External Engagement Manager (Experiential Learning)

• Full time, fixed term until December 2027

• Provide strategic leadership, drive engagement priorities, and ensure the successful delivery of partnership initiatives aligned with the Faculty

• Base Salary $126,065 p.a. - $ 142,171 p.a. (HEO 8) + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The Strategic Partnerships and Engagement Portfolio at the University of Sydney is leading exciting initiatives across the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS). Their partnership programs include co-curricular work integrated learning, student internships, industry projects, research collaborations, high school outreach and international engagements. These partnerships enable the exchange of knowledge and resources supporting the transformation of education, driving innovative research and delivering cultural, economic, and social impact for the broader community.

The team plays a key role in connecting FASS with external partners. The External Engagement Manager leads the development, delivery, and management of engagement activities, including contributions to several faculty strategic projects and a growing focus on the cultivation of strategic partnerships that enhance research impact and collaboration.

What you’ll love about this role

You’ll have the opportunity to shape meaningful partnerships that connect the University with external organisations, driving real-world student outcomes and supporting high-quality, impactful research. In this role, you’ll help raise FASS’s reputation and promote our research, education and alumni.

This role offers variety and influence, with the chance to drive new initiatives, lead a high-performing team, and collaborate with stakeholders across a complex, dynamic environment.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Identifying and developing new external engagement opportunities

• Building and maintaining strong relationships with industry, government, local community, GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums) sector, and not-for-profit organisations

• Leading and managing a team responsible for coordinating engagement initiatives, including logistics, promotion, reporting, and data collection

• Formalising partnership agreements and overseeing faculty endorsement of strategic sponsorships

• Developing business cases that explore opportunities to expand partnership reciprocity across disciplines and foster interfaculty collaboration

Please note, the role is based on campus three days per week, with flexibility required to support events predominantly held in the evening.

About you:

You are a confident and articulate communicator, with the ability to influence, negotiate, and present effectively across a wide range of stakeholders. You bring a professional, values-led approach, underpinned by curiosity and sound judgement, and are motivated to drive meaningful outcomes through collaboration, strategic thinking, and innovation.

• tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of training and professional experience. Experience in the higher education sector is highly desirable

• strong track record in building and managing relationships with diverse stakeholders across industry

• demonstrated success in achieving tangible and sustainable engagement outcomes within large, complex organisations

• a proactive, goal-oriented mindset with the ability to take initiative, show accountability, and adapt in a dynamic environment

Work Rights

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.

This position is designated as involving child-related work. To undertake or remain in this position, you are required to apply for and obtain a Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through 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.

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 employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Justyn Griffin, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected].

© 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 31 May 2026 11:59 PM