Senior Government Relations

Senior Government Relations & Policy Manager – Canberra Remuneration: 148k‑$157k+ + 17% super & leave loading Location: Canberra City Campus, Australian Capital Territory Employment Type: Full Time Duration: Contract until 31 Dec 2026 About UNSW UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. We’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community—a community doing extraordinary things. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged, and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place. Why Your Role Matters The Senior Government Relations Manager is a strategic role working to increase UNSW’s profile with government and support UNSW’s participation in key policy debates and government planning. Responsibilities We’re looking for someone to build relations and get ahead of policy issues. You will bring your extensive background and networks in advocacy, government or similar to identify and secure opportunities for engagement and partnership with government. You will confidently engage with key stakeholders to build strong relations and maintain networks that create opportunities to strengthen UNSW’s standing with government. Through your developed understanding of UNSW’s distinctive strengths and capabilities, you will highlight projects and initiatives relevant to political and public service stakeholders as they align with existing or emerging government policy developments. Duties Build and strengthen UNSW’s stakeholder network and identify opportunities for partnership with government, including funding, contribution to policy debates, events, visits to campus. Provide timely and accurate expert advice regarding developments in government to senior stakeholders within the University. Liaise with UNSW’s Corporate Communications Team to develop and pitch government policy initiatives to media. Proactively seek and manage government engagement opportunities to increase the profile of UNSW with government. Assist with the preparation of policy reports, briefing papers, speeches, submissions and discussion papers on current and emerging issues in higher education. Support the Director of Government Relations & Policy to develop and implement the government relations workplan which supports the agreed strategy for the Division. Promote UNSW’s activities in Canberra, including as the education partner of the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) and the development of the new UNSW Canberra City Campus. Who You Are You will hold a relevant degree or equivalent knowledge with extensive, relevant experience such as a role in government relations, or in a parliamentary, ministerial or relevant public service agency alongside: A proven record of developing successful government relations strategies and plans and leading their implementation to deliver enhanced engagement. A deep understanding of government relations alongside familiarity with the political environment at a senior level and/or other industry‑related work. Demonstrated ability to quickly understand new subject matter, as well as a range of complex policy issues, in order to provide high quality advice to internal stakeholders and advocate on the broad range of subjects externally. Excellent communication with demonstrated expertise in writing and producing publications, web content and communications materials as well as presenting. Confident networking with developed interpersonal, stakeholder management and negotiation skills with an ability to influence senior management. Strategic thinking, bringing the ability to apply judgement, creativity and flexibility to generate new and innovative ideas and approaches and to solve complex problems. Benefits and Culture Flexible Working Options (work from home, flexible hours, etc.) Additional 3 days leave during December festive period. Career development opportunities Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses Flexible 17% Superannuation contributions, additional leave‑loading payments and salary sacrifice. Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness passport). Eligibility The successful candidate will be required to undertake pre‑employment checks prior to commencing in this role. The checks that will be undertaken are listed in the Position Description. You will not be required to provide any further documentation or information regarding the checks until directly requested by UNSW. The successful candidate will be required to work from the UNSW Canberra campus. To be successful you will hold Australian Working Rights or Australian Citizenship. UNSW is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. How To Apply Make each day matter with a meaningful career at UNSW. Please apply via our online recruitment system. In your application, please include: Your CV A 2‑page pitch addressing the Skills and Experience outlined in the Position Description. Applications Close: Sunday 16th November 11:55pm AEST Contact Katherine Molloy, Talent Acquisition Consultant E: (applications to the address cannot be accepted, please apply online) For further information about UNSW Canberra, please visit our website: UNSW Canberra Equity, Diversity and Inclusion 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr