Vice-President Governance & Assurance in Melbourne

Join Swinburne University of Technology as a member of the Executive Group in a full-time executive position based at our Hawthorn campus. You will report directly to the Vice-Chancellor and shape enterprise governance, performance and assurance.

About the Role

As Vice-President, Governance & Assurance, you will lead Swinburne’s Governance, Performance & Assurance Portfolio. You will provide trusted advice to the Chancellor, Council and senior leaders on governance, institutional performance, assurance and regulatory readiness. Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading an integrated portfolio spanning university governance, Legal Services, risk, compliance, integrity, information rights, policy, institutional planning and performance, and Internal Audit support.
• Strengthening decision-making, accountability and assurance while protecting the independence of key professional functions and supporting Swinburne’s Ad Astra strategy.

About You

To be suitable for this role, you will need to demonstrate:

• Executive leadership experience in a complex, regulated or public-purpose organisation, including responsibility for people, budgets and change.
• Experience advising governing bodies and senior executives on governance, performance, risk, legal, regulatory and assurance matters.
• A strong record of improving governance, including delegations, decision rights, committees, escalation and assurance.
• Experience leading institutional planning and performance, and connecting priorities, measures, resources and executive decisions.
• Exceptional integrity, judgement and communication skills, with the ability to build trust, provide frank advice and manage sensitive matters.

Qualifications

A relevant postgraduate qualification, or equivalent executive experience, in governance, law, risk, assurance, public administration, business or a related field is required. A legal qualification is desirable but not essential. Relevant professional membership or credentials are also desirable. Higher education, government, statutory authority or comparable complex public-purpose experience is highly desirable.

About Swinburne University of Technology

Swinburne’s strategy draws upon our understanding of future challenges. We choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship. Our Ad Astra strategy is the cornerstone of Swinburne’s bold ambition to lead globally in technology-driven education and research.

What We Offer You

• Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options and generous parental leave to support a balanced lifestyle.
• Exclusive staff discounts, including discounted Medibank health insurance, 50% off Swinburne courses and other partner offers.
• Swinburne offers 17% super and salary packaging options, including car leasing and extra super contributions.

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check. Applications Close: 5pm, Tuesday 10th November 2026.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Swinburne has become a world-class university, driving social and economic impacts through science, technology, and innovation. We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer focused on attracting, retaining, and developing great talent. We strongly encourage applicants from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Our Moondani Toombadool Centre leads our Indigenous education and culture at Swinburne, guided by community wisdom and leadership. We support applicants with disabilities, and reasonable adjustments can be requested at any stage of the recruitment process. As a Circle Back Initiative Employer, we commit to responding to every applicant.