Director, Strategic Planning

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• Utilise your leadership skills to foster a culture of strategic excellence and collaboration
• Offering a competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The University of Sydney is seeking a highly accomplished and visionary leader to assume the role of Director, Strategic Planning . This position is responsible for leading a centre of excellence in strategy, providing thought-leadership and insights to drive the development of key University strategies and plans.

Reporting to the Vice-President (Strategy), the Director will play a critical role in shaping the strategic direction of the institution. The role involves designing and embedding a robust strategic planning framework, developing and facilitating the development of key strategies , and ensuring alignment between University-wide and local strategic initiatives. The Director will also oversee the strategic insights function, enabling evidence-based decision-making and performance monitoring across the University.

This is a senior leadership position requiring exceptional judgement, strategic acumen, and the ability to influence and collaborate across a complex organisational landscape.

About you (skills, capabilities and experience)

The successful candidate will have extensive experience and a strong track record in strategic planning and leadership within complex organisations, ideally in the higher education sector. Key requirements include :

10+ years in strategy, with over six years' experience in a top-tier strategy consulting environment, complemented by senior-level roles in higher education or similarly complex settings.Demonstrated success in leading high-performing teams and developing key strategies working with collaboratively across the organisation.Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant field, or equivalent training and experience.Advanced strategic thinking, problem-solving skills and analytical skills, with a commitment to continuous improvement.Excellent facilitation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence senior executive decisions.A proven ability to deliver strategic insights, manage complex planning processes, and align diverse teams around a shared strategic vision.Strong leadership and operational management capabilities, including financial management, workforce planning, and policy development.Experience in designing and implementing strategic problem-solving frameworks and processes.a University contribution of 17% of your base salary to your superannuation fundaccess to fitness passport, as well as discounted rates on university sports and fitness centersgain the recognition of working in a leading University.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Work Rights : you must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Term and remuneration

The successful candidate will be offered a on a full-time position up until the 28th July 2026. The appointment is subject to completion of a satisfactory probation period for new appointees.

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 LGBTIQ+ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

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

How to apply

Applications ( including a CV and cover letter outlining how your skills, capabilities and experience meet the requirements for the role ) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. Please refer to the position description for further details.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, 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 any documents in alternate formats, please contact John Flynn (Senior Talent Partner, Senior Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Operations) on or by email

The University of Sydney

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

Unlock job insights

Salary match Number of applicants Skills match

The University of Sydney has believed in education for all and leadership that make lives better. The same values continue to inform the organisation's policy of inclusion and underpin it's long-term strategy for growth. The organisation encourages innovation and excellence across the board. Every employee has the opportunity to participate in a performance development program that aligns with the university's core values.The organisation has created an inspiring working environment and is always looking for people who can both contribute and benefit from it.

Source : this is an extract from the company's own website

The University of Sydney has believed in education for all and leadership that make lives better. The same values continue to inform the organisation's policy of inclusion and underpin it's long-term strategy for growth. The organisation encourages innovation and excellence across the board. Every employee has the opportunity to participate in a performance development program that aligns with the university's core values.The organisation has created an inspiring working environment and is always looking for people who can both contribute and benefit from it.

Source : this is an extract from the company's own website

Charter Diligence Consulting and Recruitment

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