Senior Policy Officer
- Employment Type: Full Time (35 hours per week)
- Duration: 2-year contract
- Remuneration: Level 8 $127,351 - $143,489 (depending on experience) + 17% super + leave loading
- Location: Kensington, NSW (hybrid)
About UNSW:
UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. Together, 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 one of the top 20 universities in the world and a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.
Why Your Role Matters:
As the Senior Policy Officer at UNSW, you will play a critical role in reimagining how policy works across the University. This is more than a technical writing role — it’s about designing a better policy experience. You’ll lead the transformation of the UNSW Policy Framework to make it clearer, simpler and more accessible, helping staff and students confidently navigate the University's systems and processes.
Your work will directly contribute to building trust in how policies are created and applied, with a strong focus on usability, transparency and user experience. You’ll collaborate closely with operational teams across the Division of Operations — including People & Culture, UNSW IT, Finance, Enterprise Data Office, Enterprise Portfolio Management Office and Estate Management — as well as senior university leaders, to co-design policies that are practical, aligned to strategic goals, and easy to engage with.
By applying human-centred design principles and reducing unnecessary complexity, you’ll ensure UNSW’s policy environment is responsive to change, reflects best practice, and supports a positive and productive working culture. Your leadership in this space will be essential in driving continuous improvement and supporting a modern, agile university.
What We’re Looking For:
- Relevant tertiary qualification and significant experience in policy development, design or transformation.
- Experience leading major policy simplification initiatives in complex organisations.
- Strong policy analysis and review skills, with a track record of producing clear, user-friendly documents and tools.
- Skilled in stakeholder engagement and co-design, with experience facilitating inclusive consultation.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills; proven ability to build trusted relationships.
- Able to handle sensitive and confidential matters with tact and discretion.
- Demonstrated ability to lead projects independently, resolve complex issues, and drive outcomes.
- Experience with digital systems that enhance policy or governance accessibility.
- Strong time management skills with the ability to adapt, prioritise and meet competing deadlines.
For further details on role responsibilities and skills & experience required, refer to the position description found under the position listing on Jobs@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.
- 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).
For further details on the benefits, please visit https://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au/lifestyle-benefits
How to Apply: Submit your CV & a cover letter detailing why you are the best fit for the role (no more than one page) by 11.55pm 24th August 2025
Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role, valid Australian working rights are required on application.
Contact: Amy Denney a.denney@unsw.edu.au - Talent Acquisition Team
Please apply directly through the website, applications sent to the contact above will not be accepted.
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.
The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
