Deputy Director, Design

• We are seeking to appoint a Deputy Director, Design

• Located in Camperdown

• 2 Year FIXED-TERM 0.2 FTE Fractional appointment position within the University of Sydney

About the opportunity

The Deputy Director, Design at the Sydney Policy Lab will lead in integrating design principles across its interdisciplinary initiatives aimed at policy influence and impact. They will support the Director, fellow Deputy Directors, and Academic Project Leads in adopting design-centric approaches in projects and partnerships. This role involves collaborating with researchers and academic members across various themes and projects to leverage diverse expertise, including community insights, for enhanced policy development.

Operating with significant autonomy under broad guidelines, the Deputy Director, Design sets and drives the strategic direction in collaboration with others. They are responsible for achieving objectives and targets by effectively managing resources, processes, and activities. Additionally, they exercise discretion in ensuring robust governance, control application, and risk mitigation.

About you (skills, capabilities and experience)

The successful candidate must possess:

• A Doctorate or PhD in a relevant field

• Strong ability to communicate effectively

• Demonstrated capability to work proactively with minimal oversight

• The capacity to work both independently and collaboratively within a team, showing initiative

• Sound judgement for handling day-to-day challenges and peak period issues

• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, including adept negotiation and conflict resolution abilities

• Proven tact and discretion in interactions with stakeholders at all organizational levels

• Effective planning and organizational skills

• A keen understanding of and sensitivity to various research cultures and academic disciplines

• Established management experience with a flexible approach, capable of adapting to changing scenarios and navigating ambiguity when necessary.

Term and remuneration

The successful candidate will be offered a 2-year fixed term 0.2 FTE Fractional appointment position. The successful candidate will be offered a competitive remuneration package commensurate with the responsibilities of the position and the candidate’s relevant experience and qualifications.

How to apply

Applications (including a CV and cover letter outlining how your skills, capabilities and experience meet the requirements for the role) must be submitted via the link above. Please refer to the position description for further details.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

If you are a current employee of the University or a contingent worker with access to Workday, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact:

John Flynn (Senior Talent Partner, Senior Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Operations) on +61 481 564 562 or by email john.flynn2@sydney.edu.au

To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.

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.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. For a continuing position, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident. Australian Temporary Residents may be considered for a fixed term contract for the length of their visa, depending on the requirements of the hiring area and the position.

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