Director, Global Relations

Join the dynamic and innovative Swinburne Global Engagement team

Fulltime, 5-year position at our Hawthorn campus

Attractive and competitive salary with hybrid working options

About the Role

The Director, Global Relations plays a key role in shaping and delivering Swinburne’s international engagement strategy. Reporting to the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Global Engagement, the role leads the University’s global relations function and ensures international partnerships, agreements and programs align with strategic priorities. The position oversees international education and collaboration agreements, student exchange and Study Abroad programs, sponsored students, international articulation arrangements and other initiatives that support sustainable growth in international student cohorts, while strengthening Swinburne’s global reputation through strong governance and relationship management. This is a hands-on leadership role within a small, collaborative team.

The role provides leadership across stakeholder engagement, strategic planning and operational delivery. The successful candidate will drive growth initiatives for key programs, coordinate international delegations, manage complex agreements and ensure compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements. Working closely with internal teams and external partners, the Director will help streamline processes and strengthen collaboration to support the University’s strategic objectives.

The Director, Global Relations will also lead and develop a high-performing team to achieve annual KPIs and long-term goals. The role also is required to support talent development, manage resources effectively and foster a collaborative and innovative One Swinburne culture. Through strong leadership and operational excellence, the role contributes to Swinburne’s vision of being a globally connected and future-focused university.

Further information about this role can be found in the attached position description.

About You

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

• Demonstrated strategic mindset and the ability to structure and convert strategies into compelling and achievable work programs
• Extensive experience identifying, cultivating and managing global relationships and partnerships, including oversight of agreement lifecycles
• Strong skills in economic and market analysis and reporting, and in translating insights into recommendations and actions
• Experience working with legal, financial and other experts in preparing contracts and agreements with international bodies

Qualifications

Postgraduate qualification in international relations, business management, education or another field relevant to the role or equivalent experience relevant to the position

About Swinburne University of Technology

Swinburne’s strategy draws upon our understanding of future challenges. 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. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research.

Our Ad Astra strategy is the cornerstone of Swinburne’s bold ambition to lead globally in technology-driven education and research. This strategy positions us to create transformative solutions, empower learners, and partner 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 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 by emailing talentacquisition@swin.edu.au.

Applications Close: Tuesday 9th June 2026, 11pm

Swinburne offers flexible working options contained in our leave and parenting/carer policies to support work-life balance.

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, and reasonable adjustments can be requested at any stage of the recruitment process. For reasonable adjustment requests - including accessible formats of the position description, application form, or other documents, please contact talentacquisition@swin.edu.au or call +61 3 9214 3550.

Please note: this phone number is for disability and reasonable adjustment enquiries only. General enquiries about the role can also be emailed to talentacquisition@swin.edu.au.

Victoria’s Commitment to Action: Improving international student employment outcomes.

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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