Ministerial Appointed University Council Member

The Council of the University of Melbourne is the governing body of the University and is responsible for the general direction and superintendence of the University. The Council is chaired by the Chancellor and supported by two Deputy Chancellors. Council members have diverse skills, expertise and backgrounds, and are representative of our regional communities. Council comprises directly appointed members, government appointed members, staff and student elected members, the President of the Academic Board and the Vice-Chancellor and President. About the role As the governing authority and chaired by the Chancellor, university councils play a critical role in relation to the university’s strategic direction, mission and business plan, as well as reviewing management and performance and monitoring risk, academic activity, and significant commercial initiatives. Responsible for appointing and monitoring the performance of the Vice-Chancellor, university councils also establish policies consistent with legal requirements and community expectations. The primary responsibilities of Council Members as set out in the University of Melbourne Act 2009 (the Act) are: appointing and monitoring the performance of the Vice-Chancellor as chief executive officer of the University; approving the mission and strategic direction of the University and its annual budget and business plan; overseeing and reviewing the management of the University and its performance; establishing policy and procedural principles for the operation of the University consistent with legal requirements and community expectations; approving and monitoring systems of control and accountability of the University, including those required to maintain a general overview of any entity over which the University has control; overseeing and monitoring the assessment and management of risk across the University, including university commercial activities; overseeing and monitoring the academic activities of the University; approving any significant university commercial activities. Applicants will be considered for one current vacancy at the Council of the University of Melbourne. Who we're looking for Appointees to Council are expected to have the following skills, experience, capability and personal attributes. Skills and experience: High standards of integrity and ethical conduct: Commitment to acting in the best interests of the University, with a strong awareness of and adherence to conflict-of-interest principles. Strategic judgement and intellectual curiosity: Proven capacity for sound decision-making, strategic insight, and a genuine interest in exploring complex issues. Corporate governance expertise: Knowledge and experience in governance practices, with an understanding of the responsibilities and accountabilities of board-level roles. Financial literacy: Ability to interpret and understand high-level financial documents, including balance sheets, cash flow statements, and financial reports. Understanding of risk management: Familiarity with risk management principles and frameworks, and their application in strategic decision-making. Insight into the higher education sector: An understanding and appreciation of the important role that universities play in our society. A willingness to serve for the public good and advancement of the higher education sector. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills: Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with Council members, University leadership, and broader stakeholders. Capable of active listening, critical reflection, and clear, respectful communication. An appreciation of the University of Melbourne: An appreciation of the nature and challenges that a comprehensive research-based Group of Eight university faces, coupled with a genuine interest in the University. Commitment and Engagement : Willingness to attend and actively contribute to Council meetings, Strategy sessions and two Council Committees. Networking capability: Willingness and ability to leverage professional networks to support and advance the University’s mission and strategic objectives. Ideally, you will also have specialist knowledge and experience in one or more of the following: Information Technology and Cybersecurity: Strategic IT leadership experience, particularly in technologies relevant to higher education. Expertise in cybersecurity governance and risk management is highly valued. Research commercialisation and innovation: Expertise in research commercialisation and an entrepreneurial mindset to drive innovation and commercial success. Senior leadership experience in higher education: Recent executive-level leadership within the higher education sector, with up-to-date knowledge of sector-wide challenges, opportunities, and policy developments. Strategic Financial Skills: High-level financial analysis, modelling and planning skills to drivestrategicdecision-making. Estate Planning and Property Development: Executive level skills in the planning, development, financing and operation of property assets and estate management. It is preferable that appointees reside in Victoria. What you need to apply The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that government boards and committees reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community. We encourage applications from women, young people (under 34 years old), Aboriginal people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQA+ people, and people living in rural and regional Victoria. We will provide adjustments to the recruitment process upon request. You do not have to disclose any personal information if you do not want to, but it can help us understand how we can support you through the recruitment process and beyond. We invite you to tell us if you identify as Aboriginal, a person with disability, from a culturally or linguistically diverse background, LGBTIQA+, or a young person aged 34 years old or less. If you identify as any of the aforementioned, we would welcome the opportunity to contact you and discuss how we can support you through the recruitment process. Sharing this information will help you access support should you need it and will also help us to better understand the impact of our work. How to apply The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions is supported with this recruitment by Davidson Search & Advisory. Please submit a cover letter and CV in support of your application at the following link: Applications close at 11:59pm on Wed 7 January 2026. Applicants with further enquiries may contact Paul Lefebvre and Steph Davidson at Davidson Search & Advisory at Please note that we are unable to respond to queries from 19 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. #J-18808-Ljbffr