Senior Executive Officer - Office of the Vice Chancellor

  • Full-time
  • Primary Location (Campus): Brisbane South (Nathan)
  • Employment Type: Full Time
  • Department ID: Office of the Vice Chancellor - OVC
  • Appointment Type: Continuing

Company Description

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why. 
Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them. 

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence. 

Job Description

About the Opportunity
The Senior Executive Officer role is an exciting opportunity to work at the centre of Griffith’s strategic agenda. The role works closely with Griffith’s Vice Chancellor and Executive Group members to drive outcomes. The Senior Executive Officer is a key leadership role within the the Office of the Vice Chancellor (OVC) and works closely with the Director OVC.

The Senior Executive Officer role is ideally suited to someone who thrives in a high paced environment, has experience working closely with senior executives and brings a broad skillset across project management, governance and policy. The role requires excellent professional judgetment and the ability to build trust with a range of stakeholders.

With a continuing appointment, flexible work options, generous benefits, and a HEW 10 package, this role offers both meaningful influence and long-term career growth.

Key responsibilities

  • Act as Secretary to the University Executive Group, coordinating meetings, preparing high quality briefings and driving the delivery of actions arising from Executive decisions.
  • Lead the implementation of Executive Group decisions, partnering with Portfolios to ensure outcomes are clearly communicated and effectively actioned.
  • Coordinate reports and submissions from the Vice Chancellor to University Council, Council sub Committees and the Executive Group.
  • Work closely with key offices to deliver high impact briefing materials, speeches and communications for the Vice Chancellor’s meetings, events and engagements.
  • Research and analyse complex information to produce concise briefings, position papers and submissions aligned to the University’s strategic priorities.
  • Manage award and external recognition submissions, showcasing University and individual excellence.
  • Oversee University‑wide change impact assessments, collaborating with Portfolios, Transformation and Internal Communications to support effective change delivery.
  •  Manage the operational and administrative functions of the Vice Chancellor’s Office, including budget and resource management, to ensure a high‑performing executive office.

About you

  • Demonstrated experience working closely with senior executives, ideally in a University.
  • Proven ability to translate executive decisions into outcomes, working collaboratively across complex organisations to drive delivery.
  • Exceptional research, analytical and writing skills, with the ability to extract complex information into clear, concise and strategic advice for senior decision makers.
  • Highly developed stakeholder engagement skills, with the judgement, discretion and influence required to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, executive environment.

Candidates must have full unrestricted Australian work rights and may be subject to a National criminal history check.

What we can offer

This is a continuing opportunity based at Griffith University Brisbane South (Nathan) campus, As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations

Griffith University’s campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples

Salary Range

HEW 10 salary – Base range - $142,222.18 + 17% super. Full package - $166,399.96.

Additional Information

Why join Griffith?

As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

  • Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities
  • Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment
  • Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
  • Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading
  • Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme
  • Opportunities for internal mobility
  • Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities

At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Our University is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all. In alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (2025), Griffith University includes a declaration as part of the recruitment journey to uphold the values and standards of our community. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy.

How to apply

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:

  • A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role, please refer to the qualifications above and the position description.
  • Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details

For application and recruitment advice please reach out to Laura Whitworth, Talent Acquisition Partner on [email protected]

Closing date: Applications will be reviewed as they are received and interviews scheduled. Please submit your application as early as possible.

Applications will formally close at 9am on Monday 13th April . All applications must be submitted online.  

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