Executive Officer (Central Operations Services)

Usyd; Sydney; On-site; AUD 137,000 - 167,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Sydney is seeking an experienced Executive Officer for Central Operations Services to provide high‑level operational and strategic support to the COS Leadership team, coordinating governance processes and priority initiatives with autonomy.

You will prepare briefing materials, manage complex projects, and partner with senior stakeholders to translate strategic priorities into practical outcomes while maintaining strong focus on service quality and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience establishing, monitoring and reviewing administrative procedures.
• Robust financial management experience, including budget oversight.
• Experience supervising staff and driving performance development.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and strategic decision‑making.

Responsibilities

• Advise COS Leadership with papers and materials for senior executive forums.
• Prepare discussion papers with analysis, strategy, and recommendations.
• Coordinate tasks, projects and committee activities to meet deadlines.
• Build relationships across the Operations Portfolio and with external partners.
• Support alignment of University strategy, operations plans and service delivery models.

Skills

Strategic planning

Governance & policy development

Stakeholder management

Financial management

People management

Education

Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field

Job description

Full time, continuing position. Located at the Services Building (G12) on Darlington Campus

Manage the deployment of operational strategies, goals and practices for Central Operations Services

Base Salary HEO9, $152,045 p.a. + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The University of Sydney is seeking an experienced and strategic Executive Officer (Central Operations Services) to provide high-level operational, administrative and strategic support to the Central Operations Services (COS) Leadership team. Working with a high degree of autonomy and under broad direction, you will provide expert advice, exercise sound judgement and coordinate the effective implementation of strategic plans, governance processes and operational priorities.

In this role, you will work closely with senior leaders and a diverse range of stakeholders to support governance, strategic planning, policy development, business cases, reporting and complex operational matters. You will prepare high-quality briefing materials, submissions, discussion papers and recommendations, while coordinating projects, committee activities and key deliverables. Your ability to analyse complex information, identify opportunities and risks, and translate strategic priorities into practical outcomes will be key to your success.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to operational excellence and continuous improvement across the University. You will build strong relationships across the University and with external stakeholders, manage sensitive and complex matters with professionalism and discretion, and contribute to a collaborative, high-performing culture. We are looking for a highly organised and adaptable professional with strong communication, critical thinking, stakeholder management and operational management skills, together with the ability to work strategically while maintaining a strong focus on quality, service and outcomes.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• work closely as a trusted adviser to the Chief, COS in preparing papers and materials for senior executive forums, including the University Executive, Senior Executive Team, and University Senate


• prepare and present discussion papers in consultation with relevant subject matter experts and stakeholders on a broad range of issues for COS Leadership review, inclusive of appropriate and relevant analysis, business strategy and final recommendations


• organise and prioritise tasks and work assignments; complete multiple tasks simultaneously with accuracy and quality; adjust to changes in priorities and situations; complete work under pressure; meet deadlines


• build rapport and business relationships with all areas of the Operations Portfolio to keep currency with critical issues, relevant information, and key contacts for students, staff, and visitors


• provide support, guidance, and advice to the COS Leadership team to ensure that there is a clear link between University strategy,Operations strategy, operational plans, and service delivery models.

About you

• postgraduate qualifications - In a relevant field or an equivalent combination of relevant training and experience


• demonstrated ability to communicate effectively


• experiencing in establishing, monitoring and reviewing administrative procedures


• strong financial management experience, including budget management.


• experience in staff supervision, training, mentoring and performance management experience


• demonstrated skills in critical thinking and decision making

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks and declarations

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University's obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion , evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support