Program Manager

University of Sydney; Sydney; On-site; AUD 131,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Sydney is seeking a Lead flagship researcher entrepreneurship and commercialisation programs to manage and advance the Sydney Knowledge Hub’s ventures and education initiatives. You will oversee hands-on programs like PERIscope and SPARK Sydney, liaising with researchers, industry partners, mentors and investors to drive impact.

With postgraduate qualifications and proven program leadership, you will shape innovation strategy, secure funding and build partnerships across the

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering startup, innovation, entrepreneurship or research commercialisation programmes.
• Substantial program and project management experience, including managing complex initiatives, budgets and multiple concurrent workstreams.
• Proven ability to engage, influence and collaborate with diverse internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience leading, developing and supporting staff performance and professional growth.
• An understanding of new venture creation, ideally through lived experience, and networks into the NSW innovation ecosystem is favorable.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery and enhancement of researcher entrepreneurship and commercialisation programmes, including PERIscope and SPARK Sydney.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with researchers, faculties, industry partners, mentors, investors and other key stakeholders.
• Develop program resources, learning materials, reporting frameworks and evaluation processes to maximise participant outcomes and demonstrate impact.
• Identify gaps in entrepreneurship support, develop new initiatives and contribute to funding, grant and philanthropic submissions.
• Oversee program governance, budgets, reporting and operational delivery to ensure objectives, timelines and quality standards are achieved.
• Raise the profile of research entrepreneurship across the University through engagement activities, workshops, events and strategic communications.

Skills

Program management

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Entrepreneurship knowledge

Grant writing experience

Communication

Education

Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant discipline

Job description

Full-time continuing position Lead flagship researcher entrepreneurship and commercialisation programs at the Sydney Knowledge Hub

Base Salary $131,108 - $147,858 + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The Sydney Knowledge Hub is the University of Sydney's venture incubator, supporting researchers to translate groundbreaking ideas into real-world impact through new venture creation, industry engagement and commercialisation. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and deliver impactful and hands‑on entrepreneurship programs that accelerate research outcomes and strengthen the University's innovation ecosystem. As the Program Manager, you will lead the delivery and continuous improvement of the Sydney Knowledge Hub's researcher entrepreneurship programs, including the PERIscope Commercialisation Award and SPARK Sydney, as well as new programs. You will work closely with researchers, industry partners, mentors, investors and University stakeholders to support the development of new ventures, strengthen commercialisation capability and expand the University's impact through innovation. You will also play a key role in identifying emerging opportunities, securing funding, building strategic partnerships and contributing to the broader research entrepreneurship strategy. This position manages one direct report and operates with a high degree of autonomy while collaborating extensively across the University and external innovation ecosystem.

Key responsibilities

• lead the delivery and enhancement of researcher entrepreneurship and commercialisation programs, including PERIscope and SPARK Sydney
• build and maintain strong relationships with researchers, faculties, industry partners, mentors, investors and other key stakeholders
• develop program resources, learning materials, reporting frameworks and evaluation processes to maximise participant outcomes and demonstrate impact
• identify gaps in entrepreneurship support, develop new initiatives and contribute to funding, grant and philanthropic submissions
• oversee program governance, budgets, reporting and operational delivery to ensure objectives, timelines and quality standards are achieved
• raise the profile of research entrepreneurship across the University through engagement activities, workshops, events and strategic communications

About you

• postgraduate qualifications in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience
• demonstrated experience designing and delivering startup, innovation, entrepreneurship or research commercialisation programmes
• substantial program and project management experience, including managing complex initiatives, budgets and multiple concurrent workstreams
• proven ability to engage, influence and collaborate with diverse internal and external stakeholders at all levels
• experience leading, developing and supporting staff performance and professional growth
• an understanding of new venture creation, ideally through lived experience, and networks into the innovation ecosystem in NSW is seen favorably
• 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.

Application deadline

Applications Close Wednesday 11 November 2026 11:59 PM

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.

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.

Other Information

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