of the University Strategy and operational activities.

Our Assurance capability, consisting of Legal Services, Compliance and Contract Governance and Risk develops the University frameworks and policy, and key expertise that underpins compliance and corporate governance and Deakin's commitment to high standards of integrity.

About the role:

The Risk Partner plays a key role in strengthening enterprise risk management across the University by working closely with assigned faculties and/or central portfolios to support the identification, assessment, and mitigation of strategic, operational and compliance risks and risks associated with key strategic ventures.

As a Risk Partner, you will:

• Work collaboratively with faculty and central portfolio leaders to identify, assess and manage strategic and operational risks, ensuring alignment with the University's enterprise risk management framework and appetite.
• Support the implementation and continuous improvement of risk management policies, tools and processes, ensuring consistent application across assigned areas and contributing to institutional risk maturity.
• Facilitate the development and maintenance of risk registers; analyse trends and emerging risks; and contribute to the preparation of risk reports and dashboards for senior leadership, governance committees, and the Audit and Risk Committee.
• Develop and deliver training, workshops and guidance materials to build risk capability, awareness and accountability within faculties and portfolios, and support a positive risk culture across the institution.
• Establish strong relationships with internal stakeholders including academic leaders, professional staff, internal audit, legal, insurance, business continuity and compliance teams to ensure integrated and proactive risk management approaches.

To be successful, you'll have:

• Relevant qualification and extensive relevant experience in risk, compliance and/or related discipline.
• Proven experience in developing and applying enterprise risk frameworks, policies and practices in a complex organisation, with the ability to provide high-level advice on the identification, assessment, and mitigation of institutional and reputational risks.
• Proven experience in gaining consensus and commitment from stakeholders, negotiating effectively, and resolving conflicts or issues in a manner that aligns with organizational goals
• Highly developed analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to evaluate complex situations, consider strategic and contextual factors, and design practical, sustainable solutions.
• Strong knowledge of the regulatory and governance environment in higher education or a similarly complex, regulated sector.
• High-level written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing reports, briefings, and policy documents for executive leadership and governance bodies, and the ability to influence organisational change through consultation and collaboration.

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 Briony Lewis (Executive Director, Assurance) on

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

Risk Partner_HEW 9.pdf

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

Benefits for working with us

At Deakin, 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.

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