Outreach & Engagement Manager
(School of Public Policy & Government), UNSW Canberra
Employment Type: Fixed-term contract, full-time (35 hrs per week)
Duration: 24 months
Remuneration: Level 8 from $ 132,445 plus 17% superannuation and leave loading
Location: UNSW Canberra, City Campus OR UNSW Sydney, Kensington 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.
Shape the future of public policy education and engagement
The UNSW School of Public Policy & Government is creating a new model for public policy education, leadership development and policy impact.
Working across government, industry, philanthropy and the community, the School brings together world-class education, applied research and strategic engagement to build the capability of current and future public leaders. Based in Canberra—the nation's policy capital—we are establishing a nationally significant institution that connects ideas with action and delivers practical solutions to complex public policy challenges.
We are seeking an experienced Outreach & Engagement Manager to help build the School's profile, partnerships and external engagement as we establish one of Australia's leading centres for public policy and government.
The role requires regular travel between UNSW Canberra and UNSW Sydney to support collaboration across both campuses.
About the role
This is an exciting opportunity to join the School during its establishment and growth phase and play a central role in shaping its external profile, stakeholder relationships, and long-term impact.
Success in this role will require someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, enjoys building meaningful relationships and can translate strategic priorities into practical outcomes.
Reporting to the Head of Engagement and Impact, UNSW Canberra and embedded within the School of Public Policy and Government, the Outreach & Engagement Manager will work day to day with the Executive Director and School team to develop and deliver engagement, partnership and communication initiatives that support the School’s strategic priorities and growth.
The role will strengthen relationships across government, industry, philanthropy, alumni and the broader policy community, while promoting executive education, public events, research initiatives and strategic partnerships that enhance the School's reputation and influence.
Working closely with academic and professional staff, you will lead engagement initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for collaboration, build strategic partnerships and contribute to the School's long-term growth and sustainability.
This position offers the opportunity to work with senior leaders across the University, government agencies, policy organisations and industry while helping establish a new School with national and international ambitions.
Key responsibilities
- Develop and implement the School's outreach and stakeholder engagement strategy.
- Build and maintain strong relationships across government, industry, philanthropic organisations, universities and community partners.
- Identify and develop partnership opportunities that support the School's strategic priorities.
- Promote executive education programs, public events, research activities and thought leadership initiatives.
- Coordinate high-profile events, forums, policy dialogues and stakeholder engagement activities.
- Work collaboratively with academics and professional staff to develop engagement opportunities that increase the School's visibility and impact.
- Develop communication materials and engagement campaigns that showcase the School's expertise and achievements.
- Monitor stakeholder engagement outcomes and provide strategic advice to support continuous improvement.
- Represent the School at external meetings, events and networking opportunities.
Skills and experience
- A relevant tertiary qualification and substantial experience in stakeholder engagement, partnerships, government relations, communications, public affairs or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience developing and managing strategic relationships with senior stakeholders across government, industry, academia or the not-for-profit sector.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare high-quality briefing materials, presentations and reports.
- Strong project management and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
- Experience planning and delivering high-profile events and engagement activities.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to influence, negotiate and build trusted relationships.
- A collaborative approach with demonstrated ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
- Sound judgement, initiative and the ability to work independently in a dynamic environment.
- Experience within the higher education, public sector or policy environment will be highly regarded.
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.
You can learn more about our Benefits and Culture at Lifestyle & Benefits UNSW
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 Thursday 23 July 2026 at 11:30pm, 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:
Jennifer Lane - Head of Engagement and Impact
jennifer.lane@unsw.edu.au
For recruitment process-related queries please contact:
Holly Whale – Talent Acquisition Partner
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.
