Executive Officer (Central Operations Services)

University of Sydney; Sydney; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Sydney is seeking an experienced Executive Officer (Central Operations Services) to provide high-level operational and strategic support to the COS Leadership team. You will prepare briefing materials, coordinate governance processes and align university strategy with operations, working with senior leaders to deliver on complex priorities.

You will analyse information, identify risks, and translate strategic priorities into practical outcomes while maintaining professionalism and

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
• Experience in establishing, monitoring and reviewing administrative procedures.
• Strong financial management experience, including budget management.
• Experience in staff supervision, training, mentoring and performance management.
• Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare papers and materials for senior executive forums, including University Executive and Senate.
• Present discussion papers with appropriate analysis, strategy and final recommendations.
• Organise and prioritise tasks; manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Coordinate governance processes, strategic plans and operational priorities for COS.
• Build relationships across the Operations Portfolio with students, staff and external stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Financial management

Budget management

Education

Postgraduate qualification

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

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 terms 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 the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

Applications Close Monday 26 October 2026 11:59 PM

Our team is expanding, and we want to hire the most talented people we can. Continued success depends on it! So once you've had a chance to explore our current open positions, apply to the ones you feel suit you best and keep track of both your progress in the selection process, and new postings that might interest you! The University values are excellence, trust and accountability. The University of Sydney is committed to diversity and social inclusion. Applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment. The University of Sydney may conduct routine pre-employment checks before an appointment is made.

Want to know more about working at the University of Sydney? https://www.sydney.edu.au/about-us.html