Manager, Culture & Engagement

• Employment Type: Full Time (35 hours per week)
• Duration: Fixed Term Contract until March 2028  
• Remuneration: Level 8 from $132k + 17% superannuation & leave loading  
• Location:  Kensington NSW (Hybrid Working Arrangements)

Why your role matters

The Manager, Culture and Engagement plays a key role within the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Education & Student Experience, supporting the delivery of operational improvements and initiatives that strengthen staff culture and engagement across the Division.

Working closely with the Director of Operations, the role helps deliver strategic priorities relating to people, culture and engagement, while supporting effective and efficient processes that enable staff to perform at their best. The Manager works closely with the divisional operation teams and external stakeholders to  lead the planning and delivery of divisional staff engagement events and projects, contributing to a positive, connected and high-performing workplace.

The role is responsible for developing and recommending new engagement and culture proposals supporting change initiatives, monitoring milestones, and ensuring appropriate reporting and record keeping in line with UNSW policies and procedures. The position reports to the Director of Operations and has no direct reports.

Specific accountabilities include:

• Lead and manage assigned projects and initiatives including scoping, implementing effective project management methodology, plans, communications strategies, project documentation, reporting and evaluation, negotiation and liaisons with stakeholders at senior levels to ensure that organisational policies and strategies are adhered to and that proper change management processes are undertaken.
• Use superior interpersonal communication skills to anticipate the requirements of the Division and maintain engagement to achieve the objectives of divisional activities while exercising discretion and confidentiality.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and new projects within the Division and lead the appropriate response and planning to address issues and opportunities.
• Lead the development and preparation of high-quality reports and recommendations, analysis, project and initiative proposals and where relevant business cases for the Director of Operations and DVC Education and Student Experience.
• Proactively advise, influence and contribute to the business planning and objectives of the Division.

About You:  

• Relevant tertiary qualifications with subsequent experience in a relevant field or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through a combination of education. Experience working in an academic learning and teaching environment, highly regarded.
• Superior interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills with the ability to build and maintain effective collaborative professional relationships with university staff and external stakeholders and the ability to act with tact and discretion in dealing with sensitive and confidential matters.
• Extensive relevant experience developing and implementing project plans, including evaluation of effectiveness and impact, timelines, regular communication and monitoring of progress within budget and required standards.
• Outstanding organisational skills and a high-level of initiative and flexibility, including the ability to deliver across multiple projects/ initiatives simultaneously, manage competing priorities and demands of stakeholders, and provide leadership in a complex and high-volume work environment.
• Demonstrated high-level written and verbal communication skills, with experience developing reports, recommendations, and communications.
• Advanced level of computer literacy with excellent skills in Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn and utilise new technologies and platforms to manage contracts and relationships efficiently and effectively.
• Significant leadership and management skills with demonstrated success in developing and fostering teamwork and contributing positively as a team member to enable and ensure the achievement of organisational goals.

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

Pre-Employment Checks
As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role.

How to Apply: Submit your CV & Cover Letter addressing your suitability to the role before 11.55pm Thursday 27th August 2026. Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role, valid Australian working rights are required on application.

Job queries contact: Chloe Gane, Talent Acquisition Consultant E: **********@unsw.edu.au  (applications to the address cannot be accepted, please apply online)

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.