Director, Sustainability

The University of Melbourne seeks a full-time Director of Sustainability to lead its sustainability vision and strategy, implementing the Sustainability Plan 2030. This senior leadership role involves strategic governance, advocacy, and collaboration across the University. Responsibilities include managing stakeholder relationships, providing expert advice, and fostering a sustainability-focused culture. Candidates should have relevant postgraduate qualifications and extensive experience in sustainability leadership within complex organizations.
Position Number: 0065626

Location: Parkville

Role Type: Full-time, Continuing

Department: Corporate Development

Salary: Senior Manager salary package including 17% super
• Lead the University’s sustainability vision and strategy to create a positive impact on people, planet and place.
• Champion the implementation of the Sustainability Plan 2030 and advocate for sustainability across all areas of the University.
• Investing in you – enjoy salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne

We take pride in our people, who contribute to our mission of benefiting society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn.

Your next career opportunity

As the Director, Sustainability, you will lead the University’s strategic approach to sustainability, guiding implementation of the University’s Sustainability Plan 2030 and embedding sustainability across all operations, research, teaching, and learning activities.

You will report to the Executive Director, Corporate Development, and lead a high-performing team, managing relationships with key stakeholders internally and externally. This is a senior leadership role with high visibility and impact, responsible for driving long-term sustainability outcomes aligned with the University’s Advancing Melbourne strategy.

Your responsibilities will include:
• Strategic Leadership: Drive the development and implementation of the University’s Sustainability Framework, including the Sustainability Charter and Plan.
• Governance and Reporting: Coordinate governance processes and reporting to University executive bodies, including the Vice-Chancellor’s Advisory Group (VCAG). Manage the development and approval of University’s annual public Sustainability Report
• Institutional Advocacy: Represent and advocate for sustainability internally and externally, including with government bodies and international organisations.
• Expert Advisory: Provide authoritative advice on sustainability in relation to all of the University’s activities, and particularly climate leadership and climate resilience.
• Partnerships and Collaboration: Foster deep engagement with faculties, Chancellery, students, and external stakeholders to deliver the University’s sustainability targets.
• Communications and Engagement: Shape a cohesive sustainability narrative across the University and support internal and external communications.
• Risk and Compliance: Identify and manage risks related to the University’s sustainability profile within the broader risk management framework.
• Team and Culture: Lead and support a collaborative team, build organisational capability, and champion sustainability as a shared responsibility across the University.

You may be a great fit if:

You are a visionary sustainability leader with deep knowledge and experience in strategic planning, governance, and cross-functional collaboration in large and complex organisations.

You should have:
• Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant field and/or significant experience in a senior role.
• Demonstrated success in leading sustainability strategies, frameworks, and implementation in complex settings.
• Strong knowledge of sustainability reporting, carbon standards, environmental policy and regulatory frameworks
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, skilled at effectively engaging with senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills and ability to work across diverse operational and academic contexts.
• A collaborative leadership style and demonstrated ability to build commitment and foster positive cultural change.

Your new team – Corporate Development

The Corporate Development portfolio works across the University to improve performance, deliver strategic initiatives, and enhance institutional capability. The Sustainability team partners with faculties and portfolios to integrate sustainable practices and thinking into every aspect of University life.

As part of the Chief Operating Officer Portfolio, you will work alongside leaders in planning, infrastructure, treasury, project delivery, commercial operations, and investment to shape a more sustainable future.

What we offer you!

In addition to being part of a vibrant community, you will enjoy a range of benefits, including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services, and discounts on graduate courses. For more information, check out our benefits page.

Be yourself

The University of Melbourne values the unique backgrounds, experiences, and contributions of each individual and welcomes diversity in all forms. We encourage applications from First Nations people, LGBTQIA+ individuals, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities, genders, ethnicities, nationalities, and faiths. Learn more on our Diversity and Inclusion page.

We are committed to inclusive recruitment practices. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact the individual listed on the first page of the Position Description, titling your email as "Reasonable Adjustments Request."

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with significant investments in attracting, nurturing, and retaining Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Learn more about our 2023-2027 Indigenous Strategy – Murmuk Djerring.

Join Us!

If this role sounds like the right fit for you, please apply with the following documents:
• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience

Please note that you are not required to respond to the selection criteria in the Position Description.

Apply through the Apply Now button at the bottom of this advertisement. If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Fahim Farzad via email at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au, ensuring you include the Position Number and Job Title in the subject line. Please do not send your application to this email address.

For specific questions about the role, please contact Katie Mee at cmee@unimelb.edu.au