Overview:

• Full-time, Continuing position
• 10C + 17% Superannuation and Flexible 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 fast-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. 

To Apply 

Please submit your CV and covering letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria for this position by clicking on the ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page.

For further information about this position, please see the Position Description hyperlinked below or contact Bianca Jenkins via email [email protected]. 

PD Description

Please note, if you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to RMIT's Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page. Due to recent upgrades, position description links may not work on LinkedIn advertisements.  

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Applications Close:

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 are a Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant.