"Director Defence Engagement"

• Join Edith Cowan University as our Director of Defence Engagement, leading our partnerships, relationships and commercialisation opportunities within Defence and Defence Industry! 
• Attractive salary on offer – circa $250,000 base per annum + 17% superannuation (commensurate to experience)
• Relocation assistance to WA, Perth provided – approx. $25,000 for domestic relocation, and $40,000 for international relocation
• Full-Time, Five (5) Year Fixed Term Contract with options to extend
• Based on Joondalup Campus, with regular travel between Perth metropolitan and South West Campus required. 

Overview 

Edith Cowan University is currently delivering Defence outcomes within four programs: cyber security, human performance, engineering and science, and national security.

ECU is seeking to appoint a Director of Defence Engagement to establish, strengthen and enhance senior stakeholder relationships with Defence and Defence Industry, as well as other aligned areas including AUKUS Pillar 2. This strategic University-wide position plays a pivotal role in establishing and strengthening partnerships, relationships and opportunities within Defence and Defence-related industries, fostering collaboration, innovation, research, training, and funding streams.

In alignment with ECU’s strategic priorities in teaching, research and innovation, this role will enhance the University’s strategic capacity to partner with Defence and Defence industries to foster a sustainable program of research, commercialisation, and engagement at local, national and international levels. 

The successful Director of Defence Engagement will demonstrate personal attributes and values in line with the University’s values of Integrity, Respect, Rational Inquiry, Personal Excellence and Courage. 

About the Role

This is a strategic role, and as the Director of Defence Engagement, you will report directly to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Lead and oversee ECU’s Defence research and educational programs.
• Enhance the universities income streams particularly Defence research income through identifying strategic initiatives and capturing funding opportunities.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with Defence organisations, government bodies, and industry stakeholders.
• Increase access to Defence projects across ECU schools and centres.
• Develop and enhance Defence teaching and training opportunities for ECU students.
• Drive innovation and excellence in Defence-related projects and initiatives.
• Represent ECU on Defence-related workshops, boards, conferences, working groups, and other forums.
• Manage ECU’s obligations under the Defence Industries Security Program (DISP), including serving as the DISP Chief Security Officer.

Your key accountabilities include:

• Manage ECU’s Defence Engagement strategy and facilitate management of Defence-related projects and programs to support delivery against the university’s strategic outcomes. 
• Provide strategic and operational advice, guidance and leadership to the University community regarding Defence matters and engagement to ensure all viable potential opportunities are optimised. 
• In alignment with ECU’s strategic goals, develop new and strengthen ongoing relationships with Defence and related industries to promote and enhance ECU’s Defence-related capabilities and expertise, and identify teaching, research, training, and other opportunities for ECU to engage and collaborate. 
• Upon identification of opportunities, manage, oversee or support all facets of defence-related programs and projects, adhering to ECU processes, controls and standards. 
• Collaborate closely with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective management of program/project objectives. Provide technical support or problem solving to internal stakeholders in the development of defence-related contracts. 
• Report on progress of program/project initiatives to the DVCR, program/project stakeholders and University Executive including proactive risk management and mitigation strategies. Ensure timely reporting of status and budget against the program/project plan as well as for the broader Defence portfolio including tracking metrics against ECU’s defence engagement activities. 
• Represent ECU on defence-related workshops, boards, conferences, working groups, and other forums with an aim to increasing ECU’s impact across this sector and to shape and expand the breadth of Defence at ECU 
• Offer expertise and support within ECU to grow the University’s Defence-related capabilities in areas of teaching and research. 
• Employees are required to participate in all ECU, team, and individual planning activities; comply with ECU policies and practices in all aspects of their work and conduct; and ensure the safety and wellbeing of themselves and others by complying with WHS and EO requirements.

