Manager Strategic Projects – Central Australia

Continuing Full Time Appointment
Professional Employee Level 7/8 - $93,475 – $118,578 pa
Plus 17% superannuation and 6 weeks annual leave
Alice Springs Campus

Provide critical project coordination and managerial responsibilities for the Central Australia and Barkly regions.

About the Position
As the Manager Strategic Projects - Central Australia & Barkly, you will be responsible for providing a high-level of comprehensive and strategic project coordination, planning, reporting and executive support particularly in the areas of, but not limited to, Higher Education, Research and Campus Activation.

The position will undertake and support the development of high-quality business cases and funding applications for, and support the implementation of, a range of university-wide activities for the benefit of the Central Australia and Barkly regions.

About You
To be successful, you will require:

• Education, training and/or relevant experience equivalent to a completion of a degree with at least 4 years subsequent relevant experience or extensive experience and management expertise in a relevant field.

• Organisational, Project planning and management skills with strong evaluation capability.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and write funding applications, reports and communicate effectively with stakeholders.

• Demonstrated high degree of initiative, with sound problem-solving skills and the ability to work autonomously in a busy environment.

• High-level interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills including the ability to liaise on complex issues with senior management, peers, and internal and external stakeholders, including people from different cultures or diverse groups.

• Demonstrated ability to work collegially with administrative, academic and research focused staff and stakeholders to achieve common objectives.

• Experience and knowledge of change management practice and principles, methodologies, and tools.

Additional Key Selection Criteria at Level 8

• Education, training and/or relevant experience equivalent to a completion of a post-graduation degree with subsequent relevant experience or extensive experience and management expertise in a relevant field.

• Demonstrated ability to design and coordinate strategic projects, undertake research and analysis, develop, advise and support implementation of recommendations.

• Previous experience working at a tertiary and/or public administration environment with expertise in evaluation, interpreting and applying organizational policies and legislative principles, including preparing complex documents and interpreting a multiplicity of data

• Demonstrated high level oral and written communication skills across a range of genres including the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively for proper negotiation and consultation.

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of Federal and State/Territory tertiary education and training policy settings and regulatory frameworks.

Desirable competencies

• Demonstrated thorough knowledge of the University and the environment in which it functions.

• A contemporary awareness of programs, policies and procedures of Commonwealth and Government programs relevant to Regional Engagement and Development in both Higher Education and VET.

• Experience in or highly advanced understanding of dual sector universities and developing cross sectoral and applied research opportunities for domestic, international and transnational students, business and industry and the community.

To view the full position description please click the apply link to be directed to the vacancy on our CDU job site and then click on job attachments.

This position is subject to Charles Darwin University Affirmative Action Priority Recruitment measures, in accordance with s57 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (NT First Nations applicants are strongly encouraged to apply & will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy. For information on Affirmative Action Priority Recruitment at CDU and how to apply, please visit

Remuneration
Appointment to this role will be at Professional Employee Level The base salary will be in the range of $93,475 – $118,578 per annum. The total remuneration package will be in the range of $109,365 - $138,736 per annum, including 17% superannuation.

What's in it for you?

• An employer who values your contribution to building a bigger, better and stronger University

• Work with a University committed to changing people's lives for the better through training, education, and research

• Opportunities for professional development, paid study, and career progression

• An enviable lifestyle in the spectacular Northern Territory

• 17% superannuation

• Up to six weeks of paid annual leave

• Up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave (primary care giver), in addition to government payments (eligibility criteria apply)

• Recognition of prior service with another Australian university / NT Government for Long Service Leave (recognition applied to qualifying period only)

• Ability to negotiate transfer of leave entitlements under the Public Employment (Mobility) Act 1989

• Free on-campus parking in designated areas

• Employee Assistance Program

• Salary Packaging opportunities

How to Apply
All applications must be received online via the 'apply' button and should include your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and relevant skills and experience.

For a confidential discussion about the position please contact Jodie Summers on or email [email protected]

Adjustments can be made throughout the application and selection process, as well as during employment to support applicants and employees with disability. CDU's Workplace Adjustment Policy and Procedure can be found at If you would like to discuss adjustments, please contact the People Services Team on or email [email protected].

Diversity and Inclusion
At CDU we actively celebrate our diversity. We innovate, embrace new ideas, and act with courage and kindness. We're about what we can give to the world rather than what we take, and we believe in the transformative power of education. We work hard to make sure every member of our University community feels they truly belong. Understanding that it is through our focus on our people and leveraging our differences that will make CDU the most connected University in Australia, we are striving to ensure that our culture and our community are inclusive of all our staff, students, and visitors. We are committed to maintaining a culture where everyone feels respected, safe, encouraged to speak up and supported in achieving their professional goals. Applications from First Nations people, women at all levels, culturally and racially marginalised people, people with disability, neurotypical and neuro-diverse people, LGBTQIA+ people, people with family and caring responsibilities and people at all stages of their careers are welcomed.

You make CDU. And we want you to be exactly who you are.

Applications Close: Wednesday 2nd July 2025