About UTS

At UTS, we're a young, globally recognised university known for doing things differently. Based in the centre of Sydney, we work closely with industry, government, and the community to focus on outcomes that matter. Our strength lies in how we bring creativity, technology and innovation together to make a practical difference. We're Australia's leading young university and consistently sit within the top 100 universities globally, a reflection of the scale of our ambition and the contribution of our people. When you join UTS, you become part of a community that values inclusion, supports access to education, and works towards positive change in society.

About the Team

The Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) leadsUTS's research strategy and major priorities across research investment,translation, integrity, national security, infrastructure and researcherdevelopment. Working across the university and with government, industry andthe research sector, the team turns complex issues into coordinated action andpositions UTS to respond to emerging opportunities and policy developments.
Detailed Description

About the Role

This is a varied and influential senior advisory role at the centre of UTS's research agenda. Working directly with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), you will help shape major strategic priorities, turn complex and fast-moving issues into clear choices, and coordinate action across the university and with government, industry and research partners.

The portfolio is broad and evolving, spanning research strategy and investment, translation and commercialisation, infrastructure, integrity, national security and defence-related research. You will work across diverse projects, policy developments and emerging opportunities, including matters involving sensitive information and engagement with government agencies.

Operating with a high degree of autonomy and professional judgement, you will provide trusted advice and executive coordination,



lead designated university-wide initiatives and ensure priorities move from decision to delivery. Because the role supports national security and defence-related work, appointment and ongoing employment will require the ability to obtain and maintain the national security clearance specified by UTS.

About You

You are a highly experienced Executive Officer or senior executive adviser with a strong track record supporting a senior leader in a complex university environment. You understand how university research operates, including its strategy, funding, governance, policy and regulatory settings, and can quickly connect issues across faculties, skilled portfolios and external partners. Trusted, proactive and highly organised, you anticipate what is needed, bring structure to ambiguity and exercise sound judgement and discretion on sensitive matters. You communicate with impact, influence senior stakeholders and maintain momentum across multiple, competing priorities.

Role Responsibilities

- Provide strategic advice and executive-level briefings on complex research, policy, national security and defence-related matters.

- Coordinate high-risk, high-impact and security-sensitive matters, ensuring appropriate handling, timely escalation, follow-up and institutional alignment.

- Support the development, implementation and review of the research strategy, portfolio priorities and responses to emerging government and sector developments.

- Lead governance, assurance, audit, regulatory, enterprise risk and research security activities for the portfolio.

- Lead cross-portfolio initiatives across research investment, translation, infrastructure, integrity and security,



managing interdependencies, stakeholders and outcomes.

- Build trusted relationships with senior internal stakeholders, government agencies, defence and national security partners, industry and the research sector to support coordinated delivery.

Skills, attributes and knowledge

- Strong strategic thinking, analytical and systems problem-solving capability.

- Executive-level written and verbal communication, negotiation and relationship management skills.

- Ability to influence senior stakeholders and work effectively across portfolios without direct authority.

- Sound judgement in complex and ambiguous environments, with discretion when managing sensitive matters.

- Knowledge of governance, enterprise risk, regulatory compliance and assurance practices in complex organisations.

- Strong digital capability, including data and business intelligence tools and AI-enabled productivity.

Experience

- Substantial experience as an Executive Officer or senior executive adviser supporting a senior executive in a complex university environment.

- Demonstrated knowledge of university research strategy, funding, governance, policy, regulation and the wider research sector.

- A record of coordinating complex cross-portfolio initiatives and translating executive priorities into timely, well-governed delivery.

- Preparing executive-level reports, briefings and decision-support materials.

- Supporting governance, audit, regulatory reporting or institutional assurance activities.

- An equivalent combination of relevant knowledge or training equivalent to a degree qualification, or extensive relevant experience or training.

Remuneration/Salary

What We Offer

Base Salary Range: SSS1 plus 17% superannuation (pension).

The position is full time and will be made on a continuing basis.

UTS staff also benefit from a wide range of include flexible work practices, generous parental leave and salary packaging opportunities.

📌 Senior Executive Officer (Sydney)
🏢 University Of Technology Sydney
📍 Sydney