"Program Director, Research & Policy"

Full-Time, Fixed-Term Position for 5 Years, based at Parramatta South Campus

$266,051 Inclusive of Superannuation + Leave Loading

Shape the Future of Policy and Research in Australia

Company Description

Western Sydney University is a modern, world-class institution located in the heart of Australia's fastest growing and most economically significant region. With nearly 50,000 students, approximately 3,500 staff, and a network of campuses across Greater Western Sydney, Vietnam, and Indonesia, we are proud to be ranked among the top two per cent of universities globally.

This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

About the Whitlam Institute

The Whitlam Institute within Western Sydney University commemorates and is inspired by, the life of one of Australia’s most respected Prime Ministers, The Hon. Gough Whitlam AC QC.

As the custodian of Gough Whitlam’s legacy, the Whitlam Institute promotes the contemporary relevance of his vision of a more equal, open, tolerant, and independent Australia. The Whitlam Institute is guided by the ‘three great aims’ that drove the Whitlam Program of 1972. They are:

• to promote equality;
• to involve the people of Australia in the decision-making processes of our land; and
• to liberate the talents and uplift the horizons of the Australian people.

The four pillars of the Whitlam Institute are: the Whitlam Prime Ministerial Collection; its public policy and research program; its civics education and outreach program; and responsibility for making the historic Female Orphan School and 32 Albert Street Prime Ministerial home centres for intellectual and cultural engagement for the Australian people beginning in Western Sydney. The Whitlam Institute is now rapidly growing into a vibrant, multifaceted centre of ideas, culture, and arts, all within one of the most significant heritage sites in Australia.

About the Opportunity

The Whitlam Institute is looking for a bold research leader to advance our research portfolio and policy engagement at scale. As Program Director, Research & Policy, you will set the agenda and deliver high-impact work across our two flagship themes: The Future of Australian Democracy and Australia in the World.

This position is pivotal to the next phase of the Whitlam Institute’s development. You will lead programs that strengthen the contemporary relevance of the Whitlam Government’s legacy, bringing evidence to public debate, building diverse coalitions, and informing decision‑makers through rigorous research, publications, and advocacy.

You’ll drive a research agenda that is contemporary, collaborative, and consequential. You will turn ideas into programs designing and delivering multi‑partner projects, producing high‑quality publications and public reports, convening symposia, and engaging the media and government so findings inform real decisions.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 5 years based at Western’s Parramatta South Campus, although travel to other campuses of the University may be required.

For further information, please refer to the Position Description linked here: Program Director, Research and Policy.

Key Responsibilities

As the Program Director, your key responsibilities will include:

• Setting Strategy: Shape and implement research programs aligned with the Whitlam Institute’s mission and strategic objectives.
• Driving Policy Impact: Advance our two flagship themes through evidence-based research and advocacy that influences public discourse and decision-making.
• Building Partnerships: Forge strong regional, national, and international collaborations to expand our influence and reach.
• Securing Funding & Managing Budgets: Ensure resources are in place to deliver research priorities effectively.
• Ensuring Governance & Compliance: Uphold ethical standards and regulatory requirements across all research activities.
• Leading & Mentoring: Inspire and guide staff, research fellows, and external collaborators to achieve excellence.
• Delivering Impactful Projects: Manage the full research lifecycle from concept to completion producing high-quality publications, symposia, and media engagements that inform real-world decisions.

Who we’re looking for

We’re seeking an accomplished academic leader with the vision and expertise to shape research and policy that matters. You will bring:

• A doctoral qualification (or equivalent) and a strong track record in public policy research, particularly in civics, citizenship, and democracy.
• Proven success in research leadership, grant management, and familiarity with Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) framework and international research ranking systems.
• Strategic leadership skills with the ability to inspire teams and uphold high ethical standards.
• Experience securing and managing research funding and budgets.
• The ability to influence public debate and government policy aligned with the Whitlam Legacy.
• Strong collaboration skills to build partnerships across academia, industry, and community.
• Exceptional organisational and communication skills to deliver complex projects on time and with impact.

If you thrive at the intersection of scholarship, public policy, and civic dialogue, this role gives you the platform and the responsibility to influence national conversations with rigorous evidence.

Working with Children Check

It is a mandatory requirement for any incumbent of this position to have a current NSW Employee Working with Children Clearance in accordance with the NSW Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.

Why Join us?

Joining our team comes with a range of exceptional benefits designed to support your well-being and professional growth, including:

Work-Life Balance: Enjoy flexible work arrangements, generous leave entitlements, and the option to work from home up to 2 days per week to support work-life balance. Professional Development: Take advantage of professional development and networking opportunities, including secondments, structured training, and leadership programs to enhance your skills across the University Staff Benefits: Enjoy health and fitness programs like Fitness Passport, library facilities, staff discounts through partnerships such as those with the Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney Zoo, along with a wide variety of other goods and services. Remuneration Package: Academic Level E $266,051 p.a. (comprising Salary of $225,857 p.a., plus Superannuation and Leave Loading).

Position Enquiries: Please direct specific enquiries regarding the role to Paulina Novak, Whitlam Institute Manager via email at p.novak@westernsydney.edu.au

Recruitment Enquiries: Specific enquiries or issues with your application may be directed to the Talent Acquisition Team via talentacquisitionteam@westernsydney.edu.au

Closing Date: 11:59pm, Friday 9 January 2026.

Working Rights in Australia - Eligibility

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. You must provide evidence of your full-time working rights in Australia at time of application.

Please note, only those applications submitted via the WSU online recruitment system will be accepted.