Design Factory Melbourne Academic Lead

Role Overview
Join Design Factory Melbourne at Swinburne University. This is a full-time, 2-year fixed-term position at the Hawthorn campus, at Academic Level C + 17% super and attractive staff benefits.

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.

Responsibilities
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 governance 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.

Qualifications
- A PhD tertiary qualification or equivalent demonstrated experience.

What They Offer
- 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.