• Flexible location + hybrid work arrangements
• Full-time and fixed-term for 5 years
• Attractive remuneration package and benefits provided + 17% Superannuation

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.

Who are we?

Deakin is a cutting-edge public university headquartered in Victoria, revolutionising education with 61,000 students across our campuses: Melbourne Burwood, Geelong Waurn Ponds, Geelong Waterfront, Warrnambool, Deakin University Lancaster University Indonesia (DLI), GIFT City, India, and our vibrant online environment. We're proud to be a progressive and open-minded university, delivering the highest student satisfaction in Victoria and consistently ranked in the top 1% of the world's universities.

As a Director, Intellectual Property and Commercialisation, you will:

• Shape research collaboration through championing the advancement of intellectual property portfolio, ensuring alignment with the university's objectives and long-term vision
• Lead cross-institutional partnerships. Build powerful alliances with faculties, industry, venture capital, and government to unlock research value and advance Deakin's strategic vision
• Drive innovation culture by fostering collaboration, continuous improvement, and adaptability across specialist teams while championing breakthrough commercialisation outcomes
• Negotiate complex deals. You will represent Deakin in high-stakes IP licensing and commercial negotiations, translating university research into tangible market value
• Develop strategic talent by building and mentoring world-class teams, recognising excellence, manage performance, and creating an environment where talented professionals thrive and deliver results

To be successful, you’ll have:

• Qualifications and experience commensurate with appointment at level
• Experience working with a university or research organisation, with demonstrated industry or research sector experience of connecting research, funding and community impact
• Demonstrated success in the development and implementation of strategic initiatives
• Proven understanding of university research culture and the pathways for research engagement
• Proven resource and people management skills, including demonstrated ability to build effective high-performance teams and to successfully lead change, with high level negotiation, influencing, advocacy and facilitation skills

Here's how to apply: 

Please submit your updated resume and a short cover letter outlining your skills and experience.

For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact ed-businessdev@deakin.edu.au   

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

 PD - Director, Intellectual Property and Commercialisation 584101.pdf

Applications for this position close on 28 April 2026.

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.

Pre-employment safety and suitability checks: In accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence, appointment to this role is subject to successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, including Working With Children Checks and candidate gender-based violence declarations.

Candidates may be asked to declare whether they have been investigated for an allegation of Gender‑based Violence, or determined to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender‑based Violence during the course of their previous employment, or otherwise in a legal process.  A declaration is not required from individuals who have experienced gender‑based violence.  A ‘Yes’ response does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment, and any information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for relevance to the role and the University’s safety obligations.