AddressOptimise culture and engagement, learning and talent development
Leadership role in key organisation-wide strategic initiatives
Establish and build a pivotal centre of excellence
About the organisation
As Australia’s leading university and at the forefront of higher education in the region, The University of Melbourne empowers and equips its graduates to become outstanding and well-rounded professionals who will make a positive impact across the globe. Dynamic, innovative and collaborative, the University is at the cutting edge of discovery, tackling some of the hardest problems to change the world for the better. With nearly 10,000 staff and more than 54,000 students, the University is a thriving, fair and diverse community where staff and students are valued and respected, and encouraged to fulfil their talents and potential.
A distinctive approach to people and culture
The recent appointment of The University of Melbourne’s Chief People Officer, Alexis Beckwith, underlines the University’s commitment to creating an even better workplace where all staff thrive. Alexis is driving a fresh and highly strategic agenda for institution-wide transformation, and as a champion of inclusivity and unparalleled engagement, is committed to nurturing a meaningful, enjoyable and inspiring work environment where individuals can build careers, and are supported and empowered to succeed.
About the role
A true partner and trusted adviser to the Chief People Officer, the Director Organisational Development will enthusiastically embrace and spearhead key elements of the University’s transformative people strategy. The appointee will lead the University’s approach to developing and embedding an ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, culture and engagement, learning and talent development strategy and framework, reflecting the current and future needs of the University and the higher education sector. In this newly created role, the Director will establish a pivotal centre of excellence that works across the University, including with key diversity and inclusion initiatives and the leaders of the University’s research, teaching and non-academic professional functions. This includes engaging extensively with internal stakeholders to collate and mature current practices, and understand key partnerships and teams who collectively deliver a wide range of projects, programs and business-as usual-activities to support talent development and learning. While managing the ongoing implementation of systems and processes, the position plays a critical role in realising strategic people initiatives identified in the University’s new People Strategy, as well as other University strategies. Key initiatives span overseeing the development of training required for University priority projects, the introduction of a staff engagement survey, and the design of leadership programs to the effective utilisation of a new ERP. In leading the function, the appointee will inspire the team, foster a positive environment, nurture a client-centric culture, drive accountability for delivery, and support the sequencing and prioritisation of initiatives.
About you
You are a highly regarded organisational or talent development professional whose experience has been gained in multi-layered matrix or highly governed organisations. A credible subject matter expert, your track record in advising on, recommending and implementing tailored and fit-for-purpose programs includes achieving paradigm shifts in practices. Resilient and adaptable, you have a wealth of experience in guiding and effectively managing transformation in a dynamic setting marked by substantial change. A ‘doer’ with a growth mindset, you do not take yourself too seriously, but are serious about the way you plan, monitor and roll up your sleeves to deliver. Balancing high attention to detail, in-depth systems knowledge, and superior analytical abilities with creativity, you are an active listener who can translate high-level concepts into benefits and practicalities for a range of stakeholders. Underpinning your capacity to quickly forge strong relationships are your sophisticated communication and influencing skills, authenticity, collegial style and ability to read the sub-text. An energetic, optimistic, contemporary and authentic leader of significant teams, you build engagement and capacity, and cultivate high performance. Apply your outstanding influencing and core consulting capabilities, and passion for organisational and talent development, to redefine how this world-class university attracts, retains and develops its people.
For more information, please contact David Pleydell at SHK on +61 3 8620 8020 or Elizabeth McMahon on +61 3 8620 8096. Or click ‘Apply for this job’. Please submit your resume in Microsoft Word format. Direct and third-party applications will be forwarded to SHK.
