Current opportunities at Melbourne

Director - Government Relations & Strategic Initiatives


Position Number: 0051886
Location: Parkville
Role type: 
Full-time, Continuing
Faculty: 
Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Salary: 
Senior Manager - Attractive salary p.a. including 17% super

  • A pivotal leadership role overseeing government relations and developing and implementing strategic initiatives for the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences (FMDHS)
  • An exciting opportunity to influence the Faculty’s strategic direction, collaborating with senior leadership to drive impactful initiatives that enhance community health and wellbeing
  • Competitive benefits and a flexible work environment!

About the Role

The Director of Government Relations and Strategic Initiatives for FMDHS plays a pivotal leadership role in managing high-level government relationships and driving strategic initiatives. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and working closely with the Dean, the Director fosters cross-disciplinary partnerships, secures funding, and navigates complex regulatory environments. With deep expertise in government relations and health policy, the role ensures the Faculty’s strategic goals are delivered, advancing health and wellbeing outcomes for the broader community.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Lead government relations for the FMDHS, advocating for the Faculty's priorities.
  • Support the development, delivery and monitoring of major Faculty-wide strategic priorities.
  • Monitor health-related government policies, reforms, and research funding, providing strategic advice.
  • Build relationships with hospitals, health networks, research institutions, and other external partners.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking an experienced leader with a proven track record working with government bodies, particularly in the health and education sectors. You will have deep knowledge of the Australian higher education and healthcare systems, exceptional strategic implementation skills, and the ability to engage and build lasting relationships with diverse stakeholders.

You will also have:

  • A relevant postgraduate degree in, health policy, education, public administration, or a related field.
  • Proven track record in advocacy, policy development, and engagement with government stakeholders.
  • Experience in strategic planning processes, particularly in aligning organisational goals with government policies and priorities in the healthcare sector.

For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the attached PD.

This role requires that the successful candidate must undergo and maintain an up-to-date Working with Children Check. This is essential to guarantee a secure environment for all individuals at the University. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

Your New Team – The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences 

The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences employs over 2,500 staff and attracts more than 8,800 students annually, comprising six schools and 37 departments, centres, and institutes. It leads Australia in clinical, pre-clinical, and health sciences, contributing nearly 50% of the University's research. The Faculty is ranked 14th globally in 2020 by Times Higher Education and 25th in the world for clinical medicine, while the University of Melbourne is the top Australian institution in health education and research.

What We Offer You!
In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits, including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services and discounts on graduate courses. For more information, check out our benefits page!

About the University of Melbourne
We’re tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn.   

Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne values the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and welcomes and celebrates diversity.  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.

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact the employee listed on the first page of the Position Description found below, with an email containing your name and contact details for a confidential discussion. Please ensure your email is titled "Reasonable Adjustments Request".

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring

Join Us!
If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents: 

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
  • Responses addressing Selection Criteria 2, 3, and 4 (as detailed in the Position Description)

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

Please ensure that you apply through the Apply Now button at the bottom of this advertisement. However, if you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Fahim Farzad via email at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au, ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.

Position Description

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Work type

Campus

Category

Non-Academic

Salary