Executive Director, Public Affairs

Full time, 5-year fixed term

Serve as a Public Affairs executive, advocating for the future of tertiary education while leading a high-performing team to deliver strategic outcomes

Offering a competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The University of Sydney is seeking an Executive Director, Public Affairs, to lead its advocacy and elevate its national and international voice.

One of the world’s leading research and teaching institutions, the University of Sydney is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, public impact and thought leadership. As a global top 25 University, it plays a critical role in shaping public discourse, influencing policy and advancing Australia’s higher education agenda on the national and international stage.

Reporting to the Vice President - External Engagement, this is an excellent opportunity for a senior public affairs executive to steward the University’s external engagement strategy across media, government relations and public policy. The Executive Director, Public Affairs will drive institutional reputation, influence advocacy, working closely with the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and University Leadership, to shape the University’s voice across key platforms and advance its policy and sectoral objectives.

About the Role:

Lead the University’s integrated public affairs strategy across media, policy and government relations

Provide high-level strategic advice to the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and senior leaders

Shape narratives that enhance the University’s national and global standing

Cultivate and sustain impactful relationships with media, government and sector stakeholders

Support the Vice President, External Engagement in reputation management, risk mitigation and crisis communication strategies

Drive the development of impactful evidence-based policy submissions and responses to government inquiries

About you (skills, capabilities and experience):

Proven senior leadership experience in public affairs, media or government relations – ideally within a complex organisation

Deep understanding of the higher education policy environment and government decision making processes

Strong judgement and experience managing reputational risks and high-stakes communication

Exceptional stakeholder engagement, strategic thinking and political acumen

Demonstrated experience in delivering integrated strategies that build profile, influence and policy impact

Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant field or equivalent combination of relevant training and experience

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Term and remuneration

The successful candidate will be offered a 5-year fixed term position on a full-time basis with a competitive remuneration package commensurate with the responsibilities of the position and the candidate’s relevant experience and qualifications.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

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 deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

How to apply

The University of Sydney is partnering with Rebecca Tabakoff of Temple Executive Search. If you would like further information, please contact her on,, or apply direct via the Apply button at the top of the page.

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© The University of Sydney

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

Applications CloseSunday 30 November 2025 11:59 PM

0143726