Job Description

PRIMARY DETAIL

The GIPA and FOI Manager upholds the University's obligations under various NSW and Federal Act's as the Right to Information Officer and supports the management and digitisation of University records.

• Salary: Up to $155K (HEW Level 9) + 17% superannuation
• Full-time, continuing appointment
• Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

Uphold statutory obligations, and shape information governance at a university redefining its digital future

Macquarie University is seeking a GIPA and FOI Manager to lead the end-to-end management of access applications and ensure compliance with the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW), Freedom of Information Act 1982, and the State Records Act 1998 (NSW).

This is a unique opportunity to serve as the University's delegated Right to Information Officer exercising independent statutory judgement while contributing to a broader enterprise records and information governance transformation. You will be part of a newly established Records and Information unit within the Office of General Counsel, designed to reduce institutional risk, enable compliant digital transformation, and build a sustainable governance framework for the future.

If you thrive in complex regulatory environments and want your expertise to make a tangible difference across an entire institution, this role offers both the scope and the purpose to do exactly that.

About the Role

Reporting initially to the General Counsel, you will be responsible for managing and coordinating all GIPA/FOI matters across the University as well as supporting the management and digitisation of the University’s records. Your key responsibilities will include:

Statutory Access Management

• Exercise independent statutory judgement as the University's Right to Information Officer to determine access applications under the relevant State and Commonwealth Act’s.
• Manage the full lifecycle of GIPA/FOI matters including intake, assessment, consultation, tracking, determination, and review ensuring all responses are lawful, timely, and defensible within statutory timeframes.

Records Identification & Validation

• Work with business areas to scope requests and identify, retrieve, assess, and validate records required for statutory access responses and subpoenas, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and defensibility.

Risk & Compliance

• Ensure institutional compliance with all GIPA/FOI obligations, including consultation requirements, internal and external review processes, and reporting.
• Identify and manage risks associated with information access requests particularly sensitive, high-risk, or precedent-setting matters and escalate systemic or material risks as required.

Stakeholder Guidance & Advice

• Provide practical, plain-language guidance to business areas on GIPA/FOI obligations, discoverability, exemptions, and broader records and information management obligations.

Reporting, Insights & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor trends, performance, and recurring issues in GIPA/FOI activity, providing reporting and insights to the Office of General Counsel and senior stakeholders on compliance posture and risk exposure.

Information Governance Partnership

• Partner with Data Governance and Privacy functions to embed consistent, integrated approaches to information governance.

Records & Information Governance Contribution

• Contribute to the broader Records & Information governance uplift including development of guidance materials, training resources, and workflow documentation while maintaining priority for statutory obligations.

About Us

The Office of General Counsel at Macquarie University encompasses five focus areas: Legal Services, Corporate Governance, Archives and Records/GIPA, Compliance and Privacy, and Internal Audit. The University operates in a highly regulated environment, and the Office of General Counsel plays a central role in providing oversight and assurance to Council, the Audit & Risk Committee, and the University Executive.

The Records and Information unit is being established with dedicated resourcing to improve governance and support a structured program of assessment and change aligned with the University's digital transformation agenda. This role sits at the heart of that transformation.

About You (Selection Criteria)

You are a knowledgeable information access professional who brings a pragmatic approach to applying legislation within complex organisations. You are comfortable exercising independent judgement on statutory matters, and you bring clarity and confidence to stakeholders navigating information governance obligations.

• Demonstrated experience managing or coordinating GIPA and/or FOI requests, or equivalent statutory information access regimes.
• Sound understanding of confidentiality, privacy, and information governance principles relevant to the nature and handling of institutional records.
• Ability to apply legislation pragmatically in complex organisational contexts.
• Well-developed coordination, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience in a higher education or public sector environment.
• Familiarity with enterprise recordkeeping systems and record retrieval practices.
• Experience developing guidance and training materials for non-specialist audiences.

How to Apply

To be considered, please apply online with your CV and a cover letter outlining how your experience aligns with the selection criteria (above).

Applications Close Sunday 7 June 2026

We reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.

For enquiries, or a confidential conversation about the role please contact James Lonsdale, General Counsel via james.lonsdale@mq.edu.au or Sarah Bate, Head of Talent Acquisition via sarah.bate@mq.edu.au

Why Join Us?

Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation over 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us

We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index. Explore the fantastic benefits available to you when you become part of the team at Macquarie University.

• Flexible, hybrid work arrangements
• 17% Superannuation
• Subsidised onsite parking options
• Extensive training and professional development programs
• Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents
• Onsite vacation care during school holidays
• Discounted health insurance
• Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support
• Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics

Pre-Employment Checks

Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.

If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.

Applications Close:

07/06/2026 11:59 PM

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A Place Where You Belong
At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework