Full-time 2 year Fixed Term Contract
Salary Level HEW 10C + 17% Superannuation and Flexible Working Arrangements
Based at the Melbourne RMIT CBD campus, and hybrid ways of working
About The Role
The Deputy Director (ATN) is a senior strategic and operational leadership role within the Australian Technology Networks of Australia Secretariat, responsible for the leadership and performance of the Policy and Program units, in alignment with the strategic priorities set by the Executive Director.
This is a fixed term position that will provide whole-of-Secretariat oversight to support the development, implementation and evaluation of agreed strategic initiatives over the next two-years. The Deputy Director acts as the Executive Director’s delegate and proxy during periods of absence, at pre-designated events, and as otherwise directed, representing ATN at senior external forums and engagements.
A core function of the role is leadership of ATN Universities’ government relations strategy. The Deputy Director will build, sustain, and leverage trusted relationships with ministerial offices, central agencies, and senior government stakeholders. This will require a deep expertise in parliamentary, legislative, and machinery-of-government processes, combined with a high degree of political judgement and acuity. This includes the ability to interpret emerging policy signals, internal party dynamics, and decision-making pathways that influence government priorities and outcomes.
What You Will Do
Partner and support the Executive Director in developing, tracking and successfully realising strategic objectives.
Maintain oversight of the Secretariat’s operations, including finance, resources and policy compliance, and reporting.
Lead the Secretariat’s Policy and Program teams with a focus on a people centered, collaborative and high-performance culture.
Lead the ATN’s government relations and engagement strategy, consistent with organisational priorities set by the Executive Director.
Build and maintain high-trust relationships with ministerial offices, advisors and senior departmental stakeholders to support ongoing intelligence gathering, early issue identification and informed advocacy.
Act as the primary secretariat and senior point of contact for the ATN Government Relations Committee.
Lead the ATN policy team to ensure government engagement activities are aligned with agreed ATN policy positions.
Provide strategic leadership and oversight of ATN’s programs portfolio, encompassing the
Frontiers program and ATN’s governance and committee framework, to ensure alignment with strategic priorities and member university needs.
Operate as a senior specialist and trusted adviser to the Executive Director, exercising sound
judgement and discretion.
Collaborate closely with ATN media and communications to coordinate messaging, engagement timing and manage reputational considerations.
Ensure compliance with RMIT and ATN policies and professional standards.
Willingness to work flexibly to meet deadlines, including occasional out-of-hours work if required.
About You
You are a highly experienced government relations and advocacy specialist, with proven experience particularly at the federal level.
To Be Successful In This Position, You’ll Have
Extensive experience in executive leadership, with a proven senior-level track record in government relations, policy, communications, advocacy or a closely related field.
Demonstrated ability to operate strategically and autonomously, exercising sound judgement, and providing trusted advice to senior executives and governing bodies.
Experience working with or within peak bodies, universities, research organisations, professional services or membership-based organisations.
Able to translate complex topics into concise, compelling and convincing messages via targeted platforms.
Relevant higher-degree qualification (e.g. political science, public policy, economics, communications, social sciences or related field), or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Demonstrated people leadership experience, including mentoring and capability development.
Deep understanding of Australian government processes, including parliamentary, budgetary, legislative and intergovernmental frameworks, and political dynamics.
Proven capability in building and sustaining high-trust relationships with ministers, parliamentarians, senior officials and sector leaders.
Highly developed judgement, political acumen and capacity to manage sensitive and complex issues.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the leadership and oversight of high-quality executive briefs and submissions.
Availability to travel interstate and to member universities as necessary for stakeholder meetings, project delivery, or as directed.
Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check
About the Group
Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN) is a national Australian higher education peak body, with a membership of six universities across Australia. ATN has a strong presence both nationally and internationally and in key metropolitan and regional media markets. Established in 1999, ATN undertakes policy, advocacy, public affairs and national media work to benefit the shared interest of our membership of world-class Australian universities, the higher education sector and society more broadly. ATN member universities are Curtin University, Deakin University, RMIT University, The University of Newcastle, and University of Technology Sydney. Swinburn University of Technology joined as an observing member in 2026. ATN is located at the RMIT offices.
To Apply
Please submit your CV and covering letter addressing your suitability 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 Jessica Hood via email jessica.hood@rmit.edu.au.
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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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.
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