Faculty General Manager

The University of Sydney; Sydney; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Sydney invites applications for a Faculty General Manager in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Based at Camperdown Campus, this full-time continuing role leads strategic and operational management to support education, research, and engagement objectives.

You will work closely with the Dean and leadership team to implement the strategic plan, build cross-institutional relationships, and drive cultural change that fosters collaboration and excellence.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in operational and resource management within a large, complex organisation.
• Proven ability to manage finances and budgets at scale.
• Demonstrated success leading transformational projects within higher education.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the execution of the Faculty's strategic plan.
• Oversee operational management, including infrastructure, systems, and service delivery.
• Manage faculty budgets and financial performance in collaboration with the Dean and Finance Director.
• Lead and mentor professional staff, ensuring effective workforce planning and development.
• Provide strategic input into external engagement, marketing, and alumni relations.
• Ensure compliance with governance, risk management, and WHS standards.
• Drive continuous improvement and operational reform initiatives across the Faculty.

Skills

Operational management

Budget management

Change leadership

Stakeholder communication

Education sector knowledge

Education

Tertiary qualifications in business administration or related field

Job description

• Lead the strategic and operational management of a world-class faculty, driving innovation and excellence across education, research, and engagement
• Located in Camperdown Campus
• Full-time, continuing opportunity with an attractive remuneration package

About the opportunity

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Sydney is one of the largest and most preeminent arts faculties in Australia with six schools spanning the arts, humanities, and social sciences. The University of Sydney is consistently ranked as one of the top arts universities in Australia and the world and was recently ranked 1st in Australia for Arts and Humanities in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject 2026.

The Faculty General Manager is a key member of the Faculty leadership team, responsible for delivering strategic and operational business management to support the Faculty's academic, research, and engagement objectives. This role acts as the primary conduit between the Faculty and central services, ensuring alignment of operational strategies with the University's overarching goals.

Working closely with the Dean, the Faculty General Manager will support the implementation of the Faculty's new strategic plan, build trusted relationships across the University, and drive cultural change that fosters collaboration and excellence. The Faculty General Manager will lead professional staff with vision and influence, empowering teams while navigating complex HR, operational, and education and research settings. You will lead the planning and implementation of infrastructure, financial, and resource strategies, while fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence. The position offers the opportunity to influence faculty-wide initiatives and contribute to the University's vision of research and education excellence.

The role reports to the Dean of Arts and Social Sciences, Professor Lisa Adkins.

Your responsibilities

• Contribute to the execution of the Faculty's strategic plan
• Oversee operational management, including infrastructure, systems, and service delivery
• Manage faculty budgets and financial performance in collaboration with the Dean and Finance Director
• Lead and mentor professional staff, ensuring effective workforce planning and development
• Provide strategic input into external engagement, marketing, and alumni relations
• Ensure compliance with governance, risk management, and WHS standards
• Drive continuous improvement and operational reform initiatives across the Faculty.

About you (skills, capabilities and experience)

We are looking for a dynamic leader with:

• Tertiary qualifications in business administration or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Extensive experience in operational and resource management within a large, complex organisation
• Proven ability to manage large-scale budgets and deliver financial sustainability
• Demonstrated success in leading transformational projects and change initiatives
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills
• In-depth understanding of the higher education sector and its strategic challenges.

Term and remuneration

The successful candidate will be offered a continuing position on a full-time basis. The successful candidate will be offered a competitive remuneration package commensurate with the responsibilities of the position and the candidate's relevant experience and qualifications.

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.