(HEO9) $128,217 - $137,173 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.
Fixed-term, full-time parental leave backfill position available immediately until March 2026.
We are seeking a strategic and experienced professional to lead the implementation of our government relations and protocol functions. This fixed-term parental leave contract, offers a unique opportunity to step into a leadership role at a leading university, working closely with senior executives and external partners to advance institutional priorities.
This is a fantastic opportunity to take on a high-profile leadership role at a leading university, contributing directly to its government engagement strategy. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and have a passion for public affairs, we’d love to hear from you.
About the Role
Reporting to the Director, Corporate & Government Relations, you will:
- Lead a small team to deliver government engagement and protocol functions, ensuring alignment with University priorities.
- Implement and manage established government relations strategies, maintaining strong relationships with key government stakeholders at local, state, and federal levels.
- Advise and support senior leaders on government interactions, policy developments, and advocacy efforts.
- Coordinate high-profile engagements with government representatives, agencies, and departments to advance the University’s interests.
- Oversee official protocol and events, ensuring professional and effective interactions with dignitaries and public officials.
- Support internal collaboration to ensure a coordinated and strategic approach to government engagement.
About You
We are looking for a proactive, confident, and results-driven professional with:
- Demonstrated experience in government relations, public policy, or a related field, with a strong understanding of political processes.
- Leadership experience, including the ability to manage teams and drive successful engagement outcomes.
- Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to advise senior leaders and navigate complex stakeholder environments.
- A strong focus on execution and implementation, ensuring continuity and impact in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience in higher education policy and government engagement (desirable but not essential).
The path to Adelaide University
We are on an exciting path to Adelaide University as we prepare to open our doors in January 2026. Adelaide University will combine the strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, and we are dedicated to creating an accessible and future-focused educational powerhouse that fosters economic and social wellbeing through ground-breaking research and innovative teaching. You can learn more about Adelaide University HERE and more information will be provided throughout the recruitment process.
Enjoy an outstanding career environment
We offer a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaboration - offers you vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.
It also enables us to attract high-calibre people in all facets of our operations, ensuring you will be surrounded by talented colleagues, many world-leading. Our work's cutting-edge nature - not just in your own area, but across virtually the full spectrum of human endeavour - provides a constant source of inspiration.
Our culture is one that welcomes all and embraces diversity consistent with our Staff Values and Behaviour Framework and our Values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery. We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge and capability of all our staff.
We embrace flexibility as a key principle to allow our people to manage the changing demands of work, personal and family life.
In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive staff benefits. These include: salary packaging; flexible work arrangements; high-quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities.
Learn more at: adelaide.edu.au/jobs
Your division's broader role
The Division of External Engagement is committed to the University’s growth ambitions through best practice marketing, the generation of international opportunities, and the forging of deep industry, media and alumni connections.
Learn more at: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/external-engagement/
If you have the talent, we'll give you the opportunity. Together, let's make history.
Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to be taken through to the online application form. Please ensure you submit a cover letter, resume, and upload a document that includes your responses to all of the selection criteria for the position as contained in the position description document.
Applications close 11:55pm, Thursday 27th March
The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.
For further information
For a confidential discussion regarding this position; contact:
Paula Mifsud
Director, Corporate & Government Relations
E: paula.mifsud@adelaide.edu.au
Phone enquiries can be directed to Amy Hudson in the first instance to: 83133393
You'll find a full position description and/or selection criteria below.
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Female applicants, people with a disability and/or and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who meet the requirements of this position are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application.
Download the Position Description Apply now
