Senior Policy Advisor

RMIT University; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 121,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

RMIT University in Melbourne seeks a policy professional to lead and support high-profile policy projects across governance and the higher education sector. You will partner with policy custodians, subject matter experts and senior stakeholders to develop, review and implement policy frameworks, facilitate working groups and guide initiatives through governance and approval processes.

Applicants should have substantial experience in policy development within a regulated environment, the ability

Qualifications

• Extensive enterprise policy administration and policy development experience.
• Understanding of document hierarchies and policy frameworks.
• Experience managing complex policy projects from scoping to implementation.
• Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills with senior stakeholders.
• Excellent policy drafting, review, and analytical abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support high-profile policy projects with governance impact.
• Develop, review and implement policy frameworks across the university.
• Coordinate consultation activities and guidance through governance processes.
• Navigate competing priorities while maintaining momentum across projects.

Skills

Policy governance

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Governance & regulatory

Project management

Policy drafting

Job description

Overview: Full-time, 12 Month Fixed Term Opportunity $121,213 - $136,507 + 17% Superannuation and Flexible Working Arrangements Based At the Melbourne CBD, and hybrid ways of working

About You

Are you a policy professional who enjoys bringing structure, clarity and momentum to complex organisational challenges? In this role, you’ll work at the centre of university governance, leading and supporting high-profile policy projects with impact across RMIT and the broader higher education sector. You’ll partner with policy custodians, subject matter experts and senior stakeholders to develop, review and implement policy frameworks, facilitate working groups, coordinate consultation activities and guide complex initiatives through governance and approval processes. From shaping policy responses to emerging sector issues through to supporting major governance uplift initiatives, you’ll play a key role in ensuring policy outcomes are practical, compliant and fit for purpose. This opportunity will suit someone who thrives in a complex and highly regulated environment and enjoys managing policy work from concept through to implementation. You’ll bring strong policy development and governance experience, the ability to build credibility with executive stakeholders, and the confidence to navigate competing priorities while maintaining momentum across multiple projects. In return, you’ll gain exposure to nationally significant policy initiatives, work alongside a collaborative and supportive team, and further develop your strategic policy capability through diverse and challenging work that influences decision-making across the University.

To be successful

• Strong experience in enterprise policy administration and policy development within a large, complex or highly regulated environment.
• A sound understanding of document hierarchies and how policy frameworks support strategic, operational, governance and regulatory objectives.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex policy projects independently, from initial scoping and consultation through to approval and implementation.
• Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills, including experience working with policy custodians, subject matter experts, working groups and senior stakeholders.
• Excellent policy drafting, review, interpretation and analytical skills, with strong attention to detail.
• The ability to manage multiple competing priorities while maintaining project milestones, reporting requirements and policy review deadlines.
• The confidence to navigate complex or ambiguous issues, negotiate outcomes and provide practical policy and governance advice.
• Experience in tertiary education, government or another regulated sector.
• Experience developing policy frameworks or leading high-profile policy initiatives will be highly regarded.

About the Portfolio

The Office of the Vice-Chancellor Portfolio supports the Vice-Chancellor and President and provides specialist strategic advice and oversight across enterprise governance, compliance, policy, regulatory and student lifecycle functions. The University Secretariat and Academic Registrar's Group is responsible for governance, compliance, regulatory and student lifecycle activities across RMIT's Australian and international operations. The Central Policy function sits within this group and supports the development, review and governance of University policy documents.

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check.

Applications Close: 1 Nov 2026 11.59 pm

RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community, and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community. In line with RMIT University’s commitment to a safe, respectful and inclusive environment, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence (GBV) risk factors as part of our recruitment processes. All applicants will be required to complete a gender‑based violence declaration in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence. Preferred candidates will also be required to undertake relevant pre‑employment background checks, including Working With Children Checks. Information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for its relevance to the role and RMIT’s safety obligations. At RMIT, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to RMIT (including alternate formats of application forms). To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact Dani, via [e-mail] or visit our Careers page for more contact information - https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers.

Culture

Our Values inspire us, wherever we are in the world, and guide how we live and work together. Imagination. Integrity. Courage. Passion. Impact. Inclusion. What unites us is our purpose and our values; they are at the heart of who we are, what we stand for, how we make decisions and connect with each other. Our people make everything at the University possible. We encourage new approaches to work and learning, stimulating change to drive positive impact. RMIT exists to create transformative experiences for our students, getting them ready for life and work. You will be a part of a productive and collaborative team, who values working relationships and outcomes through open and inclusive planning, continuous information sharing and transparent work practices.