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Executive Director, UNSW Public Policy Institute - UNSW Canberra

Apply now Job no: 526981
Work type: full time
Location: Canberra, ACT
Categories: Professional Leadership, Strategy

Executive Director, UNSW Public Policy Institute
Employment type: Full time 
Duration: Continuing 
Remuneration: Total remuneration package starting from $286,000 inclusive of superannuation  
Location: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 

About UNSW
UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. We bring together our diverse and talented community to achieve extraordinary things. We are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. It’s the reason we’re Australia’s number one university for impact and among the nation’s Top 20 employers. At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work. If you want a career where you can excel, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’ve found the right place.

The Opportunity
Based in Canberra and reporting to the Rector and Dean of UNSW Canberra, this exciting role will lead the establishment of UNSW’s new Public Policy Institute, a flagship initiative for the University’s growing presence in the national capital. Leveraging the outstanding public policy expertise across UNSW, the Executive Director will lead the development and implementation of the Institute’s strategic plan and direction, including its engagement with government, industry and community. The role provides an exceptional opportunity to position the Institute and University as a leading source of expertise, advice, education and partnership in matters of public policy.  

The Public Policy Institute will be housed at UNSW’s site in Canberra City, which will be redeveloped as a new campus in the coming years. The University has a proud history of operation in Canberra, including as the longstanding educational partner at the Australian Defence Force Academy. The expansion of UNSW’s activities in Canberra – including the Public Policy Institute - represents an important opportunity for the University to deliver to education and research in areas of priority for the ACT community, and for partners in government, Defence and industry.

Why Your Role Matters:
The Executive Director will play a pivotal role in shaping and launching the Public Policy Institute. As a visionary leader, you'll drive the Institute’s mission to elevate public policy education and research that equips leaders in public service, business, nonprofit, and education sectors with practical skills, solutions and expertise needed to navigate the complexity of contemporary public policy domains.

An adept communicator with an unmatched capacity to inspire and influence, you will engage across the University to bring together colleagues to deliver innovative educational and research programs, and convene multidisciplinary collaborations with external partners to address public policy challenges in areas of national and global significance.

The Executive Director will draw on their extensive networks across government, academia, industry and community groups to ensure that the work delivered by the Institute is translated into real-world settings and achieves lasting and positive impact. With an outstanding record of achievement in public policy, demonstrated academic excellence and thought leadership, you will play an instrumental role in driving the University’s contribution to public policy innovation, excellence and impact in Australia and beyond.

Who You Are (skills and experience): 
Our ideal candidate will have:

  • Tertiary qualification with subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training and experience.
  • An outstanding record of leadership and achievement in public policy, whether in public service settings, research, as an elected representative or other domain.
  • A nationally recognised profile and extensive networks, including across public policy practitioners.
  • A demonstrated record of leading collaborative initiatives at-scale within and among complex organisations.
  • Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, including a demonstrated ability to convene and influence across diverse groups.

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

  • Generous superannuation contributions 
  • Employee discounts  
  • A commitment to life long learning  
  • UNSW-wide strategy to focus on Healthy Body, Heathy Mind, Healthy Places and Healthy Culture. 

Eligibility: 
The successful candidate will be required to undertake pre-employment checks prior to commencement in this role. The checks that will be undertaken are listed in the Position Description. You will not be required to provide any further documentation or information regarding the checks until directly requested by UNSW.  

The successful candidate will be required to work from the UNSW Canberra campus. To be successful you will hold Australian Working Rights or Australian Citizenship. UNSW is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.  

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment. 

How to apply:  
Make each day matter with a meaningful career at UNSW. Please apply via our online recruitment system.

In your application, please include:

  • your CV
  • a 2-page pitch addressing the skills and experience outlined in the Position Description.

 In order to view the Position Description – please ensure that you allow pop-ups for Jobs@UNSW Portal. 

Applications close: Sunday 13 October 2024, 11:30 pm AEDT

Get in Touch (for job related queries only – applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed):

Contact:  
Canberra HRBP team
E: recruitment.cbr@unsw.edu.au

For questions regarding the application process - please email recruitment.cbr@unsw.edu.au   

For further information about UNSW Canberra, please visit: UNSW Canberra 
For further information on living in Canberra, please visit: Living in Canberra

Find out more about the lifestyle and benefits when working with UNSW  

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.  

Position Description

Advertised: AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: AUS Eastern Daylight Time

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