• Full-time opportunity, fixed term for 12 months
• Support University researchers and academics to engage directly with government stakeholders
• Competitive remuneration package plus 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The Senior Advisor, Government Relations will help advance the University of Sydney's reputation as a leading Australian and global university which delivers a transformational education to students and research excellence which contributes to the national good.

This role will build and manage relationships of trust between internal University stakeholders and external stakeholders in government and the public sector.

The Senior Advisor will identify where existing and emerging government policy intersects with fields of research expertise at the University and support these researchers and academics to engage directly with relevant government figures.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• apply high-level stakeholder mapping skills to identify where existing and emerging government policies intersect with the University's research expertise
• draw upon existing government networks and build new relationships which assist the University to collaborate with government in a complex regulatory and political environment
• support key University researchers and academics to engage effectively with government, notably the Australian Government (this may involve occasional travel to Canberra)
• assist and/or lead the development of engagement plans for specific Government Relations projects
• assist and/or lead in the preparation of meeting briefs or other collateral to support engagement between researchers / academics and government as outlined above.

About you

• previous senior experience within government, a tertiary institution or large complex organisation
• highly developed understanding of the political, economic, and social environment in which the higher education sector operates, with a proven network of political contacts.
• experience in government relations, policy analysis or lobbying
• strong understanding of strategic and political issues within the higher education sector and knowledge of the higher education governance, policy and procedure frameworks
• excellent networking abilities, with an established network of contacts in government and the public sector.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Kristy Fairweather, Recruitment Operations, by email to kristy.fairweather@sydney.edu.au

Copyright The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Sunday 01 June 2025 11:59 PM