Strategic Education Projects Manager - Science

UNSW; Sydney; On-site; AUD 132,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% Superannuation

Annual leave loading

Job summary

UNSW is seeking a Strategic Education Projects Manager within the Faculty of Science to lead planning, development, implementation and evaluation of strategic education initiatives across undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

You will deliver high‑level project leadership, shape educational strategy, governance and innovation, and work with academic leaders to enhance curriculum quality, student experience and institutional capability.

Qualifications

• Experience leading strategic education initiatives in higher education.
• Knowledge of contemporary pedagogy, curriculum design and assessment.
• Experience with governance, policy, quality assurance in educational contexts.
• Proven ability to manage complex multi‑stakeholder projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement.
• Analytical and problem‑solving skills using evidence and data.
• Ability to prepare strategic reports and executive presentations.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, development, implementation and evaluation of strategic education initiatives across the Faculty of Science.
• Develop strategies, business cases, evaluation frameworks and supporting documentation.
• Lead curriculum transformation to strengthen coherence, employability and work‑integrated learning.
• Provide strategic advice to the Deputy Dean and Faculty leadership on priorities and delivery.
• Ensure governance, policy and QA compliance across projects.
• Lead cross‑functional teams and foster collaboration for sustainable outcomes.
• Build capability among academic staff to adopt contemporary educational practice.
• Maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Communication

Project management

Higher education pedagogy

Curriculum design

Policy knowledge

Education

Degree in education or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Curriculum management systems

Data reporting systems

Job description

• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best

This Job is based in Australia

• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

The Strategic Education Projects Manager plays a leading role within the Faculty of Science in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of strategic education, curriculum, assessment and student experience initiatives across the Faculty. The role provides high-level project leadership and specialist expertise to complex educational projects that strengthen learning and teaching, enhance curriculum quality, and support innovation across undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

The role is responsible for managing and delivering significant educational initiatives that contribute to Faculty and University strategic priorities, ensuring projects are effectively planned, implemented and evaluated to achieve intended outcomes, with a focus on improving educational quality, student outcomes and organisational capability. Working across multiple portfolios, the Strategic Education Projects Manager influences and supports educational innovation, curriculum transformation, quality enhancement, governance activities and continuous improvement to support the successful delivery of Faculty initiatives as well as locally implemented University initiatives.

The Strategic Education Projects Manager works in close partnership with the Deputy Dean (Education), Associate Deans (Education), Heads of School, academic leaders and professional staff across the Faculty of Science and the Science Education Team to shape educational strategy and enable the successful implementation of learning and teaching priorities. The role builds collaborative partnerships across the University, provides expert advice on educational policy and practice, and contributes to a culture of innovation, evidence-informed decision-making and educational excellence.

About The Role

• $132k - $149k plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Continuing
• Full-time (35 hours per week)

Specific Responsibilities For This Role Include

• Lead the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of strategic education, curriculum, assessment and student experience initiatives that advance the Faculty of Science's educational priorities and align with University strategy.
• Develop project strategies, implementation plans, business cases, evaluation frameworks and supporting documentation to enable the successful delivery and continuous improvement of educational initiatives.
• Lead curriculum transformation initiatives that strengthen program coherence, assessment design, graduate employability, professional identity development, work-integrated learning and contemporary approaches to learning and teaching.
• Provide strategic advice and recommendations to the Deputy Dean (Education), Associate Deans (Education), Faculty leadership and project sponsors on educational priorities, project delivery, policy, emerging risks and opportunities.
• Ensure projects comply with University governance, policy, quality assurance and regulatory requirements, maintaining consistent and effective project management methodologies and reporting practices.
• Lead cross-functional project teams and working groups, fostering collaboration, accountability and shared ownership to deliver sustainable educational outcomes.
• Build capability across the Faculty by supporting academic leaders and educators to implement contemporary educational practice, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, scholarly teaching and continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including central divisions, professional accreditation bodies, government agencies and sector partners where appropriate.
• Prepare high-quality reports, discussion papers, submissions and presentations for Faculty and University committees, providing evidence-informed advice to support strategic decision-making.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values.
• Ensure hazards and risks psychosocial and physical are identified and controlled for tasks, projects, and activities that pose a health and safety risk within your area of responsibility.

About The Successful Applicant

(Selection criteria)

To Be Successful In This Role You Will Have

• A relevant qualification in education, higher education, learning design, organisational leadership or a related discipline, with extensive relevant experience; or an equivalent level of knowledge, skills and experience gained through a combination of education, training and professional practice.
• Demonstrated experience leading strategic education initiatives within higher education, including the development, implementation and evaluation of complex educational, curriculum, assessment or student success projects.
• Extensive knowledge of contemporary higher education pedagogy, curriculum design, assessment, quality assurance, student learning and educational innovation, with the ability to translate evidence into effective institutional practice.
• Demonstrated understanding of higher education governance, policy, quality assurance and regulatory frameworks, with experience applying these within curriculum and educational initiatives.
• Proven experience leading organisational change and managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities and significant institutional impact.
• Excellent relationship management, consultation and stakeholder engagement skills, with a demonstrated ability to build trusted partnerships, facilitate collaboration and influence without direct authority.
• Highly developed analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience using evidence, data and evaluation to inform strategic planning, decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated experience preparing strategic reports, briefing papers, committee papers, business cases and executive-level presentations.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously while exercising sound judgement, initiative and strategic thinking.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and experience using project management, collaboration, curriculum management and data reporting systems relevant to higher education.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s values, strategic priorities, and relevant policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of health and safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and a commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed within the position description in your application.

For informal queries, please see the below contact details.

Contact

Tracey Kuit

E: [e-mail]

Applications close: November 3rd, 2026

Find Out More About Working At UNSW At Www.unsw.edu.au

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.