Location: Canberra, ACT |

Employment Type: Full-time, Continuing |

Remuneration: Competitive salary + superannuation

About UNSW Sydney and the UNSW Public Policy Institute

UNSW Sydney is a powerhouse of cutting-edge research, teaching, and innovation. We are ranked among the Top 20 Australian employers and are Australia's number one university for impact. Driven by our Progress for All strategy, we are deeply committed to advancing equity, access, and opportunity through transformative education, research excellence, and societal engagement.

The new UNSW Public Policy Institute will be a cornerstone of that vision—positioned to become a leader in the Asia Pacific region for the education and upskilling of professionals across the public policy ecosystem, including government, business, non-profit, and education sectors. Located at UNSW’s Canberra City precinct, the Institute will address a critical market gap in professional development, credentialing, and lifelong learning, including a strong global presence through transnational education.

Two Inaugural Leadership Positions

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The Opportunity

This is a once-in-a-career opportunity to lead the establishment, growth, and long-term impact of a major new initiative. Based in Canberra and reporting to the Rector and Dean of UNSW Canberra, the Executive Director will be the driving force behind the Institute’s strategic development and day-to-day leadership.

You will:

• Shape and implement the strategic vision for the Institute from the ground up.

• Build revenue-generating education programs aligned to the needs of public policy professionals.

• Forge and manage high-impact partnerships with government, international organisations, think tanks, academia, philanthropy, and industry.

• Act as the public face of the Institute, representing its work nationally and internationally.

• Convene multidisciplinary collaborations across UNSW and beyond to address complex policy challenges.

Who You Are

• A senior leader with an outstanding record in public policy, whether in government, research, elected office, or related sectors.

• Recognised nationally (or internationally) for your thought leadership and ability to influence across sectors.

• Proven experience building complex initiatives or institutions from inception to maturity.

• An inspiring communicator with deep networks across public, private, and civil society spheres.

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The Opportunity

The Academic Director will be responsible for the academic vision and education strategy of the Institute. You will develop and oversee an education portfolio that bridges the divide between academic excellence and real-world application, equipping public policy professionals to respond to contemporary policy demands.

You will:

• Lead the design and delivery of a dynamic suite of education offerings, including executive short courses, micro-credentials, postgraduate programs, and custom learning pathways.

• Drive the integration of academic research and practical learning, ensuring educational programs remain industry-relevant and globally competitive.

• Cultivate interdisciplinary collaboration across UNSW faculties and external academic institutions.

• Oversee academic governance and quality assurance to ensure educational excellence and alignment with UNSW’s strategic goals.

Who You Are

• A highly regarded academic with expertise in public policy or a closely related field.

• Demonstrated experience in curriculum design, educational innovation, and academic leadership, preferably in professional or executive education.

• Proven ability to engage with practitioners and translate complex theory into practical, real-world learning experiences.

• A collaborative leader with a passion for lifelong learning and workforce development in the public sector.

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Why These Roles Matter

These roles are pivotal to establishing the UNSW Public Policy Institute as a national and regional leader in public policy education. As founding leaders, you will:

• Shape one of UNSW’s most ambitious institutional ventures.

• Collaborate with thought leaders, policymakers, and educators to build a community of impact.

• Be at the heart of Australia’s policy capital, Canberra, with direct access to government, diplomacy, and public institutions.

• Drive real change through research-informed, practice-oriented public policy education.

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.

• Generous superannuation contributions

• Employee discounts

• A commitment to life long learning

• UNSW-wide strategy to focus on Healthy Body, Heathy 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.

The successful candidate will be required to work from the UNSW Canberra campus. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold the appropriate Australian work rights 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. Please email your application to unswpublicpolicy@kornferry.com by 5pm AEST on Wednesday 28th May 2025.

In your application, please include:

• your CV

• a 2-page pitch addressing the skills and experience outlined in the Position Description.

Applications close: 5pm AEST on 28th May 2025

Contact:

Dr Courtenay Atwell

E: unswpublicpolicy@kornferry.com

For questions regarding the application process - please email unswpublicpolicy@kornferry.com

For further information about UNSW Canberra, please visit: UNSW Canberra

For further information on living in Canberra, please visit: Living in Canberra

Find out more about the lifestyle and benefits when working with UNSW

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.