Overview:
Strategic Growth Advisor
Exciting opportunity to lead the commercialisation and market validation of a cutting-edge urban analytics SaaS platform.
Engage with industry leaders and local partners to drive platform adoption and expand current customer base.
Flexible executive level consulting / contract engagement.
About the Role
RMIT is seeking an experienced commercial leader to take on the role of Strategic Growth Advisor, responsible for driving the commercialisation strategy and market expansion of the Australian Urban Observatory (AUO) – a pioneering urban data and analytics platform that empowers governments, urban planners, and businesses with evidence-based insights to address complex urban liveability challenges.
This contract-based leadership role offers the opportunity to validate the business model, grow the paying customer base, and drive the AUO’s transition from a university-based initiative to an independent, investible spin-out entity. With a foundation of existing public and private sector customers and a stream of recurring revenue, the AUO is well-positioned for commercial scale. The next stage requires expanding this customer base, refining the go-to-market approach, and demonstrating sustained market demand.
You will lead the market validation process, define product-market fit, and engage strategically with key stakeholders across government, industry, and investment sectors. Working alongside the current AUO team, and in close collaboration with RMIT’s commercialisation team, you’ll help shape the AUO’s path to independence and impact.
This role is suited for a strategic and commercially focused business leader with a strong understanding of urban systems, urban planning, and property development. It requires a demonstrated ability to commercialise and scale data or technology-driven ventures and build meaningful industry relationships.
Key Responsibilities
Business Model Validation: Refine and validate the commercial strategy, ensuring alignment with market needs and further investment opportunities.
Industry Engagement: Engage with key stakeholders, including local and regional councils, urban planners, developers, and commercial property players, to test and drive market demand.
Go-to-Market Execution: Lead the development of new markets and their entry strategies, including securing early adopters and commercial pilots.
Strategy & Growth: Lead the development of AUO’s next phase of growth by defining the business model and evaluating pathways to scale – including organic growth, external investment, acquisition, or strategic partnerships.
To be successful in this position, you will bring:
Proven leadership experience within a high-growth SaaS environment.
Experience with data analytics, geospatial, property development, urban design, and/or urban planning sectors.
Proven track record in business development, market development and financial modelling.
Highly developed analytical, conceptual and problem-solving skills including the ability to develop innovative strategies and models that lead higher growth and profitability.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
A bachelor’s degree in business administration, geospatial sciences, urban planning, computer science, engineering or a related field; a postgraduate qualification is desirable.
About AUO & RMIT’s Innovation Ecosystem
The AUO is an advanced urban data and analytics platform that provides governments, urban planners, and businesses with evidence-based insights to tackle complex urban liveability challenges. By integrating data science, geospatial technology, and academic research, the AUO develops practical tools to enhance urban liveability, health, sustainability, and resilience.
As part of RMIT University, AUO applies research-driven insights to real-world urban development and planning. With a growing customer base, it is well-positioned for continued expansion. Its mission is to improve how cities are planned, managed, and experienced, making them more accessible, sustainable, and future-ready.
This role will operate within RMIT’s Research & Innovation ecosystem, leveraging leading STEM expertise, commercialisation networks, and investment frameworks.
To Apply
Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest and suitability for this position by clicking on the ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page.
For further information about this role, please contact Daniela Alvarez at daniela.alvarez.arambula@rmit.edu.au
Applications close at 11:59 PM on the 9th of February.
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. Due to recent upgrades, position description links may not work on LinkedIn advertisements.
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Applications Close:
26 Jan 2026 11.59 pm
RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed tobeinga child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.
At RMIT, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to RMIT (including alternate formats of application forms). To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact Dani, via talentsupport@rmit.edu.au or visit our Careers page for more contact information - https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers.
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