SENIOR ADVISOR: STUDENT FUNDING AND SUCCESS

Join Universities Australia – a mission-driven team shaping Australia’s tertiary education sector. You’ll influence and translate high-impact reforms into real-world change, work alongside visionary leaders, and build lasting networks across government, universities, and student groups. This is your chance to drive equity, innovate policy solutions, and see your ideas come to life.

ABOUT UNIVERSITIES AUSTRALIA

Universities Australia (UA) is the voice of Australia’s universities. We work hard to ensure Australia has a strong higher education and research sector to support the nation’s future.

We champion the role universities play in generating social, economic and cultural value for the nation and the rest of the world. We advocate for higher education policy settings – policy, regulation, funding and student success – that are in the national interest.

On behalf of our 39 member universities, we actively collaborate with policy makers and political leaders at all levels of government, engage directly with the community and work closely with international partners to help support Australia’s world class university system.

UA also provides representation to relevant committees, advisory groups and working parties, pursues and implements agreements with international bodies that facilitate member engagement and builds and executes issue specific campaigns.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Senior Advisor Student Funding and Success provides expert leadership on student funding policy and strategy, aligning UA’s advocacy with the Australian Tertiary Education Commission’s interim Terms of Reference. This role focuses on translating the priorities of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) – needs-based funding, the managed growth funding system, and mission-based compacts – into actionable guidance for member institutions and government engagement during the interim phase and beyond.

The incumbent will support the Senior Director, Tertiary Education and Skills by providing subject matter expertise on student funding frameworks, leading strategic projects that align with UA priorities, conduct rigorous research and analysis, and engage collaboratively and with purpose with internal colleagues and external stakeholders.

The Senior Advisor role reflects UA’s commitment to expert-informed, agile, and collaborative engagement with ATEC’s stewardship of Australia’s tertiary education system. By centring student funding at the heart of UA’s strategy, this role ensures our advocacy drives equitable access, meets future skills needs, and supports a responsive, high-performing sector in line with ATEC’s mandate.

This position would suit a policy professional looking to leave an indelible mark on Australia’s higher education policy landscape. We would welcome applications from those wishing to move into a not-for profit on a more permanent basis or those wishing to undertake a secondment with UA.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide deep subject matter expertise on student funding frameworks, including needs-based funding allocations, managed growth funding models, and mission-based compacts.

Lead strategic projects that align UA’s student funding policy with ATEC’s reform agenda and UA’s member priorities.

Conduct rigorous research, horizon scanning, and analyses to inform evidence-based recommendations on per-student funding levels.

Engage collaboratively with ATEC Commissioners, Department of Education officials, Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), universities, student bodies and other relevant stakeholders to gather insights and build consensus on funding reforms.

Prepare high-quality submissions, reports, and briefings to advocate UA’s positions on student funding in ATEC consultations, working groups, and external forums.

Support development of strategic frameworks, performance measures, and reporting tools to monitor the impact of funding reforms on access, equity, and institutional sustainability.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

A passion for higher-education policy, equity, and data-driven strategy.
4+ years’ experience in social policy, analysis, research, or government relations.
Extensive knowledge of student funding frameworks within higher education, associated legislation and regulations, and reform implementation.
Experience of planning and prioritising competing projects in a changing environment, and under time pressures.
Excellent communication skills: writing, presentations, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement.
Ability to thrive in agile, collaborative teams and adapt quickly to shifting priorities.
A proactive mindset, curiosity, self-motivation, attention to detail, and a keen interest in professional growth.

WHAT WE OFFER

Competitive salary plus 17% super
Flexible hybrid work model, including remote days and core-hours scheduling.
Salary packaging options that can improve your take home pay
Generous parental leave entitlements
FREE annual flu vaccinations
FREE parking
Access to free guidance and counselling through our Employee Assistance Program
A vibrant, inclusive culture.
Direct exposure to national policymakers and high-profile advocacy campaigns.
Clear pathways for career progression within UA and the broader education sector.

TO APPLY

Please include your CV and a cover page which outlines your suitability for the role.

Applications close Monday 11th August 2025 11:55pm.

Please email hr@uniaus.edu.au if you have any queries about the role.

UNIVERSITIES AUSTRALIA

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