Change Communications Manager

Job Description:

• Full time continuing role within UNSW IT as a Change Communications Manager
• Starting Salary $148012 plus generous superannuation and leave loading
• Kensington, Sydney location, 2-3 days in the office, Hybrid working

About UNSW:

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community—but more importantly, it’s a community doing extraordinary things. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. It’s this approach that makes our work matter—and why we’re recognised as one of the world’s top 20 universities and ranked Australia’s #1 university, as well as a proud member of the prestigious Group of Eight. If you’re looking for a role where you can shape change, thrive in complexity, and see the real impact of your work every day, you’re in the right place.

The Change Communications Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping how UNSW embraces and adopts technology. In this role, you’ll design and deliver compelling change communications strategies that bring people on the journey—supporting the adoption of new technologies, including AI and other emerging innovations that are transforming the way we work. Sitting at the centre of transformation within UNSW IT, you’ll lead diverse, high-impact communications across multiple channels and formats—from digital and multi-media campaigns, to storytelling, large-scale events, leadership engagement, and culture-building initiatives.

This is a role defined by variety, pace, and impact—where no two days are the same. You’ll move seamlessly between strategy and delivery, partnering with a wide range of stakeholders across the University, including senior leaders, faculties, divisions, and working closely with UNSW Corporate Communications to amplify reach and influence.

You’ll thrive here if you don’t just manage competing priorities—but genuinely enjoy juggling them—bringing energy, curiosity, and creativity to a fast-moving environment.

Working across UNSW IT and the broader university, you’ll partner with leaders, influence stakeholders, and drive engagement at scale. You’ll be at the centre of major transformation initiatives, helping to embed a culture of innovation and ensuring our people feel informed, supported, and inspired.

Reporting to the Director, Engagement and Change, you may also lead others—amplifying your impact across the organisation. Other accountabilities :

• Develop fit-for-purpose change communications approaches aligned to the scale and complexity of transformation initiatives.
• Lead communications end-to-end, continuously evaluating effectiveness and evolving strategies to maximise impact and engagement.
• Initiate and facilitate Reference Groups and Working Groups, ensuring the voice of the customer actively shapes outcomes and design decisions.
• Develop and deliver tailored communications strategies with a strong change focus, supporting the successful adoption of an innovation-led culture and enabling technologies.
• Source content and create engaging communications across UNSW channels, including weekly IT updates and whole-of-University messaging.
• Identify and lead opportunities to deliver high-impact technology events, such as annual UNSW IT Presents, bringing innovation to life for the community.
• Identify and execute opportunities to showcase UNSW IT achievements and people through industry events, awards, and external platforms.
• Partner closely with stakeholders, leveraging subject matter expertise to craft clear, compelling, and influential communications.
• Collaborate across a diverse stakeholder landscape, including divisional and faculty leadership and Corporate Communications teams.
• Utilise a strategic mix of traditional and digital channels, tailoring approaches to maximise reach, relevance, and engagement.
• Produce high-quality communications deliverables and ensure change activities are delivered at pace and with impact.
• Coach and influence leaders to become confident, authentic communicators who can engage and inspire their teams through change.
• Actively seek and embed feedback to continuously improve stakeholder engagement and communication effectiveness.

Who you are:

• Tertiary qualification with extensive experience in change communication management, particularly supporting organisational and technology-driven change.
• A genuine curiosity and enthusiasm for emerging technologies, including AI, and a passion for innovation and continuous learning.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a sharp eye for detail across multiple platforms (e.g. Viva Engage, MS Teams, newsletters).
• Proven ability to distil complex ideas into clear, compelling messages tailored to diverse audiences.
• Self-driven and adaptable, with strong judgement and a proactive approach to solving challenges and navigating ambiguity.
• Collaborative by nature, with the ability to work consultatively to achieve the best possible outcomes in dynamic environments.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.
• A strong alignment to UNSW’s values, alongside an understanding of relevant policies and guidelines.
• Commitment to health and safety responsibilities (psychosocial and physical), including active participation in relevant training.

Benefits and Culture

• Flexible Working Options (work from home, flexible hours etc)
• Career development opportunities
• 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments
• Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness)

For further details on the benefits, please visit https://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au/lifestyle-benefits

How to Apply: please apply through the portal, we would like you to submit a full application including resume and addressing the who you are section.

Applications close: Wednesday 8th of July at 11.30pm

Pre-Employment Checks
Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks:-

• National and International Criminal history checks
• Entitlement to work and ID checks
• Working With Children Checks
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional membership
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks.
• Medical Checks and Assessments

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

Get in Touch:

Jen MacLachlan

[email protected]

Talent Acquisition Partner – UNSW IT

Please apply through the application portal and not via the contact above.

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.