Strategic Advisor: Student Funding & Access

Universities Australia; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid work model

Remote days and core-hours scheduling

Salary packaging options

Parental leave entitlements

Annual flu vaccinations included

Free parking

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Universities Australia is seeking a Senior Advisor: Student Funding and Success to translate stewardship functions into actionable guidance for member institutions and government engagement. The role supports senior leadership with subject-matter expertise on student funding frameworks and strategies to advance equity and access in Australia’s higher education system.

You will lead strategic projects, conduct rigorous research, and engage collaboratively with internal colleagues and external

Qualifications

• 4+ years’ experience in social policy, analysis, research, or government relations.
• Extensive knowledge of student funding frameworks within higher education and related regulations.
• Experience planning and prioritising competing projects in a changing environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide deep subject matter expertise on student funding frameworks and related allocations.
• Lead strategic projects aligning UA’s policy with reform agendas and member priorities.
• Conduct rigorous research, horizon scanning and analyses to inform recommendations on funding levels.
• Engage with ATEC Commissioners, Department of Education officials, TEQSA, universities, student bodies and other stakeholders to gather insights and build consensus.
• Track reform agenda including the Tertiary Roadmap and 2027 compacts to keep UA’s positions current.
• Prepare submissions, reports and briefings to advocate UA’s positions in consultations and forums.
• Support development of strategic frameworks, performance measures and reporting tools to monitor impact of funding reforms.

Skills

Higher-education policy

Student equity

Data-informed strategy

Stakeholder engagement

Policy research

Government relations

Job description

Universities Australia is seeking a Senior Advisor: Student Funding and Success to translate stewardship functions into actionable guidance for member institutions and government engagement. The role supports senior leadership with subject-matter expertise on student funding frameworks and strategies to advance equity and access in Australia’s higher education system.

You will lead strategic projects, conduct rigorous research, and engage collaboratively with internal colleagues and external