Overview

Full-time, Continuing position 10C + 17% Superannuation and Versatile Working Arrangements Key strategic leadership role based at the Melbourne CBD campus.

About the role

The Head of Strategy and Operations, Office of the Vice-President Engagement is a senior leadership role providing strategic and operational leadership to the Office and supporting the effective performance of the broader Engagement Portfolio. Reporting directly to the Vice-President Engagement, you will act as a trusted strategic adviser and thought leader, providing high-level advice, anticipating emerging issues and opportunities, managing risk and helping shape and advance key Portfolio priorities. You will lead complex strategic initiatives, cross-functional programs and priority projects, working with senior stakeholders across the University to drive alignment, collaboration and organisational outcomes. Leading a small team, you will also foster a high-performing, collaborative and service-oriented culture, while strengthening governance, systems, operating rhythms and ways of working to support effective decision-making and delivery.

Key Responsibilities

- Act as the principal strategic adviser/chief of staff to the Vice-President Engagement, providing high-level advice and insights to support effective decision-making and University priorities.
- Lead complex strategic projects and cross-functional initiatives, managing risks, dependencies, budgets and delivery outcomes.
- Lead the Office of the Vice-President Engagement, fostering a high-performing, collaborative and service-focused culture.
- Contribute to the Portfolio Senior Leadership Team, supporting effective coordination and operations across the Portfolio.
- Oversee Portfolio planning, governance, performance, risk and reporting, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
- Drive operational efficiency and continuous improvement, including effective business processes, issue resolution and prioritisation.
- Support financial and resource management, including planning, budget oversight, monitoring and reporting.

To be successful in this position, you’ll have:

- Prior tertiary engagement experience including alumni, philanthropy, industry engagement, marketing,



communications and student recruitment, in support of the institution’s teaching, learning, research and engagement objectives.
- Strong experience either as a Chief of Staff or Senior Principle trusted advisor role, offering strategy development and executive support within a complex tertiary education institution.
- Proven leadership and stakeholder management, with the ability to build high-performing teams, influence outcomes and foster strong relationships.
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex strategic initiatives, manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes in rapid-changing environments.
- Strong capability across governance, risk, strategic planning, problem-solving and executive communication.Relevant post-graduate degree in public policy, MBA or equivalent qualifications and/or demonstrated experience.
- Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check.

About the Portfolio

The Engagement Portfolio actively partners with RMIT's diverse communities to co-create value. We protect and enhance RMIT’s global reputation, reach and revenue, working collaboratively across Colleges and other Portfolios to deliver the University’s mission and strategic priorities. We bring together key functions including current student and staff communications, global marketing, digital experience, global student recruitment, market insights, philanthropy, alumni and industry engagement.

Applications Close: 18 Oct 2026 11.59 pm

Equal Opportunity Employer

RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community,



and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community. In line with RMIT University’s commitment to a safe, respectful and inclusive environment, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence (GBV) risk factors as part of our recruitment processes. All applicants will be required to complete a gender‑based violence declaration in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence. Preferred candidates will also be required to undertake relevant pre‑employment background checks, including Working With Children Checks. Information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for its relevance to the role and RMIT’s safety obligations. At RMIT, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to RMIT (including alternate formats of application forms). To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact Dani, via [email protected] or visit our Careers page for more contact information - https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers. We a Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant.

Culture

Culture Our Values inspire us, wherever we are in the world, and guide how we live and work together. Imagination. Integrity. Courage. Passion. Impact. Inclusion. What unites us is our purpose and our values; they are at the heart of who we are, what we stand for, how we make decisions and connect with each other. Our people make everything at the University possible. We encourage recent approaches to work and learning, stimulating change to drive positive impact. RMIT exists to create transformative experiences for our students, getting them ready for life and work. You will be a part of a productive and collaborative team, who values working relationships and outcomes through open and inclusive planning, continuous information sharing and transparent work practices. Find out what makes RMIT a great place to work

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📌 Head of Strategy & Operations (Melbourne)
🏢 Rmit University
📍 Melbourne