Academic Lead Khuda Program

• Part time (1 day per week), 2-year fixed term opportunity

• Exciting opportunity to provide academic leadership and strategic direction for the University’s largest philanthropic donation – The Khuda Women in STEM Program.

• Base Salary $195,478 - $215,352 pro rata (Level D) + 17% superannuation 

About the opportunity

As the Academic Lead – Khuda Women in STEM Program, you will provide high-level academic leadership and act as the University’s principal ambassador for this major philanthropic initiative addressing the underrepresentation of women in STEM. 

Working closely with senior University stakeholders, the program donor and external stakeholders, you will champion the program’s strategic vision, priorities and impact across the University and externally. 

You will provide academic advice to ensure the program is underpinned by rigorous evidence, aligned with best practice and maintains a high standard of academic quality. With a high degree of autonomy, you will exercise independent judgement, contribute academic insight and thought leadership to University governance and support the ongoing development, delivery and evaluation of the program to ensure the program continues to deliver meaningful outcomes for women and girls in STEM.  

You’ll also play a role in strengthening the program’s profile through engaging with donors and philanthropic partners in collaboration with Advancement, and representing the program through external forums, media and public events, and contribute to its evidence base and long-term impact. 

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• provide high-level academic leadership and act as the University’s principal ambassador for the Khuda Women in STEM Program 

• champion the program’s strategic vision, priorities and impact across the University and externally 

• provide authoritative academic advice, ensuring program activities are evidence-based, aligned with best practice and underpinned by academic quality 

• maintain a national or international academic profile relevant to the program’s objectives, contributing to its evidence base, credibility, and influence 

• build and maintain relationships with donors, philanthropic partners, academic, industry and professional stakeholders for program advocacy and support long term funding outcomes.  

• represent the program in external forums, including media, public events, and sector engagement opportunities, to elevate its profile, credibility, and influence. 

• Contribute to University governance, committees and strategic initiatives, providing academic insight and thought leadership to inform decision-making 

About you 
 

• hold a doctorate or PhD in a relevant field 

• a reputation at a national or international level, extensive academic experience and an established research profile related to the Program’s objectives.  

• a strong research track record and scholarly contribution 

• a wide network of established relationships with academic, industry and professional partners and stakeholders 

• demonstrated experience building partnerships and engaging with diverse stakeholders 

• demonstrated strategic leadership, thinking and decision-making capability with the ability to provide authoritative academic advice relevant to the Program’s objectives.  

• highly developed communication, presentation, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills 

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible 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 LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold 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 Nicole Turle, 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.

Applications Close

Sunday 13 September 2026 11:59 PM