Head of Legal, Compliance and Privacy

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.

About the Opportunity

The Head of Legal, Compliance and Privacy is a senior leader within the Office of the General Counsel, providing strategic legal advice and overseeing legal, compliance, and privacy functions to support the University’s objectives.

This role leads the development and implementation of risk-based compliance and privacy frameworks, ensuring operations meet legal and stakeholder expectations. As a trusted advisor, the role also supports strong governance and assurance across the University’s legal and control environment, including the effective operation of the three lines of defence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of strategic legal, compliance and privacy advice, frameworks and programs to support the University’s obligations and objectives.
• Partner with senior leadership to identify and manage legal, compliance and privacy risks, including representing the University in legal matters where required.
• Foster a service-oriented, high-performing culture focused on efficiency, effectiveness and a positive user experience.
• Drive the implementation of risk-based compliance and privacy programs to ensure obligations are effectively identified and managed.
• Provide strong leadership to Legal, Compliance and Privacy teams, enabling the delivery of high-quality, professional services.
• Promote a safe, inclusive and values-driven workplace, ensuring compliance with legislation, policies and best practice across all areas.

About you

• The occupant of this position will hold relevant postgraduate qualifications (including legal qualifications) with at least ten (10) years post admission experience as well as leadership experience.
• Experience in building or significantly maturing compliance frameworks will be favourably considered.

What we can offer

This is a full time, 5 year fixed term opportunity based primarily at the 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

A competitive salary will be negotiated with the preferred candidate.

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 

Closing date: Sunday 5th July at 11:59pm. All applications must be submitted online.