Associate Director, Innovation

• Based in Barcelona, collaborative and dynamic international team

• High level proficiency in English

• Full time, continuing role

• Salary will be negotiated with the preferred candidate

As Associate Director, Innovation & Partnerships, you will lead the development and execution of research, innovation and strategic partnership initiatives that advance RMIT´s mission, with a focus on international development, not for profit impact and creative design-led solutions at RMIT Europe.

This position provides strategic leadership in securing competitive funding, fostering cross-sector collaborations and converting business development opportunities into impactful transformative outcomes aligned with RMIT Europe's objectives, RMIT University's research capabilities and strengths and global sustainability and innovation priorities.

You will leverage partnerships with research centres, academic institutions, funding agencies and industry across RMIT Europe's priority locations (Spain, UK, Germany, France) to drive public funded research collaborations. You will work closely with RMIT's academic network in Melbourne and Vietnam to identify and respond to funding opportunities and develop high impact partnerships.

What will you be accountable for?

• Providing leadership of RMIT Europe's research partnerships and innovation initiatives, identifying growth opportunities.

• Providing high-level advice and insights to the Executive Director to support strategic planning and decision-making, ensuring alignment with RMIT University's research and industry engagement strategy.

• Contributing as an active member of the RMIT Europe Leadership Team, shaping organisational priorities and operational models.

• Representing RMIT Europe in public forums, research associations, and thought leadership platforms to enhance visibility and influence.

• Leading the preparation and submission of competitive research proposals for national, European and international funding schemes.

• Leading and managing the Research & Innovation clusters to deliver high-impact research partnerships aligned with priority areas.

• Leading and managing the Innovation Partnerships team, fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, continuous development and design thinking.

Let's talk about you

• Able to develop and implement strategic thinking around partnerships and engagement

• Proven leadership skills in managing cross functional teams and complex, multi-stakeholder projects

• Deep understanding of European Commission research funding and a successful track record in securing funding

• Extensive experience in partnership development and stakeholder engagement growing, leading and developing research collaborations and partnerships in complex and dynamic environments, as well as demonstrated success implementing the pipeline of prospective projects

• Demonstrated success in converting business development opportunities into impactful outcomes

• Strong business development skills

• Demonstrated high level problem solving and analytical skills with proven ability to translate vision into actionable plans

• Subject expertise and established networks across Europe in one or more of RMIT Europe's research priority areas

• Significant experience in research strategy, partnership development, and funding acquisition within not-for-profit sector dynamics and public funding mechanisms

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to lead, influence and build productive relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders

• Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a team to achieve group goals

Mandatory:

• Postgraduate qualification and/or significant relevant experience in International Development, Innovation Management, Design, or related fields.

• Well-developed European network in one or more areas of priority for RMIT (Sustainable Built Environment, Digital Manufacturing, Natural Resources and the Environment and Resilience).

• Excellent English communication skills. Spanish language skills desirable.

• Full working rights in Spain.

Who is RMIT Europe?

We're the creative and dynamic European hub of RMIT University. Based in the heart of Barcelona, our focus is on successfully extending RMIT's international engagement and strategically growing the University's collaborative research and education activity in Europe.

We facilitate RMIT's collaboration in the development of innovative pan-European projects attracting global knowledge from Europe, Australia, and Asia to deliver local impact. We're a collaborative and dynamic international team, passionate about driving impact through our work, celebrating our achievement

About the team.

You'll be joining an ambitious team of experienced professionals who are passionate about making a difference and delivering real impact. Benefits of working at RMIT Europe include hybrid working arrangements, flexible salary benefits (transport, health insurance, childcare, and restaurants) and free languages classes.

Here's how to apply:

Please submit your CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for this position by clicking on the 'Apply' link at the top of this page.

For further information about this position, please see the Position Description hyperlinked below.

Position Description – Associate Director, Innovation & Partnerships

Please note, if you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click 'apply' and you will be redirected to RMIT's Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page. 

RMIT Europe is the European hub of RMIT University, one of Australia's largest tertiary institutions. Based in Barcelona, we're focused on expanding RMIT's reputation as a global university of technology, design and enterprise.