Design Strategist (Education)

Job Description:

• Remuneration Level 8: $127,351 - $143,489 + 17% Superannuation
• Location: Paddington, NSW (the successful candidate will be required to work on campus a minimum of 3 days per week)
• Full Time (35-hour week)
• Fixed Term to December 2027

Why The Role Matters:

The UNSW Innovation Hub enables innovation across the University by designing and advancing new methods and ways of working that support cross-disciplinary collaboration. By bringing together academics, professional staff, and students, the Hub creates impactful opportunities to develop and scale innovative projects within UNSW and in partnership with industry, government, and community stakeholders. Aligned with the UNSW Strategy: Progress for All, the Hub plays a central role in building innovation capability through new programs, collaborations, systems, technologies and processes.

The Design Strategist (Education) plays a lead role in the planning, development and coordination of innovative, learner‑centred curricula and education programs across relevant UNSW communities and in collaboration with external stakeholders. The role applies design‑led methodologies to develop curriculum frameworks and multi‑modal learning experiences, and drives the implementation, evaluation, pedagogical quality assurance and continuous improvement of education initiatives. Working closely with the Hub Director, Manager and colleagues, the role supports the delivery of Hub programs, engages stakeholders, and contributes to partnerships that promote responsive, future‑focused and impactful learning outcomes.

Accountabilities:

(please review the Position Description for a full list of Accountabilities)

• Work closely with the Innovation Hub Director and Manager to strategise, design and deliver innovative, learner-centered, curricula and education programs that align with the Hub’s strategic vision and organisational priorities.
• Drive the development and implementation of curriculum frameworks and education strategies across diverse UNSW communities and contexts to achieve innovative, real-world outcomes.
• Translate complex design concepts into accessible, engaging learning experiences delivered across multiple modes, including in-person, hybrid and online environments, using both real-time and asynchronous models.
• Design and facilitate collaborative curriculum development processes while working closely with Innovation Hub colleagues, internal UNSW teams, and external clients and stakeholders to implement innovative solutions.
• Facilitate day-to-day project activities, including designing and delivering workshops, training sessions and curriculum initiatives that foster creativity, critical thinking and applied problem solving.
• Provide strategic direction coordinating delivery for program implementation, including monitoring and evaluating effectiveness, ensuring pedagogical quality assurance, and continuously refining curriculum in response to feedback and evidence.
• Develop and support effective communications with key stakeholders, both internal and external and provide influential input with stakeholders to enhance collaboration and program success.
• Collaborate with the Innovation Hub team, build capability across UNSW by increasing the number of staff actively engaged in design-led methodologies and working on Hub projects.
• Contribute to the creation, development and scaling of a design-led, problem-solving culture at UNSW.

Skills and Experience:

To be considered you will hold Australian Working Rights or Australian Citizenship. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

(please review the Position Description for a full list of Skills and Experience)

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Design and Education, or a related discipline with subsequent relevant experience, or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training and professional practice.
• Proven track record as a Designer and Strategist/Consultant with expertise in design-led methodologies (including user research methods and usability testing) and broader problem-solving methodologies, and their application within curriculum strategy, program design and implementation including planning objectives and documentation.
• Advanced written, verbal and visual communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and pedagogical approaches to diverse audiences and ensure a high level of attention to detail for curriculum and program deliverables produced.
• Demonstrated experience in design education, including the development and delivery of learner centred curricula and teaching design-led methodologies through diverse approaches.
• Demonstrated success in collaborating effectively on initiatives with diverse individuals and teams at all levels within an organisation.
• High-level experience with digital collaboration, prototyping and AI-enabled environments, with the ability to rapidly adapt to evolving tools and platforms.
• Excellent time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines using sound judgement and initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to lead project teams and positively influence collaborative and learning cultures.

Pre-Employment Checks:

Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for. These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks:

• National and International Criminal history checks
• Entitlement to work and ID checks
• Working With Children Checks
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional membership
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks
• Medical Checks and Assessments

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

Benefits and Culture:

People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world.

Our benefits include:

• Career development opportunities
• 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments
• Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness)

For further details on the benefits, please visit https://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au/lifestyle-benefits

How to Apply:

Submit both a Cover Letter and CV online via the UNSW Job Board before Monday 18th May 2026 by 11:30pm. Please ensure your Cover Letter addresses the core Skills and Experience mentioned in the advert (no more than 2 pages).

Get in Touch: Any applications sent to the contacts below will not be accepted.

If you have questions about the role, please contact Michaela Turner at m.turner@unsw.edu.au

If you have questions about the recruitment process, please contact Allyssar Hamoud at a.hamoud@unsw.edu.au

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.