Senior Manager, Governance

University of Sydney; Sydney; On-site; AUD 152,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Sydney invites a Senior Manager, Governance to lead strategic governance reform initiatives that strengthen the University's academic and corporate governance frameworks. Reporting to the Chief Governance Officer, you will drive policies, delegations and assurance frameworks to promote transparency and accountability within a complex environment.

You will collaborate with senior leaders and governance committees to deliver organisational improvements, ensuring compliance with

Qualifications

• Extensive governance, policy, assurance or compliance experience.
• Knowledge of governance frameworks and regulatory requirements.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and senior-level relationship skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead governance reform initiatives across academic and corporate governance.
• Develop and embed governance assurance frameworks and policies.
• Provide expert governance advice to Senate committees.

Skills

Governance leadership

Stakeholder management

Job description

Full time, continuing role Lead high-impact Governance Initiatives with Lasting Impact HE0 9: $152,045 - $160,430 plus 17% Superannuation

About the opportunity

The Senior Manager, Governance plays a critical role in leading strategic governance reform initiatives that strengthen the University’s academic and corporate governance frameworks. Working at the centre of institutional decision-making, you will drive projects that enhance governance effectiveness, support regulatory compliance, and ensure the University is well positioned to meet evolving sector expectations. Reporting to the Chief Governance Officer, you will lead the development and implementation of governance policies, assurance frameworks, delegations and governance processes that promote transparency, accountability and best practice. In your work leading key governance areas, you will work closely with senior leaders, governance committees and key stakeholders across the University to deliver meaningful organisational improvement and support effective governance outcomes. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly experienced governance professional who thrives in a complex environment, enjoys influencing strategic outcomes, and is passionate about strengthening governance frameworks that support organisational excellence.

Key responsibilities

Lead the implementation of major governance reform initiatives across academic and corporate governance. Drive the review, development and enhancement of governance policies, delegations and governance instruments. Develop and embed governance assurance frameworks to strengthen compliance, accountability and organisational performance. Provide expert governance advice and leadership to key committees of Senate. Build strong partnerships with senior stakeholders and lead collaborative, cross‑functional initiatives. Manage complex governance projects, resources and priorities to deliver high‑quality outcomes within agreed timeframes.

About you

Extensive experience in governance, policy, assurance or compliance within a large and complex organisation. Demonstrated knowledge of governance frameworks and best practice, regulatory requirements and best practice governance principles. Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to influence, negotiate and build trusted relationships at senior levels. Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical capability and sound judgement when managing complex issues. Highly developed communication, planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities. Relevant tertiary qualifications or an equivalent combination of education, training and significant professional experience.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre‑employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre‑employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. 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 programmes, 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

Monday 16 November 2026 11:59 PM