Job Description

• Employment Type: Full time, continuing
• Remuneration: Competitive total package- Senior Appointment
• Location: Kensington, NSW (Hybrid work arrangement available)

About Us:  
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. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place. 

About Division of Societal Impact, Equity and Engagement (DSIEE)
The UNSW Division of Societal Impact, Equity and Engagement (DSIEE) leads UNSW’s efforts in making positive and lasting impact on society, promoting equity and social justice and driving engagement activities that enhance UNSW’s reputation as a key contributor to society through its research, teaching, and community engagement.

DSIEE develops strong partnerships and influential relationships with key organisations, communities, government, and alumni to advance the University’s profile and reputation as a sector leader in societal impact, supporting a university-wide agenda to drive effective change and engagement.

Why Your role matters
Take a leading role in influencing the University’s strategic communications agenda, amplifying the Vice‑Chancellor’s external voice while driving high‑impact internal and external communications through expert team leadership.

Working closely with senior leaders, you’ll deliver high-quality communications direction that strengthens UNSW’s presence, driving key initiatives aligned with UNSW Strategy: Progress for All Provide trusted counsel on complex issues, supports effective stakeholder engagement, and ensures our communications reflect the University’s ambition, values and societal impact.
Your day-to-day focus:

• Leading the University’s strategic communications agenda, delivering the Vice-Chancellor and President’s communications and external engagement plan.
• Overseeing the External and Internal Communications function through expert leadership of a dedicated specialist team.
• Steering strategic communications projects as defined by the VC&P Office, evolving strategic communications to align with the UNSW Strategy: Progress for All.
• Advising senior leadership in response to high level issues, navigating press, leveraging existing relationships and providing strategic communication direction.

As the Executive Director, Strategic Communications you will report to the Vice-President, Societal Impact, Equity and Engagement (SIEE), with an indirect reporting line to the Vice-Chancellor and President.

Skills & Experience summary: You’ll bring strong leadership skills and a standout background in corporate communications alongside:

• Proven record of developing successful communications strategies and leading their implementation to meet key institutional strategic goals.
• Experience of providing high level reports to a Management Board or equivalent.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with a variety of client groups and key internal/external stakeholders, demonstrating a flexible and adaptable approach.
• Experience in leading crisis communications.
• Commitment to the principles of continuous quality improvement.

Applications close: Wednesday 27th May, 11:55pm.
For more information in confidence, please contact our search partner Josh Shein of Salt & Shein on 0413 616 896 or jshein@saltshein.com.au Please note that all relevant direct and third-party applications will be referred to Salt & Shein for consideration.


UNSW Benefits and Culture: People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world. Our benefits include:

• Flexible Working Options (work from home, flexible hours etc)
• Additional 3 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.
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness passport)

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.