"Institute Business Manager"

UNSW is excited to be developing a new Public Policy Institute, which will be a flagship initiative for the University’s growing presence in Canberra. The vision for the Institute is to be a global leader in the education and upskilling of people working in the public sector ecosystem, including practitioners in the public service, business, non-profit and education sectors. The Institute will be recognised as a trusted partner that delivers positive public policy outcomes nationally and globally.

Headquartered in Canberra, the Institute will draw on the talents of educators and innovators across our University’s locations in the ACT, Sydney and beyond, leveraging the extraordinary capabilities that have positioned UNSW among the top 20 universities globally.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the foundational team that will establish the UNSW Public Policy Institute. As the Institute Business Manager, you will provide critical operational and administrative management services for the Institute and its associated hubs/initiatives, ensuring the professional and high-quality execution of its activities.

As an initial focus, you will lead the establishment and stabilisation of the day-to-day critical administrative and operational settings of the Institute. This will require setting and adopting new ways of working to enable the Institute to deliver on its strategic goals. You will also need to engage closely with academic and professional colleagues across the University (Sydney and Canberra), drawing on your outstanding interpersonal and communication skills. You will also provide Executive support and strategic advice to the Institute leaders, and coordinate essential engagement activities including events, contract support, and communications.

This role requires an experienced higher education or business manager with a record of achievement in supporting the professional delivery of education activities, implementing strategic projects, and working collaboratively within a complex organisation.

Alongside your professional experience, equally important is the leadership style you bring to this role. You will need to be willing to take on a variety of tasks and work comfortably in a start-up environment. Importantly, you will need to show passion, flexibility and determination.

Who You Are (skills and experience):

• Tertiary qualification with subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training and experience.
• Significant experience in higher education/franchised or other comparable business operations and demonstrated ability to manage day-to-day Institute operations, including management of budgets, events, academic delivery support and communications.
• Demonstrated aptitude to undertake a variety of work in the context of supporting greenfield initiatives with a domestic and/or global focus, from complex strategic projects to critical administrative tasks.
• Record of achievement in project management, with demonstrated success across the project lifecycle from conception to delivery, to evaluation.
• Record of excellence in working effectively and collaboratively with diverse stakeholder groups including senior University leaders, academic and professional colleagues, students, and industry partners.
• Experience in the provision of Executive advice and support, including administrative management (e.g. travel, briefings, meeting coordination).
• Outstanding written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage with a high degree of influence.

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

The successful candidate will be required to undertake pre-employment checks prior to commencement in this role.

Make each day matter with a meaningful career at UNSW. Submit your application online before Sunday 12 October 2025 at 11:30pm, including your CV and a 1–2-page cover letter addressing the required skills and experience outlined in the position description.

For role-related queries please contact: Carla McBride – Faculty Chief of Staff

For recruitment process related queries please contact: Holly Whale – Talent Acquisition Consultant