Job Title

Western Sydney University is a modern, worldclass institution located in the heart of Australias fastest growing and most economically significant region. With nearly 50,000 students and approximately 3,500 staff across Greater Western Sydney, Vietnam, and Indonesia, we are proud to be ranked among the top two per cent of universities globally. Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. About the Whitlam Institute The Whitlam Institute within Western Sydney University commemorates and is inspired by the life of one of Australias most respected Prime Ministers, The Hon. Gough Whitlam AC QC. As the custodian of Gough Whitlams legacy, the Whitlam Institute promotes the contemporary relevance of his vision of a more equal, open, tolerant, and independent Australia. to promote equality; to involve the people of Australia in the decisionmaking processes of our land; to liberate the talents and uplift the horizons of the Australian people. The four pillars of the Whitlam Institute are: the Whitlam Prime Ministerial Collection; its public policy and research program; its civics education and outreach program; and responsibility for making the historic Female Orphan School and 32 Albert Street Prime Ministerial home centres for intellectual and cultural engagement in Western Sydney. Job Description FullTime, FixedTerm Position for 5 Years, based at Parramatta South Campus $266,051 Inclusive of Superannuation + Leave Loading Shape the Future of Policy and Research in Australia About the Opportunity The Whitlam Institute is looking for a bold research leader to advance our research portfolio and policy engagement at scale. As Program Director, Research & Policy, you will set the agenda and deliver highimpact work across our two flagship themes: The Future of Australian Democracy and Australia in the World. This position is pivotal to the next phase of the Whitlam Institutes development. You will lead programmes that strengthen the contemporary relevance of the Whitlam Governments legacy, bringing evidence to public debate, building diverse coalitions, and informing decisionmakers through rigorous research, publications, and advocacy. Youll drive a research agenda that is contemporary, collaborative, and consequential. You will turn ideas into programmes, designing and delivering multipartner projects, producing highquality publications and public reports, convening symposia, and engaging the media and government so findings inform real decisions. This is a fulltime, fixedterm position for 5 years based at Westerns Parramatta South Campus, although travel to other campuses of the University may be required. For further information, please refer to the Position Description linked here: Program Director, Research and Policy. Key Responsibilities Setting Strategy: Shape and implement research programmes aligned with the Whitlam Institutes mission and strategic objectives. Driving Policy Impact: Advance our two flagship themes through evidencebased research and advocacy that influences public discourse and decisionmaking. Building Partnerships: Forge strong regional, national, and international collaborations to expand our influence and reach. Securing Funding & Managing Budgets: Ensure resources are in place to deliver research priorities effectively. Ensuring Governance & Compliance: Uphold ethical standards and regulatory requirements across all research activities. Leading & Mentoring: Inspire and guide staff, research fellows, and external collaborators to achieve excellence. Delivering Impactful Projects: Manage the full research lifecycle from concept to completion producing highquality publications, symposia, and media engagements that inform realworld decisions. Who were looking for A doctoral qualification (or equivalent) and a strong track record in public policy research, particularly in civics, citizenship, and democracy. Proven success in research leadership, grant management, and familiarity with the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) framework and international research ranking systems. Strategic leadership skills with the ability to inspire teams and uphold high ethical standards. Experience securing and managing research funding and budgets. The ability to influence public debate and government policy aligned with the Whitlam Legacy. Strong collaboration skills to build partnerships across academia, industry, and community. Exceptional organisational and communication skills to deliver complex projects on time and with impact. Working with Children Check It is a mandatory requirement for any incumbent of this position to have a current NSW Employee Working with Children Clearance in accordance with the NSW Child Protection (Working with Children) Act2012. Why Join us? WorkLife Balance: Enjoy flexible work arrangements, generous leave entitlements, and the option to work from home up to 2 days per week. Professional Development: Take advantage of professional development and networking opportunities, including secondments, structured training, and leadership programmes to enhance your skills across the University. Staff Benefits: Enjoy health and fitness programmes such as the Fitness Passport, library facilities, staff discounts through partnerships such as with the Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney Zoo, and a wide variety of other goods and services. Remuneration Package Academic LevelE$266,051p.a. (comprising Salary of $225,857p.a., plus Superannuation and Leave Loading). Position Enquiries Please direct specific enquiries regarding the role to Paulina Novak, Whitlam Institute Manager via email at *******@westernsydney.edu.au. Recruitment Enquiries Specific enquiries or issues with your application may be directed to the Talent Acquisition Team via ***************@westernsydney.edu.au. Closing Date 11:59pm, Friday 9 January 2026. Working Rights in Australia Eligibility Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. You must provide evidence of your fulltime working rights in Australia at time of application. Application Process Applications must be submitted via the WSU online recruitment system. Please refer to the Position Description link: Program Director, Research and Policy. Safety Notice Be careful Dont provide your bank or credit card details when applying for jobs. Dont transfer any money or complete suspicious online surveys. If you see something suspicious, report this job ad. #J-18808-Ljbffr