Project Manager – UNSW Bushfire, UNSW Canberra
Employment type: Fixed-term contract, full-time (35 hours pw)
Duration: 2 years
Remuneration: Level 8 from $127,351, leave loading & 17% super
Location: UNSW Canberra, ADFA Campus
About UNSW Canberra
University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Canberra has multiple locations in the Nation’s Capital.
UNSW Canberra distinguishes itself from other institutions by its commitment to being thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all endeavours. This combined approach is integral to the university's impact and contributes to its recognition as one of the top 20 universities globally, as well as a proud member of Australia's esteemed Group of Eight. Choosing a career at UNSW means embracing an environment where thriving, facing challenges, and engaging in meaningful work are not just encouraged but integral to the university experience. If you seek a career where you can excel and contribute meaningfully, you've found the right place.
At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.
Why Your Role Matters:
UNSW Bushfire sits within our School of Science and plays a pivotal role in advancing bushfire research, engagement and practical outcomes. The group works closely with emergency services, government, and industry to deliver real-world impact.
You will provide project and strategic management leadership in the growth and expansion of UNSW Bushfire. Reporting to the UNSW Bushfire Director, with a dotted line to the Head of School, this role provides high level project, financial and strategic oversight to ensure key initiatives are delivered on time, to standard and in line with strategic intent.
You will drive complex projects, build high-value collaborations, and ensure strong governance, financial discipline, and delivery assurance. The role operates with a high degree of autonomy and influence and requires well-developed communication and external engagement capability.
A key focus of the role is developing and sustaining relationships with Emergency Services Agencies, fire services and partner organisations within Australia and internationally. This includes leading external engagement activities, progressing sophisticated business cases and funding opportunities, and shaping engagement initiatives that support the expansion, visibility and long-term positioning of UNSW Bushfire.
Who You Are (skills and experience):
You are an experienced Project Manager who is confident working in complex environments with multiple stakeholders. You bring strong judgement, excellent written skills and the ability to manage up effectively while leading others in a collaborative and respectful way.
- Relevant tertiary qualification with subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training and experience.
• Proven project management experience, with an in-depth understanding of the project life cycle and strategic development of project plans, objectives and documentation.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated success working effectively and collaboratively on initiatives with a range of people at different levels within an organisation.
• Knowledge of budgeting and resource allocation procedures.
• High level of experience working with a range of computer systems and applications, including Microsoft Office 365 suite including SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive, Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Excellent time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines by using judgement and initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively within a team, but also to take initiative and work independently while managing competing demands.
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.
- Flexible working options (work from home, flexible hours etc)
- Additional three days leave during December festive period
- Career development opportunities
- Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses
- Flexible 17% superannuation contributions, additional leave-loading payments and salary sacrifice
- Free gym access
- UNSW-wide strategy to focus on Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Places and Healthy Culture.
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 University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
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.
How to Apply:
Make each day matter with a meaningful career at UNSW. Submit your application online before at 11:30pm Monday 27 April 2026, including your CV and a 1–2-page cover letter addressing the required skills and experience outlined in the position description. In order to view the position description, please ensure that you allow pop-ups for https://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au
Get in Touch:
For role-related queries please contact:
Name John-David Dewsbury - Head of School, School of Science
j.dewsbury@unsw.edu.au
For recruitment process-related queries please contact:
Holly Whale – Talent Acquisition Consultant
h.whale@unsw.edu.au
Applications cannot be accepted if sent directly to the contact listed.
Find out more about the lifestyle and benefits when working with UNSW
For further information about UNSW Canberra, please visit: UNSW Canberra
For further information on living in Canberra, please visit: Living in Canberra
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.
