Executive Officer - Faculty of Science

• 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 Faculty of Science teaches approximately 7000 full-time student equivalents, with an academic staff of approximately 500 and general staff of 300. The Faculty is one of the largest and most complex faculties of UNSW Sydney. It comprises the School of Aviation, Biological Earth and Environmental Science (BEES), Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences (BABS), Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering (MSE), Mathematics and Statistics, Psychology, and Physics. It also includes several major Research Centres and field stations.

The Executive Officer plays an integral role within the Faculty of Science, contributing to business planning, coordination and monitoring key initiatives and projects of the faculty. It provides dedicated and strategic executive support to the Faculty Executive Team and other key stakeholders.

This role will lead the full lifecycle management of project plans that advance high-impact and priority initiatives within the Science Dean’s Unit, directly contributing to the achievement of the Faculty of Science’s core objectives. It will also provide expert guidance to support effective decision-making which is compliant with UNSW policies and procedures.

About the role

• $127k - $143k plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 12 months
• Full-time (35 hours per week)

The role reports to the Faculty Executive Manager and has no direct reports.

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

• Support the Faculty Executive Team by managing and delivering key outcomes through expert project management, and the development of policies, procedures, and proposals.
• Manage the full lifecycle of priority and programmatic projects – from initiation and planning through execution and evaluation.
• Provide high level executive support to the Faculty Executive on strategic and operational matters.
• Proactively support the Faculty Executive Team to provide advice, influence and contribute to the business planning and objectives of the Faculty of Science, whilst exercising discretion, initiative and confidentiality at all times.
• Initiate, advise and implement management policies and procedures that support and maintain networks, links and relationships, ensuring appropriate governance compliance requirements are followed in line with University policies.
• Use superior interpersonal communication skills to anticipate the requirements of the Faculty Executive Team to maintain executive stakeholder relationships to support the delivery of key initiatives.
• Coordinate and/or develop documentation e.g. presentations, board papers, business unit papers for the Faculty Executive Team as required.
• Monitor project progress and provide regular reporting to senior leadership.
• Develop trusted relationships internally with leaders within Faculty teams, divisions and faculties across the University and externally with strategic partners that will contribute to the successful delivery of the project.
• Undertake ad-hoc projects aligned with the Faculty of Science.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values
• Cooperate with all health & safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the psychosocial or physical health and safety of yourself or others.

About the successful applicant
(Selection criteria)

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Relevant tertiary qualification with subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training and experience.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail for deliverables produced.
• Proven experience in project management in higher education or equivalent level of knowledge gained through education/training and/or experience.
• High level organisational skills with proven ability to deal with multiple tasks, establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to apply judgement, creativity and flexibility to generate new and innovative ideas and approaches and to solve complex problems.
• Ability to lead, motivate and train staff, to establish priorities and manage competing deadlines for self and others.
• Demonstrated success working effectively and collaboratively on initiatives with a range of people at different levels within an organisation.
• Advanced level of computer literacy, working with a range of computer systems and applications, including Microsoft 365, and other platforms.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

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

For informal queries, please see the below contact details.

Otherwise, please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent directly to the contact listed.

Contact:
Veneet Sood
E: [email protected]

Applications close: August 25th, 2025

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.