Design Strategist

Job Description

• Employment Type: Full-time (35 hours per week)
• Duration: Fixed-term contract for 2 years
• Remuneration: $127,351 - $143,488 + 17% super + leave loading
• Location: UNSW Kensington Campus

About UNSW

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community, a community doing extraordinary things. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

Why Your Role Matters

The UNSW Innovation Hub forms a significant component of the UNSW Strategy and contributes to the development and implementation of University and Faculty-wide policy, procedures and systems aligned with strategic priorities.

The Design Strategist plays a lead role in the strategic planning, development and delivery of diverse projects within UNSW and in partnership with external organisations. Working closely with the Innovation Hub Director, Innovation Hub Manager, Project Managers and stakeholders, the role drives the successful delivery of design-led, problem-solving initiatives that create innovative, real-world outcomes.

The role is responsible for developing project strategies, facilitating multidisciplinary project teams, leading stakeholder engagement activities, and supporting the delivery of the Hub’s training programs and initiatives. The position also cultivates strategic partnerships with industry, government and community organisations to support implementation and knowledge translation.

The role reports to the Director, Innovation Hub, with a dotted reporting line to the Innovation Hub Manager for operational activity and planning, and has no direct reports.

Responsibilities Summary

• Lead and facilitate internal and external design-led problem-solving projects aligned with the Innovation Hub’s strategic priorities.
• Design and facilitate workshops, consultation sessions and collaborative project activities to support innovative project outcomes.
• Develop project strategies, define complex problems and implement effective problem-solving approaches with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.
• Provide strategic direction to project teams, monitor project progress and support the resolution of issues and competing priorities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including industry, government and community partners.
• Contribute to the development and scaling of a design-led innovation culture across UNSW.
• Collaborate with Project Managers and Innovation Hub staff to support the delivery and implementation of Hub initiatives and programs.
• Identify emerging industry trends and technologies to enhance project outcomes and design processes.
• Mentor junior designers, students and interns within the Innovation Hub.

Skills and Experience Summary

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Design with subsequent relevant experience, or equivalent competence gained through education, training and professional practice.
• Demonstrated experience as a Designer and Strategist/Consultant with expertise in design-led methodologies, including user research methods and usability testing.
• Strong understanding of broader problem-solving methodologies and their application across the project lifecycle.
• Advanced written, verbal and visual communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex design concepts to diverse audiences.
• Experience facilitating workshops, consultations and collaborative problem-solving activities with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead project teams and positively influence project culture and outcomes.
• Experience collaborating effectively across diverse teams and organisational levels.
• High level proficiency across relevant computer systems and applications, including Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint, Keynote and related tools.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
• Experience in Design education and teaching design-led methodologies through active learning is desirable.

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