External Engagement Manager, UNSW Canberra

Employment type:   Full-time, 35 hours per week
Duration: Continuing
Remuneration:  Level 9 from $ 148,012 plus 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 Canberra is seeking a strategic and energetic External Engagement Manager to lead our external engagement, philanthropy, and stakeholder initiatives. This is a unique opportunity to drive impact in a high-profile role that connects UNSW Canberra with alumni, industry, government, and the broader community. We want to hear from you if you’re passionate about building meaningful partnerships and have a strong track record in external relations, partnerships, program delivery, fundraising and events.

Accountabilities:

• In close collaboration with the Head of Engagement and Impact and UNSW leadership, lead delivery of the strategic direction of all external engagement projects and key fundraising activities.

• A roll-up-your-sleeves mentality is tantamount in this role.

• Coordinate and lead key ‘community building’ activities and programs within the College.

• Lead and manage a multi-disciplinary team covering events, sponsorship, philanthropy, industry and alumni.

• Support UNSW  to a build philanthropic strategy and manage a small portfolio of long-term relationships that deepen their philanthropic investment and engagement with UNSW Canberra.

• Manage UNSW Canberra’s corporate sponsorships including negotiation of new sponsorship opportunities.

• Support the External Engagement team and identify critical ways in which the Faculties/Divisions can gain efficiencies through the adoption of new business processes.

Who You Are (skills and experience): 

 • A relevant tertiary degree with extensive management expertise and relevant experience or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through a combination of education, training and/or experience in a relevant discipline.

• Demonstrated capacity to develop and execute external engagement plans, to meet the priorities identified by the organisation; evidence of successfully improving an organisation’s profile via external engagement activities.

• Ability to work in a highly adaptable and consultative manner, working in a collaborative way to deliver successful outcomes.

• Demonstrated ability to solicit and close substantial philanthropic gifts.

• Evidence of success in building and maintaining strong relationships with senior staff, influential donors or alumni, and external organisations for successful fundraising and/or engagement outcomes.

• Ability to lead, motivate and train a diverse team.

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 Thursday 17 July 2025 at 11:30pm, including your CV and a 1–2-page cover letter addressing your interest and suitability for the role. 

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 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.