Lead, Delegations and Decision-Making (Service Excellence)

• 2 year fixed term opportunity for an experienced policy specialist to join the University’s Office of General Counsel  

• Hybrid work from home and from campus  

• Offering a competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation  

  
About the opportunity 

Join a next generation legal team and use your talents to have meaningful impact in higher education and research. 

We are seeking a Lead, Delegations and Decision-Making (Service Excellence) to join a dynamic and collaborative team within the University’s Office of General Counsel. Embedded in the Service Excellence Program, you will work to support improvement in the University’s decision-making process and influence cross-functional practices and policies, drive continuous improvement, and deliver short- to medium-term outcomes that support the University's broader strategic goals. 

About us 

The Office of General Counsel enjoys a highly trusted and collaborative culture, based out of a modern office on our heritage Camperdown campus, and welcomes a hybrid model where staff work from home 2-3 days per week (subject to meeting an initial probation period). 

We are a trusted and strategic business unit that embraces innovation and continuous learning, including through a dedicated learning and development program with a focus on business, technology, and career skills. In this role, you will have the unique opportunity to lead the ongoing review, maintenance, and optimisation of the University's Delegations of Authority and related policies, ensuring they remain current, coherent, and effective in supporting decision-making across the institution. 

 
Your key responsibilities will be: 

• maintain and continuously improve the Delegations of Authority framework 

• translate delegations into clear, user-friendly guidance and decision-making pathways 

• develop tools, frameworks, and resources that support consistent application of delegations and reduce reliance on manual interpretation 

• partner with Operations and ICT to embed delegations into enterprise systems and workflows 

• translate delegations into system logic (e.g. approvals, financial authorities, HR processes, legal workflows) that reflect the principle of empowering those closest to the work to act 

• support formal consultation and approval processes to enable effective endorsement and implementation of governance policy updates 

• work within the OGC to ensure delegations align with legal and regulatory requirements 

• analyse feedback and stakeholder input to identify policy-related issues, risks and opportunities for improvement across the University’s policy framework 

• contribute to broader service excellence and process improvement initiatives. 

About you 

• qualifications in law and admission to practice in Australia, with a current practising certificate 

• experience in governance, legal, policy, compliance, or operational roles within a complex organisation (tertiary sector is advantageous) 

• proven experience working with delegations of authority or similar governance frameworks 

• demonstrated capability in translating policy or governance requirements into operational or system-based solutions 

• highly developed stakeholder management skills to build strong working relationships across academic and professional domains, respecting the expertise of both in the design and application of delegation frameworks 

• experience supporting policy development, review or update processes, including stakeholder consultation 

• strong influencing and negotiation skills to drive the adoption of consistent and standardised approaches 

• comfort in navigating complex environments and ambiguity to drive organisational change, simplification, or process improvement initiatives 

• demonstrated ability to build trust and lead change across diverse stakeholder groups.  

 
Work Rights 
 
You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment 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 include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that 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 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 Nayomi Siriwardane, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected] 
 
© The University of Sydney 
 
The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.