Associate Director, Risk & Assurance

Reference: 1638735

Curtin University is seeking an accomplished and strategic Associate Director, Risk & Assurance to join our Risk, Compliance and Audit team.

About the Role
This senior leadership role is responsible for leading the University's enterprise-wide Risk Management Framework, Internal Audit and Assurance Program, and Business Continuity and Resilience Framework. Reporting to and working closely with the Director, Risk, Compliance and Audit, you will play a critical role in strengthening governance, embedding a positive risk culture and ensuring the University is well positioned to identify, manage and respond to strategic and operational risks.

You will work alongside senior executives, University leaders and external partners to deliver contemporary frameworks, provide trusted strategic advice and drive continuous improvement through innovation, data analytics and best practice.

The Associate Director will lead a high-performing team and oversee the University's enterprise risk, assurance and business resilience functions.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the development, implementation and continuous improvement of Curtin's enterprise-wide Risk Management Framework, Internal Audit and Assurance Program, and Business Continuity and Resilience Framework.
• Providing strategic advice and expert guidance to senior leaders on enterprise, strategic and operational risks, controls assurance, internal audit, incident management and business continuity.
• Leading the University's business continuity and incident management capability, including readiness testing, incident response coordination, post-incident reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Driving a strong risk-aware culture through contemporary frameworks, policies, systems, tools and reporting that support effective governance and decision-making.
• Leading the systemisation and continual enhancement of risk and assurance processes, leveraging data analytics and continuous assessment and monitoring practices.
• Monitoring emerging risks, regulatory developments and national and international standards to ensure Curtin's frameworks remain contemporary and aligned with best practice.
• Building trusted partnerships with senior stakeholders across the University and collaborating with outsourced service providers to deliver high-quality assurance outcomes.
• Providing leadership, coaching and professional development to a specialist team while contributing to the strategic direction, operational planning and performance of the Risk, Compliance and Audit function.

Who we are looking for
Selection Criteria:

We're looking for a strategic, collaborative and influential leader with significant experience in enterprise risk, governance and assurance within a large, complex organisation.

• Extensive leadership experience in enterprise risk management, assurance, governance, internal audit and/or business continuity.
• Proven ability to develop and implement enterprise-wide frameworks that strengthen organisational governance, resilience and risk maturity.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical and problem-solving capability, with experience providing trusted advice to executive and senior stakeholders.
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to build productive relationships across diverse internal and external networks.
• Demonstrated success leading organisational change, driving continuous improvement and embedding a positive risk culture.
• Experience implementing technology-enabled risk and assurance solutions, including data analytics and continuous assessment and monitoring practices.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor and develop high-performing teams in a complex organisational environment.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in risk management, governance, auditing, business, commerce or a related discipline, with postgraduate qualifications and/or professional certifications highly regarded

Role Requirements:
Your new Team: Risk & Assurance
The Risk, Compliance and Audit team are a key pillar under Curtin University’s governance structure. The team ensure the university operates effectively, efficiently, and in compliance with relevant laws and regulations and that risk management, business continuity and resilience and incident management processes are successfully integrated within the University’s operations.

The team have the opportunity to work closely with all areas of the university to provide guidance and support in managing risk and compliance. We promote a culture of transparency, accountability, and good governance, which contributes to the long-term success and continuity of the university.

About Curtin University
Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2025 rankings. We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live.

For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page - https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-curtin/

What We Offer You:
This Continuing G10 level role attracts a remuneration package of $148,452 – $162,785 salary + 17% superannuation.

Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more.

For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/

Join Us!

If this sounds like your next role, please click APPLY NOW ensuring to attach the following documents:

• Up-to-date Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and demonstrating how your background meets the position’s selection criteria (noted above) - no more than two pages.

If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on CurtinCareers@curtin.edu.au or 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Applications will not be accepted via this email address, and late applications will not be accepted.

Applications close: 9pm (AWST), Sunday 2nd of August 2026.

Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.

Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, remove the advert, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time.