Associate Director - Financial Investments

Role type: Part-Time (0.6 - 0.8 FTE); Continuing

Department: Chief Financial Officer Group, Chief Operating Officer Portfolio

Salary: Senior Manager 1 - An attractive remuneration package incl. 17% super

• Join our Treasury & Financial Investments team to deliver strategic oversight of the University's externally managed investment portfolio, strengthen critical governance frameworks, and drive robust reporting and compliance across our investment model.

• We are open to appointing this role at 0.6–0.8 FTE (3–4 days per week), providing genuine flexibility to attract the right candidate.

• Apply now to provide high-level financial guidance, elevate investment frameworks, and support governance aligned with our c. $4.5 billion investment portfolio. 

• Investing in you – 17% superannuation, attractive executive-level packaging, flexible part-time arrangements, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and comprehensive professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne

We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity

As Associate Director, Financial Investments, you will play a central role in overseeing the University’s ~$4.5 billion externally managed investment portfolio. Working closely with the Director, Treasury & Financial Investments, you’ll partner with senior executives University committees and external advisers to ensure our investment frameworks are robust, forward-looking, and aligned to the University’s long-term objectives.

This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-impact role with genuine flexibility, where you can apply deep investment expertise while balancing broader professional or personal commitments. We are open to shaping the role to suit the right candidate.

What you will deliver:

• Provide specialist advice on the externally managed portfolio, continually refining investment policies and frameworks in partnership with the Director

• Act as the primary operational conduit between the University and its Implemented Consultant, developing deep service relationships to ensure efficient delivery on institutional requirements.

• Maintain an expert-level understanding of broader investment markets to constructively test and challenge incoming external advice and underlying asset activities. 

• Lead the end-to-end preparation of high-quality papers, insights, and recommendations for the Investment Management Committee and Finance Committee

• Build trusted relationships with senior executives, faculties, and internal divisions (such as Sustainability, Advancement, and Business Services) to closely link investment strategy with wider university operations.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Hold a relevant tertiary qualification in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or an equivalent discipline (with postgraduate credentials like a Master's in Finance, CFA, CPA, or CA viewed very favourably). 

• Bring extensive investment, funds management, or financial advisory experience with a proven track record of providing high-level risk oversight and strategic recommendations. 

• Demonstrate a high level of business acumen and sharp attention to detail, easily interpreting complex financial information to support executive decision-making. 

• Possess exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a natural ability to write succinctly, present persuasively, and build positive relationships with committees and external partners. 

• Show a proven ability to operate independently within broad organisational priorities, taking full ownership to proactively enhance processes and manage competing project timelines.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you!

We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:

• Build future financial security with up to 17% superannuation.

• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being.

• Flexibility to appoint this role on a 0.6 (3 days) or 0.8 (4 days) basis, depending on candidate preference.

• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs such as Melbourne Aspiring Leaders and Managers (MALM) program, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning.

• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave.

• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company.

• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program.

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team – Chief Financial Officer Group (CFOG)

You will join the Treasury & Financial Investments sub-portfolio within the CFOG. Our team's core objective is to advance University strategy through financial leadership, resilience, and innovation. You will work alongside experienced finance professionals passionate about ensuring the University has the appropriate resources to deliver its world-leading education and transformational research.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.

Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at oied-hr@unimelb.edu.au .

Application essentials:

• Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.

• You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

• A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you. 

• Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process. 

• Please upload your responses to the Selection Criteria, found in the Position Description.

Want to know more?

For questions related to our recruitment process and adjustments, email Fahim Farzad at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au

Apply today and join a community that’s shaping the future.