Advisor, Strategic Planning and Ventures

• Full time, fixed term till Dec 2027

• Join a forward‑thinking team driving some of the University’s most exciting strategic ventures and initiatives

• HE0 9: $152,045 - $160,430 plus 17% Superannuation

About the opportunity

We are seeking an Advisor, Strategic Planning and Ventures, to play an important role in shaping and supporting some of the University’s most significant new initiatives. In this opportunity, you will contribute to the early development of strategic ventures by conducting research, analysing opportunities, and helping to design concepts and frameworks that guide decision‑making. Working closely with senior leaders, you will support the creation of business cases, proposals and planning materials that ensure new ideas are grounded in evidence, well‑structured and aligned to long‑term institutional priorities.

You will also work collaboratively across faculties, portfolios and external partners to gather insights, facilitate consultation activities and test strategic assumptions. Through this engagement, you will help assess feasibility, identify risks and opportunities, and contribute to shaping initiatives that span the breadth of the University. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys high‑impact, intellectually engaging work and wants to help develop ventures that will influence the University’s future direction.

Key responsibilities:

• Support business development, concept design and the coordination of new strategic ventures

• Facilitate workshops, focus groups and other consultation activities to gather insight and inform design

• Conduct research, analysis and due diligence to assess opportunities, risks and feasibility

• Contribute to the development of business cases, investment papers, reports and implementation plans

• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to align projects with strategic objectives

• Assist with communication, engagement and the preparation of materials for senior decision‑makers

About you

• Experience in consulting or advisory (desirable), business case development and transformational project design

• Experience managing multiple workstreams or leading large complex projects and ability to work according to strict deadlines and manage various demands

• Strong analytical, strategic thinking and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret and integrate complex data into actionable insights

• Excellent communication, facilitation and stakeholder‑engagement abilities, with confidence working with senior leaders

• Knowledge of the higher education sector (desirable), including emerging trends, policy influences and funding landscapes

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 LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum 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 [email protected]

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

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