• High-visibility team working on time-bound, high-impact initiatives that deliver institutional change
• Location: Kensington Campus (Hybrid/Flexible working)
• Employment type: Full-time, continuing

This initiative directly supports UNSW’s mission to advance Progress for All globally through transformative education, innovative research and meaningful engagement. The new team will partner with Faculties, Industry & Innovation (I&I), Government Relations, Philanthropy and Marketing & Digital Engagement to achieve large scale research impact, elevate UNSW’s research profile and foster greater cross-disciplinary collaborations and engagement.

The Opportunities

1. Research Development Manager (Strategic Initiatives)                                                                 Job 538193
$127,351–$143,489 + 17% super

Working closely with the Associate Director to manage and deliver strategic initiatives that strengthen UNSW’s research ecosystem.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end project planning and delivery across complex initiatives
• Develop strategic documentation, reporting frameworks and impact measures
• Provide analytical insight to support institutional decision-making
• Build and maintain senior internal and external stakeholder relationships
• Provide day-to-day coordination and leadership within the team

You will bring:

• Significant project management experience in a complex organisation (research, government or similar)
• Strong understanding of project lifecycles and strategic planning
• Ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels
• Excellent stakeholder engagement capability

2. Senior Project Officer – Government Stakeholder Relations                                                         Job 538118
$113,926–$123,302 + 17% super

Align UNSW’s research strengths with government priorities and policy opportunities.

Key responsibilities:

• Monitor and analyse government policy and funding priorities
• Support coordinated engagement with federal and state stakeholders
• Prepare high-quality briefing materials and strategic reports
• Track stakeholder activity and policy-aligned outcomes
• Collaborate closely with the Government Relations team

You will bring:

• Experience supporting government relations, policy or stakeholder engagement
• Strong analytical and reporting capability
• Ability to translate policy developments into strategic insights

3. Senior Project Officer – Marketing & Communications                                                                 Job 538120
$113,926–$123,302 + 17% super

Strengthen the visibility and positioning of UNSW’s research through strategic communications and digital alignment working closely with Research Centres and Institutes and on the UNSW Mission’s Program.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop briefing materials and written communications
• Support brand alignment and consistent positioning across RC&Is
• Contribute to media strategy and impact reporting
• Support development of shared digital infrastructure
• Partner with Marketing and Digital Engagement teams

You will bring:

• Experience in marketing, communications or stakeholder engagement
• Strong written communication and digital capability
• Understanding of brand strategy and impact storytelling

4. Senior Project Officer – Philanthropy                                                                                             Job 538122
$113,926–$123,302 + 17% super

Support philanthropic strategy and impact reporting to enhance research fundraising outcomes.

Key responsibilities:

• Liaise with internal stakeholders (Philanthropy, Societal Impact Evaluation)
• Prepare briefing materials and background documentation
• Coordinate reporting inputs and impact narratives
• Support philanthropic planning processes
• Maintain structured reporting and tracking systems

You will bring:

• Experience supporting fundraising, advancement or stakeholder engagement
• Strong coordination and documentation skills
• Ability to synthesise complex information for diverse audiences

Why Join UNSW?

UNSW isn’t like other organisations. We are a large and diverse community doing extraordinary work that matters. Ranked in the world’s top 20 universities (QS) and a member of the prestigious Group of Eight, UNSW combines academic excellence with real-world impact.

In these roles, you will:

• Help shape a newly established, high-visibility strategic portfolio
• Influence institutional direction and external engagement
• Work across government, philanthropy, industry and research communities
• Contribute to initiatives that elevate global research impact

Benefits & Culture

UNSW offers a competitive salary and a range of benefits, including:

• Additional 3 days leave over the Christmas period
• Access to lifelong learning and career development
• Progressive HR practices
• Discounts and staff entitlements
• Affordable on-site parking

How to Apply

If you are motivated by advancing global research impact, please submit your CV and a cover letter addressing the skills and experience required via the APPLY button. 

Contact: Shiree Thomas – Talent Acquisition Partner e: shiree.thomas@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: 11:55pm, Thursday 12 March 2026

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.

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.