Operations Manager, United States Studies Centre

• Lead operations, drive strategy, and ensure compliance at USSC today!

• Full-time, fixed term contract (parental leave cover) until 31st March 2026

•  Salary $110K – $120K exclusive of super (determined based on experience)

About the Centre

The United States Studies Centre (USSC), located at the University of Sydney, is an independent foreign policy research centre. The USSC provides balanced and objective analysis, evidence-based insights and tangible solutions to complex problems for policymakers, businesses, students and the public. Our vision to shape policy, debate and ideas by deepening Australians’ understanding of, and strengthening Australia's relationship with, the United States. Click here to learn more about the United States Studies Centre's mission.

About the opportunity
 

The United States Studies Centre (USSC) is seeking a highly skilled Operations Manager to manage the day-to-day Operations. The role supports the CEO and COO in strategic planning, governance, risk management, legal and regulatory compliance, office management and WHS. They will also support special projects that arise periodically. A key part of the role will be to oversee key compliance requirements for the Centre with respect to relevant Centre and University policies.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Manages day to day operating activity for the Centre.

• Manages the effective implementation of administrative, policy and general resources needed to support the Centre’s strategic goals.

• Manage all people-related activities across the employee life cycle including staff recruitment, onboarding, performance, remuneration and reward, engagement, and workforce reporting

• Conduct an annual review of key Centre documents, including the Staff Handbook and Induction Handbook, ensuring staff are consulted and informed about key changes.

• Maintains collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders including academic leaders and professional service units (ICT, Finance, HR, CSI)

• Ensures that a safe working environment is in place for all staff and continuously monitors and evaluates risks and opportunities for improvement, in line with University policy and legislative / regulatory requirements and in collaboration with HR’s WHS Unit and senior WHS staff as required.

• Manages buildings and space allocation, in liaison with CIS, to ensure effective utilisation of space, ensuring facilities and infrastructure needs are in line with Workplace Health and Safety standards

About you:

• Tertiary qualifications and relevant experience or an equivalent combination of experience and education/training.

• Excellent organisational skills with the demonstrated ability to prioritise and adapt to competing demands, whilst maintaining attention to detail.

• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to engage effectively with and influence internal and external stakeholders.

• Strong understanding of the operating environment of a research-enterprise, and the governance/management of research activities and or Tertiary sector.

• Ability to work as part of a team of people, to provide consistent, timely and high-quality administrative support services.

Click Here for a copy of the Position Description

Benefits of working with us

In addition to the employee’s salary and superannuation, the Centre provides a range of benefits including:

• Family-friendly working hours and flexible working arrangements that let you balance your work and personal responsibilities

• Generous leave entitlements, including annual leave, sick leave, carers leave, long service leave, family violence leave and paid parental leave

• Breastfeeding rooms and a breastfeeding policy, with several childcare centres near the University

• Professional development allowance, plus a range of training and development opportunities provided by the University

• Salary packaging for motor vehicles, laptops and superannuation

• Staff discounts on selected bank products and health insurance

• UniSuper superannuation advice, seminars and financial advisers

• Discounted rates to Uni sport and fitness centres

• Free annual flu vaccinations

• Free counselling through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) service

• Discounted veterinary services for pets of staff

• Free access to the University library.

About our Culture

The Centre is committed to building a culture that fosters collaboration, career progression, diversity, inclusion, mental health and sustainability. We have a Social Responsibility Committee that organises regular events and training sessions and our Social Club meets monthly.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

How to apply

We do not accept email applications. 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 any questions regarding the position, please contact the Finance Team via email at ussc.finance@sydney.edu.au

Applications Close

Wednesday 02 April 2025 11:59 PM