Institute Business Manager, Public Policy Institute
Employment type: Full-time (35 hours per week)
Duration: Continuing
Remuneration: Level 9 from $148,012 plus 17% super
Location: UNSW Canberra, City Campus
About the Public Policy Institute
UNSW is excited to be developing a new Public Policy Institute, which will be a flagship initiative for the University’s growing presence in Canberra. The vision for the Institute is to be a global leader in the education and upskilling of people working in the public sector ecosystem, including practitioners in the public service, business, non-profit and education sectors. The Institute will be recognised as a trusted partner that delivers positive public policy outcomes nationally and globally.
Headquartered in Canberra, the Institute will draw on the talents of educators and innovators across our University’s locations in the ACT, Sydney and beyond, leveraging the extraordinary capabilities that have positioned UNSW among the top 20 universities globally.
UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. We bring together our diverse and talented community to achieve extraordinary things. We are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. It’s the reason we’re Australia’s number one university for impact. At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work. If you want a career where you can excel, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’ve found the right place.
Why Your Role Matters:
This is an exciting opportunity to join the foundational team that will establish the UNSW Public Policy Institute. As the Institute Business Manager, you will provide critical operational and administrative management services for the Institute and its associated hubs/initiatives, ensuring the professional and high-quality execution of its activities.
As an initial focus, you will lead the establishment and stabilisation of the day-to-day critical administrative and operational settings of the Institute. This will require setting and adopting new ways of working to enable the Institute to deliver on its strategic goals. You will also need to engage closely with academic and professional colleagues across the University (Sydney and Canberra), drawing on your outstanding interpersonal and communication skills. You will also provide Executive support and strategic advice to the Institute leaders, and coordinate essential engagement activities including events, contract support, and communications.
This role requires an experienced higher education or business manager with a record of achievement in supporting the professional delivery of education activities, implementing strategic projects, and working collaboratively within a complex organisation.
Alongside your professional experience, equally important is the leadership style you bring to this role. You will need to be willing to take on a variety of tasks and work comfortably in a start-up environment. Importantly, you will need to show passion, flexibility and determination.
Who You Are (skills and experience):
• Tertiary qualification with subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training and experience.
• Significant experience in higher education/franchised or other comparable business operations and demonstrated ability to manage day-to-day Institute operations, including management of budgets, events, academic delivery support and communications.
• Demonstrated aptitude to undertake a variety of work in the context of supporting greenfield initiatives with a domestic and/or global focus, from complex strategic projects to critical administrative tasks.
• Record of achievement in project management, with demonstrated success across the project lifecycle from conception to delivery, to evaluation.
• Record of excellence in working effectively and collaboratively with diverse stakeholder groups including senior University leaders, academic and professional colleagues, students, and industry partners.
• Experience in the provision of Executive advice and support, including administrative management (e.g. travel, briefings, meeting coordination).
• Outstanding written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage with a high degree of influence.
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:
The successful candidate will be required to undertake pre-employment checks prior to commencement in this role. 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.
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.
How to Apply:
Make each day matter with a meaningful career at UNSW. Submit your application online before Sunday 12 October 2025 at 11:30pm, including your CV and a 1–2-page cover letter addressing the required skills and experience outlined in the position description.
Get in Touch:
For role-related queries please contact:
Carla McBride – Faculty Chief of Staff
c.mcbride@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.
