Job Reference: 1692451
Curtin University is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Portfolio Manager, Safer Community Team to lead our integrated security, emergency management and transport/parking functions. These three pillars collectively form a vital portfolio dedicated to the safety, wellbeing and experience of our students, staff, visitors and broader community.
About the Role
This senior leadership position plays a critical role in shaping proactive, people-centred, and evidence-informed approaches to campus safety. As the sector prepares for the implementation of the Australian Universities Accord and national reforms targeting gender-based violence, this role will contribute to strengthening our preventative, responsive and support frameworks across Curtin.
You will provide strategic direction and operational oversight for the University’s first response capability around physical and people security, emergency preparedness and parking/transport operations, while working collaboratively with stakeholders across Curtin and with external partners. The role spans risk mitigation, crisis response, operational planning, cultural and wellbeing capability uplift and the enhancement of systems that support a safe, inclusive and respectful campus.
Key Responsibilities - Security, Emergency Management & Parking:
- Lead, mentor and empower the Safer Community Team to foster a culture of professionalism, accountability and service excellence.
- Develop and maintain contemporary security, emergency management and parking policies, systems and procedures aligned with best practice and evolving risks.
- Ensure consistent application around wellbeing practices and gender-based violence response and mitigation strategies.
- Oversee the effective operation, safety and sustainability of the University’s parking services, including user experience, traffic flow, compliance and operational performance.
- Drive emergency preparedness and coordinate critical incident response planning and exercises across Curtin.
- Serve as a key liaison with WA Police, emergency services, local government and external partners.
- Contribute as a core member of the University’s Critical Incident Management Team.
- Oversee physical security technologies and ensure systems are reviewed and improved in line with emerging trends.
- Lead crisis responses to support affected community members during incidents.
- Manage budgets, procurement, contracts and external consultants across all three functional pillars.
- Provide high-quality reporting,
analysis and insights to senior leadership on incidents, trends, compliance and performance indicators.
SELECTION CRITERIA Who We Are Looking For:
You are a confident and capable leader who thrives in complex environments. You bring a forward-looking, partnership-oriented approach and are comfortable navigating ambiguity, managing competing priorities and guiding teams through change with clarity and empathy. You demonstrate the ability to manage conflict constructively, hold difficult conversations, and cultivate strong relationships to support cultural and operational improvements.
To be successful, you will bring:
- Postgraduate qualifications or extensive experience in security, emergency management and/or parking/transport operations.
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing large teams and multifaceted operational environments.
- Strong capability in emergency planning, incident management and stakeholder engagement.
- Experience in parking strategy, operations, compliance or mobility services.
- High-level interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work sensitively and effectively in challenging or crisis contexts.
- Proven experience managing budgets, contracts, consultants and technical systems.
- Exceptional organisational skills, with the ability to coordinate multi-stakeholder projects and deliver outcomes in fast-paced environments.
Desirable
- Previous experience in a university or local government organisation delivering 24/7 security, emergency or community safety services.
- A current Class 4 Security Consultant’s License.
Role Requirements
- Hold current First Aid and Mental Health First Aid certificates.
- As this is a continuing (permanent) position, applicants must have permanent work rights in Australia to be considered.
- Successful applicants will be required to undergo a National Police Clearance, as well as background, integrity and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction.
About Curtin University Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2026 rankings. We are an energetic,
dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life.
First
Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page - https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-curtin/
What We Offer You:
This full-time, permanent role attracts a salary package of $152,905 - $167,669 (G10) per annum, plus 17% superannuation.
Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous advantages, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more.
For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/
Join Us!
If this sounds like your next role, please click APPLY NOW ensuring to attach the following documents:
- Up to date Resume
- Cover Letter outlining your interest and demonstrating how your background meets the selection criteria (noted above)
If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on
[email protected] or [08 9266 9000](tel:08 9266 9000) (option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Please note applications will not be accepted via this email address. Applications close: 8.00pm (AWST), 25 October 2026
Late applications or applications received via email will not be considered, and only successful candidates will be contacted.
Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.
Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time. We reserve the right to remove the advert earlier than the date on the advert.
📌 Portfolio Manager, Safer Community Team (Bentley)
🏢 Curtin University
📍 Bentley