Institute Development Lead

Role type: Continuing / Part Time (0.8 FTE) 
Faculty:  Faculty of Arts 
Department/School: Robert Cripps Institute for Cultural Conservation 
Salary: UoM 8 - $125,191 - $135,504 per annum (pro rata for part time) plus 17% superannuation 

• Lead transformative conservation initiatives / Cultivate strategic partnerships / Drive impactful change at a prestigious institution 

• Apply now to spearhead strategic growth and innovative partnerships at the forefront of conservation in Australia. 

• Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities. 

In line with the 2024 Enterprise Agreement clause 1.15.5 & 1.15.6.2, the University is committed to growing the number of Continuing jobs, and to increase the proportion of Continuing employment FTE in comparison to Fixed-Term or Casual employment. As part of this shared objective, all continuing vacancies will be advertised internally for a minimum of five working days to allow for current staff at the University to apply and be considered - ahead of external recruitment. 

The University of Melbourne 
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.    

Your next career opportunity 
As the Institute Development Lead at the Cripps Institute, you'll play a pivotal role in driving conservation initiatives across Australia. You'll have the opportunity to establish and manage strategic partnerships with industry, research, and philanthropic donors, while collaborating with the University of Melbourne's esteemed teams. This role empowers you to contribute to the Institute's growth and success, ensuring it meets its research, teaching, and learning targets. 

Your responsibilities will include: 

• Drive Strategic Growth: Identify opportunities, manage partnerships, and develop strategies for the Institute's expansion and success. 

• Oversee Operational Excellence: Provide tactical support, manage budgets, and ensure timely grant submissions and acquittals. 

• Collaborate and Lead: Work closely with senior executives to implement strategic plans and mentor staff for professional growth. 

• Ensure Compliance and Accountability: Develop effective practices to manage risk and ensure compliance across business functions. 

You may be a great fit if: 
You will be an experienced leader with a background in complex administration and project management, adept at stakeholder management, financial reporting, and strategic decision-making, with a timely approach to deadlines that supports the Institute’s growth and success.

You may also: 

• Have extensive experience in university or complex administration roles. 

• Possess excellent communication skills and stakeholder management expertise. 

• Demonstrate strong financial reporting and management skills. 

• Be a resilient professional with high attention to detail and sound decision-making abilities. 

• Have a deep understanding of the conservation discipline and industry in Australia. 

For further information please refer to the attached PD. 

What we offer you! 
We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfillment, including: 

• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being 

• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance 

• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance 

• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program 

For more information check out our benefits page! 

Your new team – The Robert Cripps Institute for Cultural Conservation 
The Robert Cripps Institute for Cultural Conservation was established in 2025 as a University-wide institute at the University of Melbourne hosed by the Faculty of Arts and supported strategically by the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor Research. Enabled by a transformative $15 million donation from Minsmere Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of the Cripps Foundation the new Institute aims to address pressing global challenges to cultural heritage, including climate change, armed conflict, economic impact and the growing demand for specialist conservation expertise.  

The aim of the Institute is to transform the cultural health of the nation and our region through world-class research, education and training, and community and industry programs that drive sectoral evolution and demonstrate the highest standards in partner-engaged cultural conservation. 

Be Yourself 
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and have the opportunity to thrive regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, being a parent or having caring responsibilities. 

The University of Melbourne is committed to fostering a barrier-free and inclusive recruitment process. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates throughout the application and interview stages, including accessible document formats and alternative application methods.  To discuss your specific requirements, please feel free to contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or send an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments' to [email protected].  You can find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments on our Careers website: https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers 

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 

If you are a member of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community and would like any support, please feel free to contact our Indigenous Employment & Development team via email at [email protected]. 

Working at the University – what you need to know 
This role requires the successful candidate to maintain a Working with Children Check The successful candidate can apply for the WWCC as part of the onboarding process. 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. 

Join Us and unlock your career potential! 
Is this the perfect opportunity for you? Apply today! Including the following documents: 

• Resume 

• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience 

• The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found 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 

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Oliver Bukasa via email at [email protected], 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. 

Applications close: 13 February 2026, 11:55 PM Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) / Melbourne time zone.

Position Description:

JR-008127 - Institute Development Lead - PD.docx

JR-008127 - Institute Development Lead - PD.pdf