Executive Officer, Operations

Usyd.wd3.usyd External Career Site

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Camperdown Campus Until 8/22/2026 First posted March 28, 2025 Last posted March 28, 2025
Job description
  • Full time, fixed term opportunity till Dec 2026

  • Contribute to the success of the Strategy portfolio by managing daily operations, and supporting the Vice-Principal (Strategy) in delivering major initiatives

  • Base Salary $140,913 - $148,684 + 17% superannuation 

About the opportunity

The Executive Officer is a key member of the Office of the Vice-Principal (Strategy). The incumbent is responsible for providing high level strategic advice, executive and operational support to the Vice-Principal (Strategy) on the management and delivery of our services to achieve the Strategy Portfolio’s mission and objectives. The incumbent will oversee, coordinate and guide the scheduling and quality of portfolio activity and objectives, supporting the Vice-Principal Strategy to meet key performance indicators and responsibilities.

The Executive Officer provides expert advice and input into the development of strategy, policy and planning for the Portfolio and coordinates the implementation of operational plans and policy to ensure compliance with University policies and procedures. The incumbent is also responsible for managing governance and controls, compliance, risk and audit requirements for the Portfolio. This role relies on extensive problem solving, relationship management, research, excellent written and verbal communication skills to support the Vice-Principal (Strategy) on key projects and provide guidance on complex issues which impact on the successful delivery of our strategic and operational priorities.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

  • oversee and coordinate daily operations of the Strategy portfolio, including finance, human resources, administration, procurement, and event planning (e.g. townhalls)

  • provide comprehensive support to the Vice-Principal (Strategy) by ensuring thorough preparation for meetings, including gathering insights and briefings from Directors and assembling all required documentation

  • draft communications and assist in speechwriting for the Vice-Principal (Strategy), including portfolio-wide emails and other key messages

  • offer strategic and logistical support to the Strategy leadership team, such as organising meeting agendas, planning offsite events, and contributing to major initiatives across the portfolio.

About you

  • demonstrated experience and in-depth knowledge of core operations and process management activities such as administration, comms, finance and reporting, HR, quality assurance, risk management

  • demonstrated experience in the supervision, training, mentoring and performance management of staff; and experience managing and resolving HR issues

  • demonstrated ability to translate and implement strategic changes into local operational practices that enhance the work area’s administrative function

  • excellent verbal and written communication skills with sound negotiating and conflict resolution skills

  • excellent relationship building and influencing skills together with high level of tact, diplomacy and discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

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

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold 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 kristy.fairweather@sydney.edu.au

© The University of Sydney

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

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Applications Close

Friday 04 April 2025 11:59 PM
About this role

Summary

Manage daily operations and support the Vice-Principal (Strategy) in initiatives.

Job title

Executive Officer, Operations

Experience level

5+ years

Industry

education

Location requirements

Located in Camperdown Campus, no remote work allowed.

Salary

$140,913 - $148,684 + 17% superannuation

Management role

Yes

Skills & keywords

Required skills

operationsprocess managementadministrationfinanceHRquality assurancerisk managementsupervisiontrainingmentoringperformance managementcommunicationnegotiatingconflict resolutionrelationship buildinginfluencingtactdiplomacyconfidentiality

Preferred skills

None specified

Specializations

strategyoperationsfinancehuman resourcescompliance
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Unknown location

On-site