"Associate Director, Strategic Partnerships"

About This Opportunity

The University of Queensland is seeking an experienced and strategically minded leader to join us as Associate Director, Strategic Partnerships within the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation). This pivotal role sits at the centre of UQ’s Health and Biomedical strategy and represents the University at the most senior levels of industry, government and philanthropy.

Working across UQ’s Health and Biomedical portfolios, you will steward high-value relationships, shape major multidisciplinary initiatives, and facilitate large-scale research collaborations aligned with the University’s strategic priorities. You will strengthen trusted partnerships and position UQ for long-term strategic and commercial impact.

You will also position UQ’s research capability within the external funding and commercial landscape, advise senior leaders on sector developments, and enable major consortia and initiatives. This highly collaborative role requires strong commercial acumen, strategic foresight, and the ability to embed disciplined governance while driving outcomes across a complex portfolio.

For more information, please click here for the full appointment booklet.

About You

Our ideal candidate is a strategic partnership professional with substantial experience in health, medical research or life sciences within a university, government or commercial environment.

You bring demonstrated expertise in developing and managing complex, multi-stakeholder research partnerships, negotiating major agreements, and providing high-level strategic advice. Your ability to influence senior stakeholders, manage risk, navigate funding landscapes and drive multidisciplinary collaboration will be critical to your success in this role.

A postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and extensive experience, is required.

Want to Apply?

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:

• Resume
• Cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section in the appointment booklet

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent, particularly from Australia’s First Nations Peoples. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.

Other Information

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, which may include verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications and criminal history checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

Relocating from interstate or overseas? We may support you with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights and a relocation support package, however upfront costs will still be expected to be covered. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here.

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

Applications close Monday 23rd March 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-61389).

Applications will be reviewed as they received. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible, as we reserve the right to close the advertisement early.