• Governance and Risk Management | UniSC Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs
• Level 6, $95,986 - $103,873 p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation
• Full-time (36.25 hours per week), ongoing appointment

The Opportunity

Join our team at the University of the Sunshine Coast as an Academic Governance Officer, where you'll play a pivotal role in shaping our academic landscape. You will provide strategic governance advice and procedural support to the Academic Board and its Standing Committees, influencing key decisions that define our university's future. This role offers high visibility and trust, involving confidential information and direct engagement with senior staff and university executives. Responsibilities include advising on secretariat matters, managing policies, overseeing compliance activities, and contributing to a strong culture of sound governance and accountability. You'll also provide robust committee support, ensuring adherence to our established policies and procedures, all while contributing to our commitment to excellence in education and community impact. If you're looking to make a significant impact in a progressive academic environment, this is the opportunity for you.

For more information, please visit us online Governance and Risk Management

You will

• Drive effective and efficient committee operations by providing comprehensive support to Committee Chairs and liaison with members, including the review and interpretation of relevant legislative frameworks and terms of reference, forward planning, meeting preparation, documentation management, and collaboration with the Council Secretariat;
• Manage the University's Policy Framework by providing strategic advice ensuring accurate policy maintenance and administration, offering expert advice and facilitating effective stakeholder engagement and communication; and
• Support risk and compliance activities by coordinating documentation and reporting, promoting a positive compliance culture, and assisting with internal audit processes.

About you

You bring a strong understanding of governance and operations within a complex or regulated environment, with the ability to interpret and apply legislation, policy and compliance frameworks. A confident communicator and collaborator, you build effective relationships across diverse stakeholders and contribute positively to team outcomes. Highly organised and proactive, you manage competing priorities, undertake research to inform best practice, and leverage contemporary systems and technologies to support effective governance, risk and assurance activities.

You will possess:

• Strong knowledge of governance, management, and operations (or a similarly regulated environment), including decision-making processes and delegated authorities, policy, planning, compliance, accountability, and the ability to appreciate the relationships between legislation, plans, policies, decisions, and activities in a complex operating environment;
• Capability to undertake desktop research, identify, analyse, and adapt best practice approaches to governance, risk management and assurance activities that demonstrate initiative;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to consult and communicate effectively;
• Strong interpersonal skills to influence and work with diverse groups, and collaborate across various organisational levels and functional areas;
• Well-developed organisational and prioritisation skills with the ability to meet deadlines and work effectively as part of a team contributing to a collegial and supportive team culture;
• Knowledge of (or the ability to rapidly acquire) current government and related frameworks for higher education quality, standards, and qualifications; related legislation (including the Australian Qualifications Framework, TEQSA Act 2011 and HESF);
• Experience with contemporary information management processes and systems; and
• Highly developed computer literacy, including advanced knowledge of database management and design, experience with Microsoft 365 including Microsoft Power Platform, and ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and systems.

UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage your commentary on your achievements in this context. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at unisc-careers@usc.edu.au or call +61 7 5430 2830.

Position description:  494294 - Academic Governance Officer.pdf

UniSC values a diverse and talented workforce and invites applications from candidates who already have legal work rights in Australia.

All applications must be lodged through our website. To apply please visit our website at: Careers at UniSC

Applications for this position close midnight, Tuesday 31 March 2026.

Your completed application must include:

• a resume, and a response to selection criteria. Noting that within the application form, we will request a statement addressing each of the selection criteria contained within the position description.

Further information regarding how to prepare your application is available on our website: Join our team

UniSC does not accept unsolicited applications. For agency inquiries, contact unisc-careers@usc.edu.au

We would love the opportunity to get to know you better, but we know it works both ways. To get to know a little more about us, visit us at: Welcome to UniSC and LinkedIn Life

Have questions or want to know more? For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Kylie Batten
Senior Manager, Quality Assurance and Academic Governance
Telephone: 07 5430 1250
Email: kbatten@usc.edu.au

Discover UniSC

We're all about doing work that matters, connecting with great people, and being part of an incredible journey. We’re not the biggest university. But we’re growing every day, and doing big things. Like ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, producing gold-winning athletes and award-winning alumni.

We're one of the fastest growing universities in Australia, growing to over 2,000 people across 5 campuses in South East Queensland and a growing footprint in major capital cities.

Teaching excellence is at the heart of what we do, and our commitment to sustainability is integrated into our teaching, research, and daily operations. Our research tackles the most pressing challenges of our time, with 13 fields ranked well above world standard in the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) rankings, demonstrating outstanding performance across key disciplines. At UniSC, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the educational landscape and contribute to shaping the future for generations to come.

We foster a collaborative and supportive environment, encouraging continuous professional development and providing resources to enhance your career. We recognise and value the contributions of each team member to our culture and success. We're not afraid to be different, and we're looking for people who share our values and want to be part of a team that is working together to improve our local and global challenges.

Our Culture & Benefits:

• Our collaborative, passionate and welcoming culture is what really sets us apart.
• Modern teaching & research facilities.
• Professional development and career pathway opportunities.
• We are a proud recipient of the prestigious Athena SWAN Bronze Award, granted as part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative.
• Flexible work arrangements & generous leave options.
• Salary packing options + 17% Super.
• EAP, fitness passport & discounted private health.