Position Details

• Continuing | Full - Time
• Higher Education Officer Level 7 | $97,503 - $107,932 p.a.
• Location: Bedford Park / Kaurna Country
• View Position Description

About the Government and External Relations Division
Government and External Relations is a key division in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor. Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the team coordinates cross-university relations with government and industry to enhance the University's reputation, grow student numbers and enhance research priorities.

About the Role
With a focus on building new and managing existing good relationships with Government and industry partners the External Relations Advisor is in a prime position to exercise influence various areas of innovation.

Working closely with the Director, External Relations, the role is responsible for advising and supporting the University in engagement with key government, political and industry stakeholders, and provides support in the development and implementation of the University's External Relations Strategy in alignment with the University's strategic goals.

This is achieved by:

• Establishing and maintaining strong and effective networks internally and externally, including with public servants.
• Mitigating and managing sensitive issues by analysing risks, implementing mitigation strategies, and working collaboratively with the Strategic Communication team
• Supporting the University's engagement with membership-based organisations, including organising University attendance and speakers at events, as well as briefing support for the University's Senior Executive.
• Providing professional guidance and support to colleges and portfolios regarding industry and government relations engagement and events.

Please refer to the attached position description, for a more comprehensive list of responsibilities

About You
With a high level of written and verbal communication and presentation skills, you effectively establish and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders both internal and external.

Your ability to manage and prioritise a range of tasks and activities in a competitive environment with strict deadlines, enables you to carry out research and analysis of information which results in well-informed strategic recommendations. Your flexibility is outlined in your ability to work in a team and autonomously.

You will also be able to demonstrate:

• Excellent knowledge of the political, parliamentary and legislative processes at federal, state and local levels of government
• Experience preparing high quality briefing papers, reports, policy papers, recommendations and advice for senior audiences.
• Strong analytical and research skills along with the ability to quickly and effectively source information through networks, and with an attention to detail.
• Experience mitigating and managing sensitive issues by analysing risks, implementing mitigation strategies, and working collaboratively with the Strategic Communication team.

It is expected that the successful candidate will have completed a degree and have substantial relevant experience; or possess an equivalent combination of experience and/or education and/or training.

Life at Flinders
We're transforming and investing in people and facilities to create contemporary, stimulating, and satisfying learning and work environments that reflect our core values of excellence, innovation, courage, and integrity. Flinders is refocusing its strategic priorities with the aim of elevating its performance to be a top ten Australian university, and amongst the top 1% in the world.

Reaching beyond the limits of buildings, borders, and backgrounds, ours is an inclusive culture that believes absolutely in equality and opportunity for all. We don't just accommodate differences; we embrace and celebrate them. So, why work at Flinders?

• 17% Superannuation + salary packaging options
• Flexible working arrangements
• Wide range of professional development activities and services, including exclusive staff study offers'
• We embrace diversity and promote equity and inclusion for all students and staff
• Vibrant campus life and amenities including on campus health care services, gym and childcare centre (Bedford Park, South Australia).

Our Commitment to Reconciliation and Indigenous Employment
Flinders University is proud to be an organisation that is committed to our Reconciliation Action Plan and Indigenous Workforce Strategy. Our vision is to be a preferred employer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are committed to progressing Indigenous advancement in education, research, employment, and wellbeing, and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for all Flinders vacancies.

• Please see here for our Reconciliation Action Plan
• Please see here for our Indigenous Workforce Strategy

Prescribed Conditions for Employment

• A valid Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check which is satisfactory to the University will also be required before the successful applicant can commence in this position.

How to Apply and Information

• To apply online, please visit the Jobs@Flinders website via the job portal: JR0000013062 External Relations Advisor
• You are required to submit your CV and a Cover letter of no more than 2 pages, addressing the Key Position Capabilities of the Position Description.
• For more information regarding this position, please contact Recruitment Advisor, Andrea Atkins

Applications to be submitted before 10:00 pm (ACDT) Sunday, 30 March 2025.
Please note, late applications and applications sent via agencies will not be accepted.

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.