About Universities Australia

Universities Australia is the voice of Australia’s universities. We work hard to ensure Australia has a strong higher education and research sector to support the nation’s future.

We champion the role universities play in generating vast social, economic and cultural value for the nation and the rest of the world. We advocate for higher education policy settings that are in the national interest.

On behalf of our 39 member universities, we actively collaborate with policy makers and political leaders at all levels of government, engage directly with the community and work closely with international partners to help support Australia’s world class university system.

The role

The Senior Director: Global Engagement and Policy will lead Universities Australia’s (UA) global engagement and policy efforts, steering the organisation’s international strategy and managing high-impact relationships with key global partners. In this pivotal leadership role, the Senior Director will craft and execute UA’s global engagement plan, ensuring Australia’s higher education sector remains at the forefront of international policy discussions and decision-making.

The Senior Director will be a vital advocate for the sector, driving strategic engagement and building relationships with international and security portfolios  within the Australian Government. This includes deepening ties with foreign governments and diplomatic bodies while advancing innovative policies in international education that position  Australia’s universities as global leaders.

This role is crucial to UA’s mission of keeping Australia’s universities competitive, globally connected, and influential in shaping the future of international  education. The Senior Director will be responsible for ensuring UA’s effective engagement with international and domestic government stakeholders to champion policies that positively impact the sector and bolster Australia’s reputation as a forward-thinking, globally engaged nation.

UA is looking for a dynamic and visionary leader with a passion for education and deep expertise in foreign policy. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in international and security policy and the influence needed to ensure UA’s active participation in shaping key policies that benefit both the higher education sector and Australia as a whole.

As a key figure in UA’s leadership group, the Senior Director will elevate the organisation’s standing as a trusted and influential peak body, working with  international policymakers, innovators, and stakeholders. A central focus of the role will be cultivating and sustaining strategic partnerships in priority regions  such as ASEAN, China, India, Europe, the UK, and North America.

In addition to overseeing UA’s global portfolio, the Senior Director will provide strategic support to UA’s senior leadership, including the Executive, UA Board, Vice-Chancellors, and Deputy Vice-Chancellors (International), helping them navigate and influence the increasingly complex international policy landscape.

The Senior Director will also engage with senior government departments and ministries, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Education, Defence, Prime Minister and Cabinet, Home Affairs and the Attorney-General’s Department, ensuring UA is at the table for critical policy discussions.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Vice-Chancellors, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, university  executives, ministers, overseas universities, and domestic and international government bodies involved in higher education.
• Develop and execute UA’s global engagement plan.
• Stay informed on global higher education and research trends and provide expert advice on the role of universities in national and global policy, offering insights on key reports and policy papers.
• Drive UA’s policy agenda on critical global issues such as international relations, trade, defence, security, immigration and international development.
• Create impactful policy and advocacy tools including original reports, fact sheets and one-pagers to promote UA’s stance on global education,  international collaboration and policy reform.
• Develop and implement innovative partnerships strategies to enhance UA’s global relations and the profile and impact of UA member universities.
• Facilitate collaboration on strategic projects by leveraging relationships with UA member universities, providing executive support for committees and working groups, ensuring timely follow-up on action items.
• Collaborate with the UA Executive to design and implement strategies that advance UA’s international policy objectives.
• Contribute as a member of the UA senior leadership group, providing critical analysis and input on organisational strategies and initiatives.
• Lead the organisation of symposiums, dialogues and forums related to global engagement and policy leadership.
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills and Experiences Required

• Proven ability to synthesise and analyse relevant data and information to provide sound policy advice, particularly in global public policy.
• Deep understanding of the current policy landscape, particularly in Australia, with a strong track record of building networks across government, diplomatic corps and international business sectors.
• Knowledge of the Australian and global higher education sectors, including relevant policies, procedures and legislative frameworks.
• Expertise in delivering high-level policy advisory services that support organisational goals.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal communication, facilitation and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with people at all levels.
• Exceptional writing skills, with experience creating media materials, opinion pieces, reports, submissions, speeches, discussion papers and strategic plans.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage projects in a dynamic, collaborative and cross-functional team environment.
• Experience in a senior role in foreign affairs, industry peak body, ministerial office, or advocacy organisation is desirable.

Please apply via Seek Online providing a Cover Letter and Resume.

Applications close on Sunday 17 November 2024 at 11:55pm.