"Senior Program Officer"

Senior Program Officer

Job no: 538383
Work type: Full Time
Location: Sydney, NSW
Categories: Student Services

• Employment Type: 2 x 14 hour positions (2 days per week)
• Duration: Fixed Term Contracts until November/December 2026
• Remuneration: Level 7 from $113k + 17% superannuation & leave loading
• Location: Kensington NSW

Why your role matters

The Senior Program Officer is a pivotal role within the Employability team in the Pro Vice-Chancellor Student Success portfolio. This position is responsible for the design, development and delivery of high-quality, practical and impactful employability-focused student development programs that enhance the student experience and prepare graduates for future careers.

Working closely with colleagues in the Coaching and Development team, the Senior Program Officer contributes to the design, delivery and continuous improvement of professional skills and development initiatives for undergraduate, postgraduate and higher degree research students across UNSW. The role requires strong project and program management capability, including the conceptualisation and implementation of new initiatives, reporting and operational support, and the design and facilitation of engaging workshops for diverse student cohorts.

The Senior Program Officer builds and maintains effective relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and leads the delivery of program-related activities aligned with the University’s Progress for All strategy and the UNSW Championing Employability Strategy.

Reporting to the Lead, Coaching & Development, this role does not have direct reports but plays a critical leadership role in driving program excellence and student impact.

Specific accountabilities include:

• Design, develop and deliver employability programs, projects, and initiatives to achieve sector-leading opportunities and outcomes. Oversee the development of programs, program plans and schedules, learning deliverables, and participate in planning processes as required.
• Manage projects, initiatives and events related to the employability programs including but not limited to the Professional Development Program, Career Discovery Mentoring Program, Leadership Foundations and HDR Symposium
• Lead the delivery and ongoing evaluation for continuous improvement of program initiatives by developing practical and succinct advice for the Lead, Coaching and Development, to modify future iterations based on sound research and findings.
• Curate and develop program resources including interactive online learning modules for application in University technology platforms.

About You:

• Relevant tertiary qualification with subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training and experience.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including ability to develop and deliver presentations, workshops, and learning resources.
• Ability to apply negotiation and influence in a collegial environment that values academic independence, consultative practices, and consensus decision-making.
• Demonstrated success in the collaborative co-design, development, and delivery of employability initiatives with a range of stakeholders at different levels of an organisation.
• Proven ability to design, implement, coordinate, and deliver student facing workshops, presentations, and events in virtual, hybrid and in-person modes.
• Advanced computer literacy and experience working with a range of computer systems and applications, with preference for Microsoft Office Suite applications and learning management systems (LMS).
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively and to contribute positively and proactively to the team’s work.
• Advanced organisational and time management skills, accuracy, and attention to detail with proven ability to work according to strict deadlines and to manage competing demands with judgement and initiative.
• Strong service orientation with excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated success building and maintain positive professional relationships with staff at all levels, both internally and externally.

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.
• Career development opportunities.
• 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments.
• Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period.
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness).

How to Apply: Submit your CV & cover letter addressing the key selection criteria (no more than 2 pages) before 11.55pm Sunday 22nd March 2026. Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role, valid Australian working rights are required on application.

Job queries contact: Chloe Gane, Talent Acquisition Consultant E: chloe.gane@unsw.edu.au (applications to the address cannot be accepted, please apply online)