"Strategic Initiatives, Research Strategy Office (x 4 roles)"

Strategic Initiatives, Research Strategy Office (x 4 roles)

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Job no: 538193
Work type: Full Time
Location: Sydney, NSW
Categories: Research Administration support, Marketing / Communications, Fundraising / Philanthropy, Project Management, Strategy, Management

• High-visibility team working on time-bound, high-impact initiatives that deliver institutional change
• Location: Kensington Campus (Hybrid/Flexible working)
• Employment type: Full-time, continuing

This initiative directly supports UNSW’s mission to advance Progress for All globally through transformative education, innovative research and meaningful engagement. The new team will partner with Faculties, Industry & Innovation (I&I), Government Relations, Philanthropy and Marketing & Digital Engagement to achieve large scale research impact, elevate UNSW’s research profile and foster greater cross-disciplinary collaborations and engagement.

The Opportunities

1. Research Development Manager (Strategic Initiatives) Job 538193

$127,351–$143,489 + 17% super

Working closely with the Associate Director to manage and deliver strategic initiatives that strengthen UNSW’s research ecosystem.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end project planning and delivery across complex initiatives
• Develop strategic documentation, reporting frameworks and impact measures
• Provide analytical insight to support institutional decision-making
• Build and maintain senior internal and external stakeholder relationships
• Provide day-to-day coordination and leadership within the team

You will bring:

• Significant project management experience in a complex organisation (research, government or similar)
• Strong understanding of project lifecycles and strategic planning
• Ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels
• Excellent stakeholder engagement capability

2. Senior Project Officer – Government Stakeholder Relations Job 538118

$113,926–$123,302 + 17% super

Align UNSW’s research strengths with government priorities and policy opportunities.

Key responsibilities:

• Monitor and analyse government policy and funding priorities
• Support coordinated engagement with federal and state stakeholders
• Prepare high-quality briefing materials and strategic reports
• Track stakeholder activity and policy-aligned outcomes
• Collaborate closely with the Government Relations team

You will bring:

• Experience supporting government relations, policy or stakeholder engagement
• Strong analytical and reporting capability
• Ability to translate policy developments into strategic insights

3. Senior Project Officer – Marketing & Communications Job 538120

$113,926–$123,302 + 17% super

Strengthen the visibility and positioning of UNSW’s research through strategic communications and digital alignment working closely with Research Centres and Institutes and on the UNSW Mission’s Program.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop briefing materials and written communications
• Support brand alignment and consistent positioning across RC&Is
• Contribute to media strategy and impact reporting
• Support development of shared digital infrastructure
• Partner with Marketing and Digital Engagement teams

You will bring:

• Experience in marketing, communications or stakeholder engagement
• Strong written communication and digital capability
• Understanding of brand strategy and impact storytelling

4. Senior Project Officer – Philanthropy Job 538122

$113,926–$123,302 + 17% super

Support philanthropic strategy and impact reporting to enhance research fundraising outcomes.

Key responsibilities:

• Liaise with internal stakeholders (Philanthropy, Societal Impact Evaluation)
• Prepare briefing materials and background documentation
• Coordinate reporting inputs and impact narratives
• Support philanthropic planning processes
• Maintain structured reporting and tracking systems

You will bring:

• Experience supporting fundraising, advancement or stakeholder engagement
• Strong coordination and documentation skills
• Ability to synthesise complex information for diverse audiences

Why Join UNSW?

UNSW isn’t like other organisations. We are a large and diverse community doing extraordinary work that matters. Ranked in the world’s top 20 universities (QS) and a member of the prestigious Group of Eight, UNSW combines academic excellence with real-world impact.

In these roles, you will:

• Help shape a newly established, high-visibility strategic portfolio
• Influence institutional direction and external engagement
• Work across government, philanthropy, industry and research communities
• Contribute to initiatives that elevate global research impact

Benefits & Culture

UNSW offers a competitive salary and a range of benefits, including:

• Additional 3 days leave over the Christmas period
• Access to lifelong learning and career development
• Progressive HR practices
• Discounts and staff entitlements
• Affordable on-site parking

How to Apply

If you are motivated by advancing global research impact, please submit your CV and a cover letter addressing the skills and experience required via the APPLY button.

Contact: Shiree Thomas – Talent Acquisition Partner e: shiree.thomas@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: 11:55pm, Thursday 12 March 2026

Position Description