"Director Business Development (Research)"

• 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.