Senior Manager, Community Respect & Belonging

University of Sydney; Sydney; On-site; AUD 146,000 - 179,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Sydney is seeking a Senior Manager, Community Respect & Belonging to establish and lead a university-wide program focused on safety, respect and belonging. The role translates policy into practical initiatives, engages senior stakeholders and delivers measurable outcomes.

You will build governance, design prevention and education programs, manage budgets and lead a team to foster an inclusive culture across faculties and student groups.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading and delivering complex programs or multiple workstreams within a large organisation.
• Strong track record of engaging with students and understanding the student experience.
• Proven ability to develop program strategies, implementation plans and governance structures.

Responsibilities

• Establish the strategic direction, framework and implementation plan for the Community Respect & Belonging program of work.
• Lead design and delivery of prevention, education and engagement initiatives across the university.
• Manage multiple projects with milestones, budgets and timelines; ensure accountability and reporting.

Skills

Program leadership

Student engagement

Governance frameworks

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Communication skills

Adaptability

Qualifications

Public sector experience

Education

Tertiary qualifications

Job description

Full time, fixed term until 31 December 2027 Lead meaningful change. Build a culture of respect. Create a stronger sense of belonging Base salary (HEO10) $162,528 + 17% Superannuation

The University of Sydney is seeking an accomplished and delivery-focused Senior Manager, Community Respect & Belonging to establish and lead an important new University-wide program of work. This is an exciting opportunity to shape how we promote a safe, respectful and inclusive university community through strategic initiatives, education, engagement and prevention programs.

About the opportunity

Reporting to the Head of Student Life, you will provide strategic and operational leadership in establishing a program that supports the University's commitments to preventing gender-based violence, addressing racism and promoting respect and belonging across our community. You will translate legislative and regulatory requirements, University priorities and emerging community needs into practical, engaging and measurable initiatives. This is a hands‑on leadership position requiring someone who can move confidently between strategic planning, program development, stakeholder engagement and operational delivery.

Responsibilities

• establishing the strategic direction, framework and implementation plan for the Community Respect & Belonging program of work
• leading the design and delivery of University wide prevention, education and engagement initiatives, including training, events, campaigns and communications
• managing multiple projects and workstreams, ensuring deliverables, milestones, budgets and timelines are achieved
• developing effective governance, reporting and monitoring frameworks to support accountability, risk management and legislative compliance
• building strong collaborative relationships with faculties, schools, professional service units, student organisations, community partners and senior executives
• providing strategic advice and presenting program initiatives, progress and outcomes to senior stakeholders
• leading and developing a team, fostering a proactive, collaborative and high‑performing culture
• overseeing relevant student engagement initiatives, including the Peer Supporting Advisor Program

About you

You are an experienced program or project management leader who thrives in complex environments and has a strong track record of turning strategic objectives into tangible outcomes. You bring the confidence to engage and influence senior stakeholders, combined with the practical capability to lead delivery, manage competing priorities and get things done.

Qualifications

• significant experience leading and delivering complex programs, projects or multiple workstreams within a large or multifaceted organisation
• demonstrated experience working with students and a strong understanding of the student experience and engagement environment
• proven ability to develop program strategies, implementation frameworks, project plans, governance structures and reporting mechanisms
• strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate and build relationships across diverse groups, including senior executives and external partners
• experience managing resources, budgets, risks, dependencies and competing priorities
• excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, engaging and actionable messages
• a proactive and adaptable approach, with the ability to take ownership, exercise sound judgement and respond effectively to changing priorities
• relevant tertiary qualifications and/or an equivalent combination of training and extensive relevant experience
• Experience working within higher education, government or another complex public sector environment will be highly regarded

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 a manner 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 Sunday 22 November 2026 11:59 PM