The Opportunity

• Expand your professional network through access to vibrant UNSW research communities and affiliates
• $127,351-$143,489 plus 17% super (pro-rata)
• Flexible working arrangements

The UNSW Founders Program fosters an entrepreneurial mindset, helping staff, students, and alumni turn ideas into impactful startups by building their capabilities and networks.

The Practical AI Program Manager will champion AI innovation at UNSW, building on the reputation of UNSW as a leading university for entrepreneurship. In this public-facing role, you'll support the UNSW community to harness emerging AI tools and trends and lead the delivery of AI-focused entrepreneurial programs, uplifting the AI capabilities of startups, and creating new ways for students, staff, researchers, and alumni to engage with innovation and the startup ecosystem.

This role reports to the Senior Manager, Curiosity, and has no direct reports.

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 offer a competitive salary and access to UNSW benefits including:

• Flexible working
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period
• Progressive HR practices
• Discounts and entitlements  
• Affordable on-campus parking

Who you are

You are obsessed with tech innovation and staying up to date with the updates as they roll out across the AI community. You enjoy teaching and are an active science communicator who can demonstrate your deep knowledge of practical AI tools and capacity to diverse audiences. With experience in startup ecosystems and familiarity with entrepreneurship methodologies like lean startup, you combine strategic thinking with creativity and an entrepreneurial mindset.

Your strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills enable you to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. You're confident designing and delivering skill-building programs, managing multiple projects, setting priorities, and meeting deadlines.

You take initiative, solve problems collaboratively, and work well both independently and in a team. You’re proactive, organised, and committed to continuous improvement in program delivery. Above all, you align with UNSW’s values, policies, and safety responsibilities, and are committed to fostering a positive, safe, and innovative environment.

To apply: If driving the future of entrepreneurship through AI is of interest to you, submit your CV, Cover Letter including responses to Skills and Experience nominated in the Position Description via the APPLY button.

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

Applications close: 11.55pm, Monday 8^th June 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.