Manager, Student Experience and Employability

Job Description:

The Opportunity

The Faculty of Engineering at UNSW has an exciting opportunity for a Manager, Student Experience and Employability to lead the strategic development and delivery of initiatives that enhance the educational experience, employability, and professional development of one of Australia's largest engineering student cohorts. Working closely with Faculty leadership, this role will drive innovative programs that embed experiential learning, industry engagement, entrepreneurship, and career readiness throughout the student journey, helping to deliver a distinctive UNSW Engineering educational experience.

The successful candidate will be a strategic and collaborative leader with experience developing and implementing large-scale student experience or employability initiatives within a complex organisation. You will have a proven ability to lead high-performing teams, build strong relationships with academic, industry, and external partners, and deliver initiatives that create meaningful outcomes for students. Experience working within higher education and a passion for enhancing student success, engagement, and graduate employability will be highly regarded.

Working across one of Australia's leading engineering faculties, you will have the opportunity to influence Faculty-wide strategy, collaborate with academic and industry leaders, and shape innovative educational experiences that prepare students for successful careers. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on student success while supporting the Faculty's vision of developing globally focused engineering graduates.

This role reports to the Faculty Education Manager and directly supervises the Student Engagement Manager, Industrial Training Manager, Student Experience Coordinator, and Employability Coordinator.

• Salary, Level 8/9
  • Level 8 - $127,351 to $143,488 per annum + 17% superannuation
  • Level 9 - $148,012 to $157,055 per annum + 17% superannuation
• Full time
• Continuing (Permanent)
• Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia
• Flexible working options

About UNSW

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged, and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

The Faculty of Engineering at UNSW is a national and international leader in engineering education and research, recognised for delivering an outstanding student experience alongside world-class research impact. As the largest engineering Faculty in Australia, it graduates the highest number of engineers and offers innovative, industry-connected programs that equip students to address complex global challenges. Through excellence in teaching, curriculum innovation, and both fundamental and applied research, the Faculty continues to strengthen its global reputation for producing highly skilled graduates and driving meaningful societal impact. For more information about the Faculty of Engineering please refer to the Faculty website: https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/about-us

Skills & Experience

Level 8

• Relevant tertiary qualification with subsequent relevant professional or management experience (or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through any other combination of education, training and/or experience).
• Strong project management experience including the ability to plan, implement and coordinate complex projects in line with objectives and budget, and report on outcomes.
• A sound understanding of and commitment to high-quality student experience, employability and engagement, ideally in an Engineering Faculty in a leading, research-intensive University.
• Demonstrated high level analytical and problem-solving skills, and understanding of compliance and risk management.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to mentor young people and liaise with a diversity of stakeholders to build relationships, influence decisions and negotiate outcomes.
• High-level organisational skills and the ability to work with initiative and under minimal supervision to effectively achieve goals.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training, with the ability to implement required UNSW health and safety policies and procedures.

Level 9 (in addition to Level 8)

• Relevant postgraduate qualifications and/or extensive management expertise or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through any other combination of education, training and/or experience.
• Significant experience at a senior level in student opportunities & employability within a university or related area.
• Proven success in the development, implementation and delivery of new strategies, and working as a strategic leader within a team to implement and lead these forward.
• A collaborative team player with demonstrated strategic leadership skills and a proven ability to lead and motivate a team to deliver superior student service.
• High level interpersonal, leadership, management, influencing and negotiations skills including the proven ability to interact effectively with a wide partner base and communicate and negotiate with external partners.
• Extensive operational management skills including planning, priority setting, and staff management.
• Demonstrated success in managing a high volume, process-driven administrative environment with variable work flows.
• Demonstrated experience in creating, developing, interpreting and implementing complex policies and procedures.
• Significant experience in developing, delivering and continually improving processes and systems, including change management processes.
• Significant experience in producing high level, comprehensive reports to senior management.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

Additional details about the specific responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description. This is available via JOBS@UNSW.

Benefits and Culture:

UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to a plethora of UNSW-perks including:​

• 17% Superannuation and leave loading​
• Flexible working/Hybrid working ​
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period​
• Access to lifelong learning and career development ​

More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here.

To Apply:

Please click the “Apply Now” button and submit your CV, Cover Letter and Responses to the Skills and Experience. You should systematically address the Skills and Experience listed within the position description in your application.

Applicants must have working rights in Australia and be able to be on site in Kensington on a regular basis. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Please note applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed below.

Contact

For role-specific inquiries, please contact John Kennedy (Faculty Education Manager)

E: [email protected]

For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Eugene Aves (Talent Acquisition Partner)

E: [email protected]

Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Thursday, 9 July 2026

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.

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. 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.