- Take the lead in developing a strong pipeline of business development opportunities
- Full Time/5 Year Fixed Term Senior Executive Appointment/Bundoora Campus/Attractive remuneration package
- Develop strategically important, long-term industry partnerships across a range of research areas into multiple markets
About the position
Reporting to the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Industry Engagement), this is a pivotal leadership role driving research impact through strategic industry partnerships. As Director, you’ll lead a team of Business Development professionals to build a strong pipeline of opportunities, foster long-term collaborations and grow industry research income across diverse markets and disciplines.
You’ll work closely with Schools, researchers, the Director of Research Grant Development and colleagues across the Industry Engagement and Research portfolios to identify, attract and secure partnerships that support major funding initiatives and deliver meaningful outcomes. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of industry engagement and make a tangible difference in advancing research impact.
Duties at this level:
- Contribute to industry engagement strategy as part of the Pro Vice-Chancellor’s executive team, acting as a trusted advisor to stakeholders across industry and government.
- Lead and inspire a team to develop and grow partnerships, deliver against the research revenue pipeline and provide strategic advice to researchers.
- Collaborate with senior leaders to forecast revenue, allocate resources and leverage market insights and business tools to achieve results.
- Build and sustain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, aligning shared agendas for mutually beneficial outcomes.
- Identify and drive major industry partnership opportunities and strategic initiatives that strengthen research impact.
Skills and knowledge:
- Postgraduate qualification (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline, with strong knowledge of the Australian research sector.
- Proven experience in the university sector or in facilitating research collaborations, knowledge brokerage and building strategic partnerships.
- Demonstrated success in leading business development teams, managing opportunity pipelines and achieving revenue targets.
- Strong ability to develop and convert strategic partnerships, delivering measurable growth and impact.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, including experience negotiating complex agreements.
- Solid understanding of competitive grant funding, tenders and industry-focused R&D initiatives, supported by market insight into public and private research trends locally and globally.
Please refer to the Position Description for other duties, skills and experience required for this position.
Welcome to Bundoora campus – Please click on the video link below:
https://f.io/KDo0ceng
Benefits
- 17% employer contributed superannuation
- On site childcare facilities
- Flexible work arrangements
- Discounts for staff and their family members to study a range of La Trobe courses
How to apply
Closing date: Sunday 1st February 2026 at 11:55pm
Position Enquiries: Megan Fisher, Pro Vice-Chancellor Industry Engagement, Email: m.fisher@latrobe.edu.au
Recruitment Enquiries: Vicki Stavrou, Senior Talent Partner, Strategy and Senior Appointments Email: v.stavrou@latrobe.edu.au
Position Description below:
PD-Director Business Development (Research).pdf
Please submit an online application ONLY and include the following documents:
- Cover letter addressing your suitability for the role and;
- An up-to-date resume.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
La Trobe University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We take an intersectional approach by actively supporting and encouraging people of all backgrounds and abilities to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. Flexibility in interview format will be offered to shortlisted candidates.
Why La Trobe:
- Develop your career at an innovative, global university where you’ll collaborate with community and industry to create impact.
- Enjoy working on our inspiring and stunning campuses – the perfect hub for industry, students and academics
- Help transform the lives of students, partners and communities now and in future
All La Trobe University employees are bound by the Working with Children Act 2005. If you are successful, you will be required to hold a valid Victorian Employee Working with Children Check prior to commencement.
La Trobe University is committed to upholding the National Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence (GBV Code). This aligns with our mission to create safe and respectful communities. Candidates will be asked during the recruitment process to declare whether they have ever been investigated for, or found to have engaged in, gender-based violence in previous employment and/or in legal proceedings and provide relevant information to assist in determining suitability. Gender-based violence means any form of physical or non-physical violence, harassment, abuse or threats based on gender, that results in, or is likely to result in harm, coercion, control, fear or deprivation liberty or autonomy.
