Faculty Chief of Staff - UNSW Canberra
- Employment Type: Fixed term, full-time (35 hours per week)
- Duration: 24 months
- Remuneration: Competitive salary package
- Location: UNSW Canberra, ADFA Campus
UNSW Canberra is a Faculty of UNSW, delivering higher education services to the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) and expanding its academic footprint through the University’s growing Canberra City Precinct. At this transformative time for UNSW in Canberra, the Faculty Chief of Staff plays an important leadership role in guiding the Faculty’s strategy, and providing executive advice to the Rector and Dean, and Faculty leadership team.
Why Your Role Matters:
The Faculty Chief of Staff is a senior leadership role within the Rector’s Office, reporting directly to the Rector and Dean and serving as a member of the UNSW Canberra Executive team. This pivotal role acts as a trusted advisor to the Rector and Dean and senior leadership team, provides strategic support to the Rector in their leadership of the Faculty and engagement with critical stakeholders, and works collaboratively to advance the Faculty and University’s strategic objectives in Canberra.
You will also work closely with colleagues across UNSW Canberra and the wider university to oversee the development and implementation of the Faculty strategy and annual plan and manage key initiatives advancing UNSW Canberra’s interests.
Who You Are:
You are a strategic and professional leader with:
- Willingness to turn your hand to the tasks required of the day.
- An ability to proactively seek out information, see the big picture and take steps to mitigate risk.
- A high degree of resilience, integrity, emotional intelligence and professionalism.
- Capacity to build trust and influence, and work collaboratively with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
- A commitment to UNSW’s values, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Skills and Experience:
- Tertiary qualification and proven experience in senior administrative or leadership roles within higher education or similar complex organisations.
- Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage persuasively with diverse stakeholders.
- Demonstrated strategic thinking skills and experience in developing and delivering strategic outcomes.
- Exceptional skills in organisation, analysis, and problem-solving, adept at evaluating complex information.
- Proficient in governance processes, with persuasive writing abilities for diverse formats.
- Highly developed people management and leadership skills.
- Knowledge of the Australian higher education landscape.
- Commitment to health and safety.
To learn more about this position, and view the comprehensive skills and criteria list, a copy of the Position Description can be found below.
Eligibility:
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold full rights to work in Australia to be considered for this position.
The successful candidate will be required to undertake pre-employment checks prior to commencement in this role and will need to be able to obtain a Defence Common Access Card. Capacity to obtain an Australian Security Clearance is highly desirable.
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.
Pre-Employment Checks
Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.
These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks:-
• National and International Criminal history checks
• Entitlement to work and ID checks
• Working With Children Checks
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional membership
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks
• Medical Checks and Assessments
Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.
Benefits and Culture:
People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff that make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world.
Our benefits include:
- 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:
Please submit your application, consisting of a resume and 2-page cover letter outlining how your experience aligns to this position. Applications close at 11.30pm on Sunday 18 January 2026 (Sydney, Australia time).
Get in Touch:
For questions relating to the role please contact:
Carla McBride
Faculty Chief of Staff – Rector’s Office
c.mcbride@unsw.edu.au
For any questions regarding the recruitment process please contact:
Holly Whale
Talent Acquisition Consultant
h.whale@unsw.edu.au
Please apply online – applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed above.
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.
