Government Relations Advisor

• Full time, fixed term for 3 years

• Lead proactive government engagement and help position the University at the centre of major policy conversations

• HE0 8: $126,065 - $142,171 plus 17% Superannuation

About the opportunity

As the Government Relations Advisor, you will join a strategic Government Relations team focused on strengthening the University’s relationships with government and key external stakeholders. In this role, you will provide high‑level strategic, analytical and engagement support, helping to shape political and policy advice, prepare advocacy materials, and coordinate impactful external engagements that advance the University’s priorities.

You will also play a vital role in monitoring policy directions, identifying risks and opportunities, and translating complex information into clear, strategic insights. The position involves preparing submissions and briefings, supporting senior leaders through executive coordination, and working collaboratively across faculties to ensure the University is well‑positioned within an evolving higher education landscape.

Key responsibilities:

• Contribute to political analysis and develop advocacy materials for internal and external audiences

• Provide research‑informed advice on political and policy issues

• Coordinate engagement between University staff and government officials

• Build and maintain strong relationships across internal and external stakeholders

• Contribute to submissions, reports, briefing papers and policy recommendations

• Provide strategic executive support to senior leaders

• Track emerging political, economic and social issues and identify opportunities and risks

• Support project planning and ensure timely delivery of key initiatives

About you

• Experience in issues management and reputational risk communication

• Experience working with senior stakeholders

• Background in government relations, lobbying or policy analysis

• Strong understanding of the political, economic and social factors influencing tertiary education

• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills

• Strong analytical, problem‑solving and critical‑thinking abilities

• Ability to manage competing priorities with sound judgement and discretion

• Experience in large or complex organisations, ideally within higher education

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

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

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

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

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. 

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Kristy Fairweather, Recruitment Operations, by email to kristy.fairweather@sydney.edu.au

© The University of Sydney

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

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

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