The Opportunity

• Be part of a significant university-wide policy transformation project and build valuable, high-profile experience in an in-demand, future focussed sector
• $127,351-$143,489 (depending on exp.) + 17% super + leave loading
• Full-time (35 hours week), 18-month fixed term contract

The Senior Policy Officer will lead a major transformation project within the Division of Research & Enterprise to develop a new, streamlined Intellectual Property (IP) and Commercialisation Policy for the University. This policy will consolidate existing documents into a single framework that supports the University's approach to IP and commercialisation, covering areas such as research funding and collaboration agreements, industry-sponsored contract research, IP licensing and assignment, ownership of course content, start-ups and spin-offs, and Indigenous Cultural IP (ICIP). The role involves managing the entire policy development process—from benchmarking existing policies across the sector and international trends, leading workshops with key stakeholders, and drafting policy for consultation, to reviewing feedback and presenting final recommendations to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research & Enterprise that will lay the foundation for UNSWs ongoing leadership in research translation, commercialisation and entrepreneurship.

Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Senior Policy Officer will work under the guidance of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Industry & Innovation and collaborate closely with teams across the Division, Legal and Compliance, Governance, the Library, and the wider University. While the position has no direct reports, you will play a key advisory and facilitative role throughout the policy’s development and implementation.

The Organisation

The Division of Research & Enterprise at UNSW is responsible for the strategic research direction and overall research performance of the University, and in particular, maintaining and advancing the University's profile in research and research training, as well as technology transfer, research translation, commercialisation and entrepreneurship.

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. It’s the reason we’re Australia’s number one university for impact and among the nation’s Top 20 employers. And it’s why we come to campus each day.

Benefits and Culture:

UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to UNSW benefits including:

• Hybrid/Flexible working
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period
• Access to lifelong learning and career development
• Progressive HR practices
• Discounts and entitlements
• Affordable on-site parking

Who you are

You can demonstrate your legal and policy experience in academic research, intellectual property, IP commercialisation, and or copyright, and can demonstrate the following:

• Superior analytical and written communication skills; including confidently interpreting legislation, policies and procedures and ability to write in plain English.
• Experience in successful project and resources management and the development and communication of policies, practices and strategies, particularly in the context of change.
• Proven experience in policy analysis and review through high level research, analytical and engagement skills, with the ability to write for a variety of audiences and an ability to analyse complex information and produce easy-to-read policies and documents.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills with the ability to build and maintain effective collaborative professional relationships with university staff and external stakeholders and the ability to act with tact and discretion in dealing with sensitive and confidential matters.
• Ability to operate independently with the capacity to take responsibility, exercise judgement and proactively address and resolve complex problems as they arise, including at senior levels to negotiate and agree on outcomes.
• Excellent time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, adapt and assimilate information quickly, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines by using judgement and initiative.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

To apply: If supporting excellence in policy development at a world-class university is of interest to you, please submit your CV, Cover Letter and responses to Skills and Experience required via the APPLY button.

Click to Review: PD_Senior Policy Officer_DVCRE_July2025.pdf

Contact: Shiree Thomas - Talent Acquisition Consultant e: [email protected]

Applications close: 11.55pm, Thursday 31st July 2025

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

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