"Associate Director, Climate Tech Hub"

• Excellent opportunity within Commercial Innovation at Swinburne 
• Full-time, ongoing position at our Hawthorn campus
• HEW Level 10 plus + 17% super and attractive staff benefits

About the Role 

We’re seeking an exceptional Associate Director to shape, build and lead it the Climate Tech Hub.

This is a rare opportunity to drive real-world impact by accelerating the growth of climate technology ventures and spearheading innovation that supports a sustainable, low-carbon future.

In this influential role, you will establish and scale the Hub, partner with industry, government and global innovators, and foster the commercialisation of breakthrough technologies across clean energy, decarbonisation, critical minerals, climate resilience, agriculture, circular economy and AI/software. You’ll nurture start-ups, champion commercial value creation, and lead programs that bring researchers, founders, investors and industry together to solve the most pressing climate challenges.

Reporting to the Director of Commercial Innovation, you will represent Swinburne nationally and globally as a thought leader, mentor emerging ventures, secure funding opportunities, and build a high-performing team that drives innovation outcomes across the university and the broader ecosystem.

If you’re a seasoned commercial innovator with deep climate-tech expertise, strong venture-building experience, and the ambition to elevate Australia’s climate-tech capability - this is your moment to have lasting impact.

About You 

To be suitable for this role you will need to have experience in the below key accountabilities: 

• Demonstrated commercial experience (preferably in the private sector), with specific practical involvement in technology innovation, commercialisation, venture building and scaling, and early-stage investment across sustainability, climate tech, clean tech and digital technologies.
• Demonstrated understanding of emerging climate technologies (both hardware and software) and market trends.
• Demonstrated awareness of industry sectors, academic disciplines and professions relevant to commercialisation, entrepreneurship, climate technology and innovation.
• Demonstrated capacity to commercialise technologies and grow commercial ventures.
• Proven experience working with external service providers to support technology commercialisation and start-up programs.

For more information please refer to the position description. 

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline and extensive venture building, technology commercialisation, industry engagement and investment experience. (Essential)
• Business qualifications such as MBA or Executive MBA (preferable)

About Swinburne University of Technology 

Swinburne’s strategy draws upon our understanding of future challenges as 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 this bold ambition, positioning us to lead globally in technology-driven education and research through a differentiated university proposition that creates transformative solutions, empowers learners, and partners with industry to thrive in an ever-changing world.

What We Offer You!

• Work your way with 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.

Want to learn more? Head over to our benefits page.

To Apply 

Please submit your CV and cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria and your suitability for this position. 

To review the Position Description and to apply, please scroll down to the bottom of the page.

If you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to Swinburne’s Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page.

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Swinburne Talent Acquisition Team on talentacquisition@swin.edu.au

Applications Close: 5pm, Thursday 12 February 2026

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Swinburne has become a world-class university, driving social and economic impacts through science, technology, and innovation. As a dual-sector university, our vision is for people and technology working together to build a better world.

Central to our vision is our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer focused on attracting, retaining, and developing great talent. We work to remove barriers related to gender identity, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and age.

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. Adjustments can be requested at any time during the recruitment process. For Reasonable Adjustment requests, including accessible formats for the PD, application form or any other document, please contact DCR@swin.edu.au or call +61 3 9214 3550.

Please note the above number and DCR email address are for disability or reasonable adjustments queries only. General enquiries about the role can be sent to talentacquisition@swin.edu.au (general enquiries will not be answered by phone).

As a signatory to Victoria’s Commitment to Action, Swinburne seeks to remove barriers to international graduate employment. We welcome and encourage applications from international graduates. 

As a Circle Back Initiative Employer, we commit to responding to every applicant.Click here for position description

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