External Engagement Officer

External Engagement Officer, UNSW Canberra

Employment type: Full-time, 35 hours per week

Duration: 12-months parental leave

Remuneration: Broadband 6/7. Level 6 from $103,866 / Level 7 from $113,926 plus leave loading and 17% super

Location: UNSW Canberra, ADFA Campus

About UNSW Canberra

University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Canberra has multiple locations in the Nation’s Capital. UNSW Canberra distinguishes itself from other institutions by its commitment to being thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all endeavours. This combined approach is integral to the university's impact and contributes to its recognition as one of the top 20 universities globally, as well as a proud member of Australia's esteemed Group of Eight. Choosing a career at UNSW means embracing an environment where thriving, facing challenges, and engaging in meaningful work are not just encouraged but integral to the university experience. If you seek a career where you can excel and contribute meaningfully, you've found the right place.

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

Why Your Role Matters:

As an External Engagement Officer, you will support the design, coordination and delivery of alumni engagement, sponsorship, fundraising and external engagement initiatives for the faculty, under the Impact and Engagement portfolio.

Working closely with the External Engagement Manager, no two days will be the same as you contribute to the coordination of operational and strategic functions and provide high level advice and assistance to UNSW Canberra staff and wide variety of external customers. The role requires strong stakeholder engagement skills, sound judgement, high-level organisational skills, and the ability to translate faculty priorities into targeted engagement outcomes.

Accountabilities

This is a unique role and the ideal candidate will have exemplary strategic stakeholder engagement skills as well as a sound understanding of working with sponsorship/partnership agreements and contracts. This dynamic team demands the ability to thrive on a fast turnaround, agility and attention to detail in an ever-changing environment.

Who You Are (skills and experience):

At Level 6

• Demonstrated experience in alumni relations, advancement, sponsorship, stakeholder engagement, or a comparable external engagement function.
• A relevant qualification or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through any other combination of education, training and experience.
• Proven ability to develop and implement engagement initiatives that increase participation, strengthen relationships and support organisational objectives.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and management experience including highly developed written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage moderately complex projects with high attention to detail, accuracy and governance compliance.
• Experience using CRM systems (preferably Raiser's Edge) and strong data analysis and reporting capability.

At Level 7 (in addition to the above)

• Demonstrated experience providing strategic advice within an external engagement, advancement or partnership environment.
• Proven track record of independently leading complex, multi-stakeholder projects from conception to evaluation.
• Experience driving process improvement and operational uplift within a team environment.
• Demonstrated leadership capability, including mentoring, coaching or supervising staff.

Benefits and Culture:

UNSW is committed to helping staff balance work-life responsibilities, by providing access to high-quality services, facilities, and flexible work and leave arrangements.

• Flexible working options (work from home, flexible hours etc)
• Additional three days leave during December festive period
• Career development opportunities
• Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses
• Flexible 17% superannuation contributions, additional leave-loading payments and salary sacrifice
• Free gym access
• UNSW-wide strategy to focus on Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Places and Healthy Culture.

Eligibility:

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold full rights to work in Australia to be considered for this position.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

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.

How to Apply:

Make each day matter with a meaningful career at UNSW. Submit your application online before Tuesday 14 April 2026 at 11:30pm, including your CV and a 1–2-page cover letter addressing the required skills and experience outlined in the position description. In order to view the position description, please ensure that you allow pop-ups for https://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au

Get in Touch:

For role-related queries please contact:
Anna Grigson – External Engagement Manager
anna.grigson@unsw.edu.au

For recruitment process-related queries please contact:
Holly Whale – Talent Acquisition Consultant
h.whale@unsw.edu.au

Applications cannot be accepted if sent directly to the contact listed.

Find out more about the lifestyle and benefits when working with UNSW

For further information about UNSW Canberra
For further information on living in Canberra

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.