• Full time, 3 year position within the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre
• Provide strategic and operational leadership to the SSEAC
• Rare & pivotal COO role addressing the global grand challenges of our time
• Offering a competitive SPSB remuneration package including 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The Chief Operating Officer for the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre is a senior executive position responsible for managing the operational support and advice in the delivery of strategic plans. They lead the deployment of operational strategies, goals and practices and oversee professional staff and administrative support for the local team. A major focus in this role is stakeholder engagement within the University and across region to network, develop and expand research opportunities and philanthropy funding. The position will ensure effective collaboration and alignment of teams and resources to meet the objectives of the SSEAC.

The Sydney Southeast Asia Centre builds on the expertise of and facilitates collaborations between over 400 University of Sydney academics who specialise in Southeast Asia. Australia and Southeast Asia: it’s a marriage some may have taken for granted, but we haven’t.

At the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre, we put our researchers into fields, classrooms and labs across the region to do real work. From business to education, health, law, and veterinary science, we’re making sure Australia and the region develop together to face the challenges of the 21st century. These include climate change resilience and clean energy; agricultural development and sustainability; healthy and resilient societies; digital transformation and AI and shared pasts and futures.

Our innovative approach reflects Southeast Asia’s rich diversity and growing importance in the world’s geopolitical landscape. We foster partnerships and collaboration between researchers and practitioners working on critical real-world Southeast Asia issues, such as economic and social reform, infectious diseases and the environment. Our work makes a real difference by informing decisions in government, industry and the wider community. Find out more here SSEAC Strategy 2024–2029

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Work with the Centre Director to lead the implementation of the overarching integrated strategy for the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre, including supporting competitive research funding applications, external and internal partnerships
• Manage effective centre operations and administrative systems and practices, ensuring compliance with university policies and procedures
• Manage relationships with external funding agencies, philanthropy and government partners relating to research and research impact
  strengthen collaboration across the University regarding research in Southeast Asia
• Guide, develop, and manage a team, including managing performance and development, and for the delegation of work activity
  manage strategic and operational significance of incoming enquiries and correspondence, determine level of response required, obtain additional information as necessary
• Manage the flow of information including gathering background information and disseminating information
  establish and foster executive level rapport with key stakeholders across the University, international partners, and external governmental organisations to facilitate strategic dialogue and influence, driving engagement and impact around major strategies and initiatives for the Centre
• Manage the drafting, reviewing, and formatting of correspondence and reports ensuring all documentation is available when needed, including dissemination of correspondence, and meeting agendas and minutes
• Manage budgets and payment processing and assist with managing risk and health and safety within the executive office

About you

• Tertiary qualifications with extensive relevant experience in management and business administration, and/or equivalent combination of relevant training and experience
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with sound negotiating and conflict resolution skills and a demonstrated level of tact and discretion in dealing with a variety of matters
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the key strategic issues in a relevant academic field focused on the Asia-Pacific region, preferably including Southeast Asia
• Strong strategic thinking skills together with effective leadership and people management skills
  demonstrated experience in the supervision, training, mentoring and performance management of staff; and experience managing and resolving a diverse range of HR issues
• Financial management experience and literacy, experience managing budgets and controlling income and expenditure for a project. 
• To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.

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 include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through 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.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply Now 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 Nicole Cunningham on 0449 973 799 or by email: [email protected], using the subject line: Chief Operating Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs. 

© The University of Sydney

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

Click to view the Position Description for this role.