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Jennifer Sutton
I find and develop new business opportunities in challenging market sectors - including online tertiary education, research, as part of complex partnerships and in highly technical areas.
Professional Background
Jennifer Sutton is a dynamic Business Development professional with an impressive career spanning over 20 years in various sectors, including tertiary education, manufacturing, and government. As the current Business Development Director at the Melbourne School of Professional and Continuing Education at the University of Melbourne, she has demonstrated remarkable expertise in securing revenue generation in challenging markets. Jennifer's creative business initiation skills and her intuitive ability to develop new business opportunities have made her a key asset in her field. Her work involves collaborating with highly skilled professionals, including scientists, academics, lawyers, and engineers, to create viable and valuable products and services.
In her role at the University of Melbourne, Jennifer is particularly focused on tertiary education short courses and microcredentials, which encompass online, face-to-face, business-to-business (B2B), and business-to-consumer (B2C) offerings. She has successfully secured funding across a diverse range of business types, including research grants, major proposals, and consulting initiatives. Notably, she has achieved significant climate change research funding, successfully managed relationships across five key partners in a complex joint venture and public-private partnership, and established vital international government and Australian funding relationships.
Jennifer has a strong track record of working with executive management and board members across sectors, demonstrating her capacity to operate within large complex organizations and drive business outcomes. She possesses a wealth of experience from her time as Chief Operating Officer for the State Government of Victoria, where she delivered exceptional leadership for three years. Her noteworthy tenure at CSIRO as Director of Business Development for the Climate Adaptation Flagship and Marine and Atmospheric Research highlighted her strategic vision and operational expertise.
Having served at a board level for organizations such as the Biosciences Research Centre Joint Venture Board and the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Jennifer has further showcased her ability to coordinate internal teams and secure business outcomes, making her not only a strong team player but also an effective leader.
Education and Achievements
Jennifer holds an impressive educational background that complements her extensive professional experience. She studied for a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Finance and Marketing at RMIT University, equipping her with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in business development and organizational leadership. In addition, she obtained a Bachelor of Science (Honors) degree in Chemistry from Monash University, which laid a strong foundation for her understanding of scientific principles and methodologies relevant to her work in research and development.
Prior to her higher education, Jennifer attended Melbourne Girls Grammar, where she developed essential skills and a passion for learning that would carry through to her future educational and professional achievements. Jennifer's commitment to continuous learning and professional development is evident in her diverse career pathways and her ability to adapt to varying market conditions successfully.
Notable Roles
Throughout her career, Jennifer has held several significant positions that showcase her business acumen and leadership abilities:
- Founder, Study Medicine: Jennifer established this initiative, highlighting her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to advancing education in the medical field.
- Senior Business Development Manager, University of Melbourne: In this role, she further developed her expertise in creating and implementing strategic business initiatives, contributing to the university's mission to foster a community of learners.
- Chief Operating Officer, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources: Her leadership in this capacity focused on driving business outcomes and enhancing service delivery in the public sector.
- Director, Business Development, Climate Adaptation Flagship / Marine and Atmospheric Research, CSIRO: Through this position, Jennifer played a crucial role in advancing Australia's knowledge and capabilities in climate adaptation, showcasing her commitment to environmental sustainability.
Jennifer's private sector experience includes notable roles at Orica, APS Chemicals, and Dow Chemical, where she honed her skills in business management, procurement, and product management. Her extensive board-level experience with the Biosciences Research Centre Joint Venture Board and the Metropolitan Fire Brigade has further solidified her standing as a respected leader in both the public and private sectors.
Achievements
- Secured substantial funding for climate change research, demonstrating her ability to navigate complex funding landscapes and establish partnerships that yield significant benefits.
- Coordinated successful relationships across multiple stakeholders in joint ventures and public-private partnerships, reflecting her excellent negotiation skills and collaborative approach.
- Developed impactful business strategies that have successfully driven revenue generation and expanded the reach of physical and online educational offerings, providing valuable learning opportunities to diverse audiences.
Through her engaging work and commitment to developing innovative products and services, Jennifer Sutton continues to be a crucial driver of growth and sustainability within the business development arena. Her substantial contributions to educational innovation, particularly in the realm of microcredentials and short courses, are paving the way for future breakthroughs and learning opportunities.
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