- Employment Type: Full-Time (35-hour week)
- Duration: Fixed Term Contract until August 2026
- Remuneration: Competitive total remuneration package
- Location: Kensington NSW (Hybrid Flexible Working)
Why your role matters
The Director of Operations provides high-level executive support to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience, working closely with Divisional Leaders and key stakeholders to ensure the smooth and effective operation of the Division.
The role will oversee governance frameworks and operational procedures, ensuring they are robust, efficient, and aligned with the Division’s strategic objectives. A critical part of the role involves fostering strong relationships both internally and externally, maintaining compliance, and leading a high-performing team that delivers on strategic and operational priorities.
The Director will be central in coordinating divisional administration and ensuring that all units within the Division are well supported. The successful candidate will be accountable for delivering across a broad operational remit, including culture, governance, HR, IT, finance, estate management, health and safety, and performance monitoring. They will also be responsible for driving progress on strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with agreed milestones and investment plans.
Reporting directly to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience, the Director of Operations will lead multiple direct reports and play a vital role in the Division’s continued success.
Specific accountabilities for this role include:
- Build collaborative relationships and maintain a high level of stakeholder engagement and understanding across the Division to ensure internal units are aligned and supported in achieving the Division’s strategic and operational activities.
- Manage all divisional communications, ensuring internal units are kept abreast of relevant changes. Coordinate relevant consultations within the Division and across the University ensuring a divisional or institutional response is accurately communicated and any external deadlines are met.
- Manage divisional strategic projects and initiatives, any other duties and project support, as prioritised and directed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience to support the smooth operation of the Division.
- Research and prepare strategic advice, information and reports on diverse and complex policy, planning and operational matters to facilitate informed decision making and planning for the Division.
About You:
You will hold a relevant tertiary qualification(s) with subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence gain through another combination of education, training and experience alongside:
- Proven skills and experience in strategic and resource planning, goal setting and project management. Within the higher education sector is desirable
- Demonstrated success designing and delivering strategies, programs and initiatives
- Ability to lead, motivate and train team members, to establish priorities and manage competing deadlines for self and others
- Excellent consultation, influencing and negotiation skills and proven ability to engage effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders
- Superior written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail for deliverables produced
- High level organisational skills with proven ability to deal with multiple tasks, establish priorities and meet deadlines
- Advanced level of computer literacy, working with a range of computer systems and applications
The Organisation
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. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.
Benefits and Culture:
UNSW offers a competitive salary and access to UNSW benefits including:
- Flexible working
- Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas period
- Access to lifelong learning and career development
- Progressive HR practices
- Discounts and entitlements
More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here.
To Apply: Please submit your CV, Cover Letter and responses to the selection criteria (the skills and experience in the PD) via the ‘Apply Now’ button.
A copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@UNSW.
Applications close: Monday 16th June 2025 at 11.55pm.
Get in Touch: Chloe Gane – Talent Acquisition Consultant
chloe.gane@unsw.edu.au
Applications cannot be accepted if sent directly to the contact listed.
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.
