"Program Manager"

Job Description:

• Employment Type: Full-time, Fixed Term 12-month contract.
• Remuneration: Competitive total package
• Location: Kensington, NSW (Hybrid working model)

About UNSW

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work. We aspire to be Australia’s global university, improving and transforming lives through excellence in research, outstanding education and a commitment to advancing a just society.

Why your role matters

UNSW is recruiting a Program Manager to lead a major, university-wide initiative ensuring full compliance with the new National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence. The role sits within the Enterprise Portfolio Management Office and oversees planning, integration, delivery, and assurance of all program activities across multiple workstreams, including implementation, change, data, evaluation, capability uplift, and reporting.

This position provides strategic direction, drives operational excellence, and engages stakeholders across the University to embed sustainable prevention and response practices. Reporting to the Director, Transformation & EPMO and managing 1–2 direct reports, the Program Manager is expected to model UNSW values, maintain high professional standards, and foster safe, inclusive, and respectful environments for students and staff.

About the Role

You will be required to undertake and have experience in the following areas of expertise:

• Lead and oversee all program workstreams, setting strategic direction, priorities, and timelines to ensure alignment with UNSW’s mission, legislation, and policy requirements.
• Oversee project planning, implementation, change management, data frameworks, reporting, and capability-building initiatives in partnership with the subject matter lead.
• Ensure quality, integrity, and efficiency in delivering program components, including integration of new processes, systems, and reporting mechanisms.
• Mentor and manage workstream leads and project staff to build an inclusive, high-performance culture.
• Drive collaboration with internal and external stakeholders—senior leaders, academic and operational teams, service partners, and experts—to optimise outcomes and maintain clear communication and engagement.
• Monitor progress, risks, governance, and financial management, ensuring compliance, responsible budgeting, and adherence to the Code of Conduct.

About the Role

• Postgraduate qualifications or equivalent senior leadership experience in program or project management within education, implementation, or related fields.
• Extensive experience leading complex, multi-workstream programs in large organisations, with a strong record of delivering major or legislated change—ideally within higher education.
• Advanced strategic planning, organisational, and decision-making capability, with proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and executive-level influence skills, including negotiation, conflict resolution, and relationship management.
• Demonstrated capability in budget oversight, resource management, compliance, and ensuring program value.
• High proficiency with program/project management systems, data and reporting tools, and communication platforms, supported by excellent written and verbal communication, strong leadership, and alignment with UNSW’s governance, values, and Code of Conduct.

For further information on the role & responsibilities, please refer to the Position Description

How to Apply:

Submit your CV & cover letter detailing your interest and suitability for the job (as per the skills & experience bullet points in the job description) before Sunday 7 December by 11:55pm.

Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role, valid Australian working rights are required on application.

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:

• Flexible Working Options (work from home, flexible hours etc)
• Additional 3 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.
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness passport)

Job queries contact:

Tai James, Talent Acquisition Consultant

E: tai.james@unsw.edu.au (applications to the address cannot be accepted, please apply online)

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.