"Associate Director, Commercialisation Innovative Planet"

• Exciting opportunity within our Innovation and Enterprise team
• Full-time, ongoing position based at our Hawthorn campus
• HEW 10 + 17% super and staff benefits

About the Role

Shape the future of research, innovation and venture creation

Swinburne University of Technology is accelerating into the future. Guided by our bold Ad Astra strategy, we are seeking an outstanding Associate Director Commercialisation - Innovative Planet to lead one of the University’s most critical enterprise-wide commercialisation capabilities.

This is a rare opportunity for a proven business builder and commercialisation leader to operate at scale - originating, structuring and delivering high-growth commercialisation, IP, investment and new venture opportunities that create measurable economic, environmental and social impact.

Reporting to the Director, Commercial Innovation, you will lead Swinburne’s Innovative Planet commercialisation portfolio as a discrete, institution-wide function.

You will take end-to-end accountability for translating research and innovation into market-ready outcomes, working closely with researchers, founders, investors, industry partners and students to build and scale ventures that matter.

About You

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

• Demonstrated experience in business engagement and relationship development credentials, with deep appreciation of the realities of setting-up and growing commercial businesses.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver strategic intellectual property and research capability commercialisation initiatives through own actions.
• Demonstrated experience to lead new venture transactions, including team leadership.
• Strong track record of delivering innovation and entrepreneurship programs for business, including strong project management skills.
• Leading by influence: proven ability to be persuasive with a diverse range of stakeholders, including strong verbal and written communication skills and exemplary negotiation skills.

For more information please refer to the position description.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualifications and extensive relevant experience.
• Proven expertise in the management of significant human and material resources.

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: 11pm, Tuesday 3rd March 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.

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