Senior Advisor, Interim Vice Chancellor & Provost

Classification: Senior Manager 2 (Administration)
Salary package: Competitive salary package plus 17% superannuation
Term: Full time, Fixed Term (up to 31 December 2026)

• Competitive remuneration, 17% super, salary packaging and leave loading
• Flexible working arrangements and generous personal, parental and cultural leave 
• Located at our Acton campus in Canberra

Position overview

About Us

Seeking expressions of interest from experienced ANU leaders to join the Office of the Interim Vice-Chancellor (IVC) as Senior Advisor. This is a unique opportunity to step into a high-impact leadership role, providing strategic advice to the Chief of staff in IVC and supporting the broader Office of the Interim Vice-Chancellor Portfolio leadership team. The role offers direct exposure to executive decision-making, governance and strategic planning at the highest level of the University.

The Role

As Senior Advisor, you will provide high-level executive and operational support to the Interim Vice-Chancellor and senior team. You will coordinate and collaborate with a diverse network of internal and external stakeholders—including government bodies and sector partners—while managing the day-to-day administration of the Office in close partnership with the Interim Vice Chancellors office.

Reporting directly to the Chief of Staff, the Senior Advisor plays a pivotal role in supporting the strategic and operational leadership of the Office of the Interim Vice-Chancellor. The role provides high-level advice to the Chief of staff and IVC Portfolio leadership team while supporting the day-to-day operations of the Office in alignment with the University’s broader strategic objectives.

The Person

The Senior Advisor is responsible for the effective management of the Office, including the development and implementation of strategic plans, financial oversight, performance monitoring and reporting to University Committees and governance stakeholders. The role leads a high-performing team and works across the university to support key institutional initiatives, foster collaboration and ensuring effective engagement with internal and external stakeholders.

This is a rare opportunity to contribute directly to the University's most strategic and operational priorities, while gaining valuable exposure to executive-level governance and leadership.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced leader with a proven record in project planning and management. They will demonstrate exceptional team leadership, analytical acumen, and sound judgment, ensuring operational excellence and effective delivery across complex initiatives. With strong negotiation skills, they will foster collaboration with key stakeholders while reviewing the financial, legal, and risk frameworks for investments and engagement.

For further information please contact Bhavani Balakishnan, Chief of staff, Office of the Interim Vice Chancellor, bhavani.balakishnan@anu.edu.au

The University actively encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For more information on employment opportunities, contact our Indigenous Employment Consultant on indigenous.employment@anu.edu.au  

ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to those of all backgrounds and identities. For more information about staff equity at ANU, visit https://services.anu.edu.au/human-resources/respect-inclusion

Application information

In order to apply for this role please make sure that you upload the following documents:

• A statement addressing the selection criteria (no more than two pages).
• A current curriculum vitae (CV) which includes the names and contact details of at least three referees (preferably including a current or previous supervisor). If your CV does not include referees, you can complete these online when prompted in the application form.
• Other documents, if required.

Applications which do not address the selection criteria may not be considered for the position.

Please note: The successful candidate must have rights to live and work in this country and will be required to undergo a background check during the recruitment process. An offer of employment is conditional on satisfactory results.