National Policy Manager

University of New South Wales; Sydney; On-site; AUD 154,000 - 163,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% Superannuation contributions

Leave loading payments

3 days of leave over Christmas period

Discounts and entitlements

Job summary

University of New South Wales seeks a National Policy Manager to plan, develop and implement a national policy and advocacy strategy for the CNS program. You will coordinate with national and interstate teams, researchers and stakeholders to translate findings into policy reports and briefing papers, driving system-wide change in Aboriginal education.

You will report to the National Chief Investigator and collaborate across CNS and education networks to build political commitment, influence

Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification with proven experience, or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through education, training and experience.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse groups, including Aboriginal families, communities and peak organisations.
• Proven experience developing and implementing successful education strategies and plans.
• Strong advocacy capability, including government relations and/or senior-level political or industry engagement experience.
• Excellent written communication and presentation skills, including the ability to translate research into accessible content for diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to work independently, exercise judgement and proactively resolve complex problems, including negotiating outcomes at senior levels.
• Excellent networking, interpersonal, stakeholder management and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence senior management.
• Excellent time and workload management skills, with the ability to manage changing priorities, multiple tasks and competing deadlines.
• An understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander values, perspectives, connections and knowledges that will contribute to policy and advocacy strategies.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop and deliver the CNS policy and advocacy strategy, including policy research and analysis, review of key policy initiatives and development of advocacy messaging.
• Work with the National CNS team and peak bodies to maximise the impact of policy activity at national and state levels.
• Work collaboratively with schools, Aboriginal staff and community members to support long-term relationships between schools and Aboriginal communities.
• Build and maintain key government and stakeholder relationships at state and federal levels.
• Work with project teams and stakeholders to support CNS objectives and advocacy activity.
• Partner with relevant stakeholders to communicate program outcomes and impact.
• Work with the National Communications Manager and researchers to translate research findings into accessible policy reports, briefing papers and other communications.
• Work independently and collaboratively across national and interstate teams.

Skills

Policy development

Advocacy

Government relations

Stakeholder management

Written communication

Independent work

Education

Tertiary qualification

Job description

University of New South Wales – Kensington NSW

• Duration: Fixed-term until 31 December 2027
• Remuneration: Level 9 $153,933 - $163,338 + 17% super + Leave Loading
• Location: UNSW Kensington Campus

About UNSW:
UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community, a community doing extraordinary things. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

Why Your Role Matters:
The Culturally Nourishing Schooling (CNS) project is a practice- and research-informed program aimed at better engaging and supporting the education of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Working across universities, local communities and schools, CNS supports culturally focused, strengths-based whole-of-school change and long-term relationships between schools and their local communities.

CNS is now in Phase Two (2025-2027), expanding across New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia and working with researchers, communities and stakeholders including government, philanthropic, Aboriginal education consultative groups and university sponsors.

As National Policy Manager, you will plan, develop and implement a national policy and advocacy strategy to amplify CNS’s advocacy efforts. Working closely with national and interstate project teams, research schools, stakeholders and funders, you will leverage partner networks to build political commitment and support systems change in the education of First Nations learners and their peers.

You will also provide strategic policy advice to the National Chief Investigator and work closely with the National Research Manager and National Communications Manager to translate research findings for diverse audiences, including policy reports and briefing papers.

The role reports to the National Chief Investigator, Professor Kevin Lowe, and has no direct reports.

Responsibilities Summary:

• Plan, develop and deliver the CNS policy and advocacy strategy, including policy research and analysis, review of key policy initiatives and development of advocacy messaging.
• Work with the National CNS team and peak bodies to maximise the impact of policy activity at national and state levels.
• Work collaboratively with schools, Aboriginal staff and community members to support long-term relationships between schools and Aboriginal communities.
• Build and maintain key government and stakeholder relationships at state and federal levels.
• Work with project teams and stakeholders to support CNS objectives and advocacy activity.
• Partner with relevant stakeholders to communicate program outcomes and impact.
• Work with the National Communications Manager and researchers to translate research findings into accessible policy reports, briefing papers and other communications.
• Work independently and collaboratively across national and interstate teams.

For more information regarding the responsibilities for this role, please refer to the Position Description at JOBS@UNSW.

Skills and Experience Summary:

• A relevant tertiary qualification with proven experience, or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through education, training and experience.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse groups, including Aboriginal families, communities and peak organisations.
• Proven experience developing and implementing successful education strategies and plans.
• Strong advocacy capability, including government relations and/or senior-level political or industry engagement experience.
• Excellent written communication and presentation skills, including the ability to translate research into accessible content for diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to work independently, exercise judgement and proactively resolve complex problems, including negotiating outcomes at senior levels.
• Excellent networking, interpersonal, stakeholder management and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence senior management.
• Excellent time and workload management skills, with the ability to manage changing priorities, multiple tasks and competing deadlines.
• An understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander values, perspectives, connections and knowledges that will contribute to policy and advocacy strategies.

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:

• 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments
• Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness)

Applications close: 11:30pm on the 18th of October

A copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@UNSW.

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.