About You

To be successful in this role, ideally you will possess…

• A proven track record in Defence engagement, strategic partnership development, and project management.
• Previous experience in working at a strategic and operational level with or within Defence, Defence Industry, Defence-related government or other related fields.
• High degree of business acumen and established network within Defence, Australian Defence Industry, Academia and Government 
• Demonstrated success in securing funding and managing Defence-related research projects.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and collaborate effectively across diverse teams.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage with senior stakeholders.
• Sound knowledge of Defence policies, regulations, and security protocols, preferably with experience in DISP compliance.
• A strategic thinker, who has a strong background in demonstrating professional initiative and judgement in order to deliver strategic outcomes.
• Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant discipline OR equivalent experience in Defence is desirable.
• NV1 security clearance or Australian citizenship (minimum)

Interested? Join ECU in advancing its Defence outcomes and making a significant impact on Australia’s evolving Defence landscape! 

Perks 

Salary

Receive an attractive salary package of $250,000 base salary + 17% superannuation per annum, commensurate to your experience

Assisted Relocation 

National relocation supported for the right individual, including an approx. $25,000 support package to assist you in your relocation to Perth, WA. 

International relocation also supported, offering you an approx. $40,000 support package. 

Corporate discounts

Our staff have access to a range of corporate discounts with local and national organisations. This includes banking, health insurance, car rental, computers and iPads and airline lounge memberships.

Flexible working arrangements 

ECU supports employees having access to flexible working arrangements to help you manage your work and life responsibilities. Some types of flexible work arrangements available include: part-time work; purchasing additional annual leave; home-based work; flexible start and finish times and, end-of-career contracts.

We like to ensure our staff have access to the entitlements they deserve for a quality life outside of work.

Leave

Our leave entitlements include:

• Up to 26 weeks paid primary carer’s leave on the birth, or adoption, of a child
• Paid partner leave
• Annual leave of four weeks per annum plus 17.5 per cent leave loading
• The opportunity to purchase additional leave
• Generous pro-rata long service leave of 13 weeks 
• Cultural and ceremonial leave
• Additional leave for Indigenous employees to attend NAIDOC activities or events
• Personal leave
• Defence forces and emergency services participation leave
• Academic study leave (academic staff)
• Study leave (professional staff)

How to Apply:

• Review the Candidate Pack and position description attached below and submit your resume which summarises your work history and key achievements to executive@verticalscope.com.au using the email subject line: “Director Defence Engagement”
• Following an interview with a dedicated VSG Senior Talent Acquisition Consultant, suitable candidates will be then be invited to complete the required selection criteria describing your suitability and relevant experience for this position.

The selection criteria is as follows:

Essential Criteria:

• Strategic and operational experience within Defence, Defence Industry, and federal government departments responsible for advancing the national interest 
• Track record of securing and generating funding from government and industry streams to further research and development programs
• Strong relationship and interpersonal skills, adept at building and maintaining productive relationships with a diverse range of senior stakeholders, and translating these relationships into meeting strategic objectives (eg; increased financial streams, grants and funding for research initiatives etc) 
• Display high degree of commercial acumen and business development expertise across Industry, Academia, Government
• Prior experience developing and implementing organisational priorities, demonstrating your strong strategic planning skills
• Gravitas and strong leadership skills, possessing the ability to influence key decision makers with honesty and integrity.

Desirable Criteria:

• Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant discipline
• Previous experience working within the academic sector.
• Strong understanding of government/defence procurement processes. 
• Prior experience as a Security Officer, or detailed knowledge of the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP)

Contact:

For a strictly confidential discussion about this unique leadership opportunity, please contact Vertical Scope Group’s Senior Talent Acquisition Specialists, Lynette Cardinal or Mark Goldyn at executive@verticalscope.com.au

Closing Date:

Applications close 8th of September 2024, 11.30PM AWST.

Please note, interviews may be scheduled in the week commencing November 4th, 2024. 

ECU is a diverse and inclusive workplace reflecting the differences in society. Specific strategies and initiatives are in place to address underrepresentation of specific groups. Applications are encouraged from suitably qualified people from all backgrounds. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

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