Lead Industry HDR Partnerships

• Full-time, Fixed-Term position at HEW Level 8.
• Penrith campus with flexible working arrangements.
• Salary: $118,969 – $132,069 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading.

Lead international and industry partnerships that strengthen HDR collaboration and impact.

The Opportunity
Western Sydney University is seeking an experienced stakeholder manager to lead the development of international and industry research partnerships that support Higher Degree Research programs.

Based within the Graduate Research School, this role works with senior academic leaders, researchers and professional teams to design and implement strategies that generate industry partnership opportunities for HDRs. A strong focus of the role is supporting the University’s strategic objectives for industry research collaboration and the recruitment of Higher Degree Researcher candidates.

Success in this role relies on building and leveraging strong partnerships across faculties, research institutes and external industry stakeholders, while ensuring compliance with University policies, government regulations and international standards.

What Success Looks Like:

• Industry HDR partnerships opportunities are strategically identified, developed and sustained.
• HDR scholarship, internship and collaboration opportunities are increased across Faculties, Schools and Institutes.
• Academic and professional stakeholders receive clear, expert advice on HDR partnership models.
• Partnership performance is monitored, reported and continuously improved.
• All partnerships operate in line with policy, regulatory and contractual requirements.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

• Relevant degree qualification with substantial experience, or equivalent capability.
• Extensive experience developing and managing strategic education and/or research partnerships.
• Strong understanding of HDR frameworks, funding arrangements and industry collaboration models.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and to motivate and work collaboratively across diverse teams.

Benefits
We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Beyond a rewarding career, we offer a suite of benefits designed to support your physical, financial, and family wellbeing:

• Fitness Passport: Access hundreds of gyms and pools across the state through salary-packaging options.
• Onsite Childcare: Convenient facilities with exclusive staff discounts and salary packaging options.
• Financial Benefits: Salary sacrifice options for onsite parking and novated motor vehicle leasing,
• Holistic Support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) along with discounted retail and private health cover.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Direct to Judy Foster, Executive Officer via Judy.Foster@westernsydney.edu.au. Please include the job reference code REF1200R. 
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Sunday 19 April 2026.
• Working Rights: You must provide evidence of full-time working rights in Australia at application.
• How to Apply: Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered. As part of your online application, you will be asked to respond to screening questions addressing the key qualifications, experiences and skills required for this position.

Belonging at Western
We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For Reasonable Adjustments during the application process, please contact talentacquisitionteam@westernsydney.edu.au.

About Western
This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

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. Making a difference starts at Western.

For the latest please visit our website and LinkedIn.