At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead partnerships and engagement strategies for the Technician Commitment in Australia.
- Company: Join Microscopy Australia, a leader in research infrastructure and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 17% superannuation, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Australia's technical workforce and drive systemic change.
- Qualifications: Experience in partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and a strong understanding of higher education.
The predicted salary is between 152045 - 160430 $ per year.
Unique opportunity to deliver the newly-established Technician Commitment in Australia.
About the opportunity
Microscopy Australia is the national collaborative research infrastructure providing researchers with access to world class microscopy, imaging and characterisation capabilities. Through a network of leading facilities hosted by the University of Sydney and partner universities and research organisations across Australia, Microscopy Australia supports cutting edge research, innovation and industry engagement across fields ranging from health and medicine to materials science and environmental research.
The Technician Commitment is an internationally recognised initiative driving systemic and cultural change for technical and scientific professionals across higher education, research and innovation. Supported by a major Australian Government investment, this team will support the establishment and delivery of the Technician Commitment in Australia in partnership with Microscopy Australia, the Academy for Collaborative Research Infrastructure (ACRI), and the UK Technician Commitment team.
The Partnerships and External Engagement Manager will play a central role in building the reach, profile and influence of the Technician Commitment in Australia. Working across the higher education, research and innovation sectors, you will develop and deliver engagement strategies that attract new signatories and supporters, strengthen strategic partnerships, and enhance the visibility and impact of the initiative nationally.
Your key responsibilities will be to:
- Lead the development and delivery of the Technician Commitment Australia partnerships and external engagement strategy, supporting the growth and influence of the initiative nationally.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with senior leaders across universities, research organisations, government, funders, industry, professional bodies and other key stakeholders.
- Secure and support new and existing signatories, supporters and strategic partners, developing compelling engagement approaches that strengthen participation and impact.
- Identify and coordinate opportunities to influence policy, funding and sector priorities relating to technical skills, workforce capability and technical careers.
- Provide strategic advice, stakeholder intelligence and high-quality engagement materials to support programme development, decision-making and external representation.
- Represent the Technician Commitment at national forums, conferences and stakeholder meetings, working closely with Australian and UK partners to maximise reach and impact.
About you
You will be an experienced and credible partnerships and engagement professional with the ability to build trusted relationships and influence senior stakeholders across Australia's higher education, research and policy communities.
- Significant experience in partnerships, stakeholder engagement, business development, policy or external relations within higher education, research, government or a comparable sector.
- Strong understanding of the Australian higher education and research landscape, including policy and funding issues relating to workforce development, technical skills and research capability.
- Demonstrated success building strategic partnerships and influencing senior stakeholders across organisational, sector and government environments.
- Experience attracting organisations to participate in initiatives, networks, programmes or collaborative partnerships and translating strategic objectives into effective engagement approaches.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills, with the credibility to represent the programme at senior national forums and sector events.
- Strong strategic judgement, organisational capability and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, with knowledge of technical professionals and technical services being highly desirable.
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. Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University.
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 welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
Technician Commitment Partnership and External Engagement Manager in Sydney employer: The University of Sydney
The University of Sydney is an exceptional employer, particularly for the role of Student Experience Officer (Identified), offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. With generous cultural leave, flexible working arrangements, and access to professional development programs, employees are empowered to grow and thrive in their careers while contributing to meaningful initiatives that foster connection and engagement within the student community. The university's commitment to diversity and inclusion, along with its recognition as an AWEI Platinum Employer, makes it a standout choice for those seeking a rewarding and impactful career.
