Executive Assistant to the Head of School and Dean

• Full time continuing
• A unique opportunity to work at the heart of the University of Sydney Law School, providing trusted, high level support to the Head of School and Dean in a dynamic, high impact role
• HEO 7 Base Salary $-117,133 - $127,610 p.a. + 17% superannuation 

About the opportunity

Join one of Australia's most respected law schools. The University of Sydney Law School combines outstanding teaching, influential research, and strong industry connections to prepare students for successful and meaningful legal careers. Committed to shaping the next generation of legal professionals, the School offers a dynamic, intellectually rigorous learning environment that inspires critical thinking, innovation, and leadership.

As the first point of contact on behalf of the Head of School and Dean, you will play a critical role in managing complex workflows, prioritising correspondence, and ensuring the timely resolution of enquiries and matters of significance. Leveraging your strong relationship management and communication skills, you will collaborate effectively with senior stakeholders across the University and external industry partners to support the School's strategic objectives and deliver service excellence.

This pivotal role sits at the very heart of the Law School, offering a unique opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and contribute to the effective operation of the Dean's Office and, more broadly, the Dean’s Unit. The role therefore requires an on-campus presence three days per week at a minimum and as required by the Head of School and Dean and Deputy Dean.

What you will love about this role

As the Head of School and Dean's trusted Executive Assistant, you'll be at the heart of a vibrant and intellectually engaging environment, working alongside respected academic and professional leaders. You'll have the opportunity to influence how the Dean's Office operates, engage with a broad network of stakeholders, and contribute to the success of a globally recognised institution. This role offers a rewarding combination of strategic exposure, operational variety, and meaningful impact.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• provide high-level, confidential executive support to the Dean and Deputy Dean, including proactive diary management, coordination of meetings, travel, expenses, and preparation of briefings and correspondence
• act as the first point of contact on behalf of the Dean and Deputy Dean, managing complex enquiries, coordinating executive priorities, and ensuring the efficient operation of the Dean's Office
• support the effective operation of Sydney Law School's leadership through the coordination of governance and committee activities, including meeting preparation, agendas, minutes, action tracking, and follow-up activities
• coordinate strategic initiatives, leadership priorities and executive projects, ensuring actions, deadlines and deliverables are effectively managed
• maintain effective document management, governance and information systems, including SharePoint and collaboration platforms
• build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across the University and external partners, while ensuring compliance with University policies and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives
• manage travel, expense and procurement processes in accordance with University policies and financial requirements.

About you

• Relevant tertiary qualification and/or an equivalent combination of education, training and significant relevant professional experience
• Demonstrated experience providing high-level executive and administrative support in a complex organisation, preferably within higher education or a similarly large and multifaceted environment
• Exceptional organisational, time management and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage competing demands, coordinate multiple activities simultaneously and consistently meet deadlines
• Highly developed written communication skills, including the ability to prepare professional correspondence, briefing papers, reports and other documentation for senior leaders
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and digital collaboration tools, with extensive experience in complex diary management, meeting coordination and information management systems
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships, handle sensitive enquiries, negotiate outcomes and provide a high standard of customer service
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgement, discretion and initiative when managing confidential matters, navigating governance processes and supporting senior executive decision-making.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment. You must be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident to apply.

Pre-employment checks and declarations 

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University.  Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. 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 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 Rae Hao, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected].

© 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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