Strategic Engagement Communications Lead
- Employment Type: Full Time (35 hours per week)
- Duration: Contract until December 2027
- Remuneration: Level 9 $148,012 - $157,056 (depending on experience) + 17% super + leave loading
- Location: UNSW Kensington Campus, NSW (hybrid)
About UNSW:
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. It’s the reason we’re one of the top 20 universities in the world and a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.
Why Your Role Matters:
As Strategic Engagement and Communications Lead, you will play a key role in connecting UNSW with a diverse network of stakeholders, including government, industry, philanthropic partners, media, alumni and local communities. Supporting major precinct initiatives across Randwick, Western Sydney and Canberra, you will drive strategic engagement and communications activities that strengthen partnerships, enhance UNSW's reputation and help deliver meaningful social, economic and innovation outcomes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement strategic communication and engagement plans that support the objectives of UNSW Precincts.
- Create high-quality communication materials, including reports, briefings, presentations, web content and stakeholder updates.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders across government, industry, community and partner organisations.
- Support the delivery of strategic events, activations and engagement initiatives that showcase the impact of UNSW Precincts.
- Monitor, evaluate and report on engagement activities, outcomes and opportunities.
- Provide expert advice on communications, stakeholder engagement and governance requirements.
- Collaborate across the University to identify opportunities that strengthen partnerships, engagement and philanthropic outcomes.
Who You Are:
You are a strategic and collaborative communications professional who enjoys building relationships, influencing stakeholders and creating engagement opportunities that deliver impact. You can translate complex information into clear, compelling messages and are comfortable working across a diverse range of projects and stakeholder groups.
You will bring:
- Demonstrated experience in communications, stakeholder engagement, external relations or a related field.
- Proven success developing and implementing communication and engagement strategies in a complex organisation.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages for different audiences.
- Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to build credibility with senior leaders and external partners.
- Excellent project management, organisational and problem-solving capabilities.
- The ability to manage competing priorities, work independently and deliver high-quality outcomes.
- A proactive, adaptable and solutions-focused approach, with a commitment to collaboration and continuous improvement.
For further details on role responsibilities and skills & experience required, refer to the position description found under the position listing on Jobs@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.
- Career development opportunities.
- 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments.
- Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period.
- Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness).
For further details on the benefits, please visit https://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au/lifestyle-benefits
How to Apply: Submit your CV & Cover Letter by 11:55pm, 7th July 2026
Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role, valid Australian working rights are required on application.
Contact: Amy Denney a.denney@unsw.edu.au - Talent Acquisition Team
Please apply directly through the website, applications sent to the contact above will not be accepted.
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.
The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
