Job no: 589280
Work type: Full-time
Location: Flexible
Categories: Legal Services, International Education

- Flexible location offer at Burwood or Geelong campuses + hybrid work arrangements
- Full-time and continuing - position to commence from January 2027

About the team and role

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

The Compliance and Contract Governance team ensures the organisation meets legal and regulatory obligations and manages a number of requirements including privacy, FOI, and declarations of interest. It also oversees contract governance to maintain transparency, mitigate risks, and uphold accountability in all contractual arrangements.

As Lead, Foreign Engagement Compliance, you will be Deakin's subject matter expert on foreign engagement obligations and associated regulatory requirements. You will provide strategic leadership and oversight of the University's foreign engagement compliance framework, ensuring Deakin can confidently pursue international partnerships, collaborative research and global engagement opportunities while meeting government expectations and legislative obligations.

Working closely with stakeholders across research, international, legal, governance and operational functions, the role leads the development and implementation of an integrated, institution-wide approach to managing foreign engagement obligations and associated risks. The position ensures the University's activities align with legislative,



regulatory and government requirements while supporting strategic research, international and partnership objectives.

As a Lead, Foreign Engagement Compliance, you will:

- Lead and continuously improve the University's foreign engagement compliance framework, ensuring alignment with legislative, regulatory and government requirements while supporting strategic research and international objectives.
- Provide expert advice on foreign engagement compliance, foreign interference risks and emerging regulatory obligations, translating complex legislation into practical policies, frameworks and controls.
- Develop, implement and continuously enhance governance, compliance and assurance processes for international collaborations, research partnerships, due diligence and regulatory reporting.
- Influence senior decision-making through strategic risk analysis, high-quality advice, governance reporting and engagement with stakeholders across academic and professional portfolios.
- Foster a culture of compliance and risk awareness by building organisational capability, leading assurance and continuous improvement initiatives, and strengthening institutional resilience and reputation.

To be successful, you’ll have:

- Postgraduate qualifications and significant professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and demonstrated expertise.
- Proven experience leading programs,



functions or major initiatives within complex regulatory, compliance, governance, risk or assurance environments.
- Solid analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex legislation, policy requirements and emerging regulatory issues to inform strategic outcomes.
- Demonstrated success influencing senior stakeholders, building strong relationships and providing trusted advice to support decision-making across large and complex organisations.
- Experience developing and implementing governance, compliance and assurance frameworks, ideally within higher education, research, government or other highly regulated sectors.
- Knowledge of foreign engagement, research security and related government policy requirements impacting the higher education and research sectors.

Only people with the right to work in Australia may apply for this position.

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

📌 Lead, Foreign Engagement Compliance (Australia)
🏢 Deakin University
📍 Australia