Design Factory Melbourne Academic Lead

About the Role

Lead the future of industry-integrated education

Swinburne University of Technology is seeking an exceptional academic leader to shape and elevate the Design Factory Melbourne (DFM) education program at a critical stage of growth.

As the Academic Lead, you will play a pivotal role in designing, implementing and embedding a future-focused learning model that sits at the intersection of industry, innovation and education. This is a unique opportunity to drive the delivery of a flagship initiative under Swinburne’s Ad Astra 2030 strategy, supporting the Learning Powered Industry Innovation (LPII) program and redefining how students engage with real-world challenges.

Working closely with senior leaders, you will lead a high-performing team to deliver a dynamic, challenge-based learning experience, strengthen academic governance, and develop scalable domestic and global delivery models. You will also play a key role in embedding industry partnerships, ensuring programs are relevant, impactful and future-ready.

This is a rare opportunity to influence the evolution of applied innovation education - shaping curriculum, capability and student experience while contributing to Swinburne’s ambition to be the leading university for industry engagement and employability outcomes.

If you’re a collaborative and forward-thinking academic leader with a passion for industry-connected learning, we’d love to hear from you.

About You

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

• Demonstrated experience managing academic staff and working collaboratively to achieve outcomes.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively and influence a range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in design, delivery, planning and governace of an education program or affiliated projects.
• Demonstrated expertise within innovation methodology and practice relevant to industry.
• Proven ability to develop and/or led industry led student experiences within an education setting.
• Experience managing industry partnerships and ability to work within a collaboration or co-design model to develop a program.
• Demonstrated capacity to make informed decisions within the context of an education program financial, strategic performance and growth. (Desirable)

Qualifications

• A PHD tertiary qualification or equivalent demonstrated experience.