Member Engagement Manager - Higher Education

Australian Higher Education Industrial Association; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Australian Higher Education Industrial Association (AHEIA) is seeking a Member Engagement Manager for the higher education sector. You will build trusted connections with HR leaders across universities, design engagement plans, and drive networks and member initiatives.

Working with the CEO and directors, you will translate member insights into services, events and advocacy. Applicants should have extensive HR/People & Culture experience in Australian higher education, strong communication and

Qualifications

• Extensive and recent experience in HR, People & Culture, organisational development and/or workplace relations within the Australian higher education sector is essential.
• Experience planning and delivering professional networks, communities of practice, forums, meetings or events across multiple locations.
• Strong communication, facilitation and presentation skills.
• Excellent organisation and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and follow through independently.
• Sound judgement, discretion and sensitivity when handling institutional and workforce information.
• Experience using CRM or stakeholder management systems and engagement data.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong member relationships through regular, proactive engagement.
• Develop and deliver a structured member engagement plan, supporting onboarding, participation, re-engagement and retention.
• Lead the planning and delivery of AHEIA's State Meetings nationally, creating timely, relevant agendas with members and subject-matter experts.
• Coordinate and develop the Organisational Development Network and other professional networks, encouraging peer learning and collaboration.
• Capture member feedback and emerging workforce issues to inform services, events, communications and advocacy priorities.
• Develop sponsorship and partnership opportunities that deliver value for members and support AHEIA's activities.
• Maintain accurate stakeholder records and ensure consistent follow-up.
• Contribute to the AHEIA National Conference and other major member activities.

Skills

HR experience

People & Culture

Organisational development

Workplace relations

CRM experience

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Event planning

Project management

Education

Tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Member Engagement Manager - Higher Education

Australian Higher Education Industrial Association - Melbourne VIC

As Member Engagement Manager, you will build trusted connections with Workplace Relations Directors, HR leaders and practitioners across Australia. You will understand their institutional priorities and workforce challenges, connect peers and turn member insights into practical opportunities for AHEIA's services, professional development and advocacy. Working closely with the CEO, AHEIA directors and colleagues, you will combine relationship management with hands-on delivery of meetings, networks and member initiatives. Your insights will also support AHEIA's engagement with Chief People Officers and other senior university leaders.

Key responsibilities

Build and maintain strong member relationships through regular, proactive engagement.

Develop and deliver a structured member engagement plan, supporting onboarding, participation, re-engagement and retention.

Lead the planning and delivery of AHEIA's State Meetings nationally, creating timely, relevant agendas with members and subject-matter experts.

Coordinate and develop the Organisational Development Network and other professional networks, encouraging peer learning and collaboration.

Capture member feedback and emerging workforce issues to inform services, events, communications and advocacy priorities.

Develop sponsorship and partnership opportunities that deliver value for members and support AHEIA's activities.

Maintain accurate stakeholder records and ensure consistent follow-up.

Contribute to the AHEIA National Conference and other major member activities.

About you

Extensive and recent experience in HR, People & Culture, organisational development and/or workplace relations within the Australian higher education sector is essential.

You understand how universities operate, including their structures, governance, workforce models, enterprise agreements and bargaining environment.

Demonstrated success building stakeholder relationships, understanding needs and delivering valued outcomes.

Experience planning and delivering professional networks, communities of practice, forums, meetings or events across multiple locations.

Strong communication, facilitation and presentation skills.

Excellent organisation and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and follow through independently.

Sound judgement, discretion and sensitivity when handling institutional and workforce information.

Experience using CRM or stakeholder management systems and engagement data.

Relevant tertiary qualifications, or equivalent significant professional experience.

About us

The Australian Higher Education Industrial Association (AHEIA) is the peak employer body for Australia's higher education sector. We support member universities through specialist workplace relations and employment law advice, advocacy, workforce strategy, professional development, events and sector connection.