Overview:
Australian Technology Network (ATN) Universities is seeking a Policy Director on a fixed term 13-month contract. The Policy Director will lead the ATN Policy Unit, managing the ATN’s critically important, innovative, and forward-thinking policy development and analysis activities.
The role will work to shape the national debate and actively influence higher education and related economic policy reform, along with contributing to skills and research system improvements.
The Policy Director will be an important voice for Australia’s most “hands on” network of universities,demonstratingour policycloutand delivering detailed and informed insight. They will ensure the ATN has an active role in the development of policies whichimpactour member universities and their interests.
They willidentifyand promote the policy links that enable the ATN universities to enhance Australia’s standing as a forward-thinking, globally engaged nation. As an active and influential policy expert, they will ensure the ATN’s advocacy pillars of: Productivity, Resilience and Fairness are supported by the highest quality evidence and researchrigor.
The Policy Director will be a dynamic, innovative, and future-focused leader, with a deep passion for higher education and research, anddemonstrateddeep policyexpertisein this space. They will infuse the ATN’s advocacy agenda with sectoral leading analysis and strategies to ensure ATN builds on its already established reputation as a professional and highly effective peak body with member universities, policy makers, innovators, stakeholders, key alliances, and partners.
They will ensure the ATN’s voice is consistently heard through strategic engagement and relationship management across our member universities, relevant Australian Government ministerial offices, governmentagenciesand industry peaks.
As a member of the ATN Senior Management team, the Policy Director will lead the full ATN Policy Portfolio, including but not limited to the ATN’s policy development, analysis and advocacy pillars in higher education, applied research and international education. They will champion ATN-wide data sharing initiatives, inform ATN education and research strategies, and contribute policy advice asrequiredto other ATN portfolios
As the Policy Director you will support the ATN Deputy Director, Executive Director, Vice-Chancellors, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Grad Deans, other senior executives, and committees, to navigate and influence an increasingly complex policy environment in Australia. The role will also scope,developand refine policy advocacy strategies to ensure ATN continues to be a trusted contributor to higher education,economicand related policy settings more generally.
Manage the shaping and implementation of key strategic activities, including butnot limitedto theATN’s policy development, analysis and advocacy pillars in higher education, applied research and international education, the ATN’s data sharing initiative, and the ATN’ academic and research strategies.
Cultivate and nurture relationships with internal and external stakeholders including withATN Vice-Chancellors, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, university executives,ministers, andgovernment bodiesinvolved in higher education and research to secure their engagement and ensureeffective interface on policy,planningand implementation.
Design, lead and deliver ATN’s thought leadership to advance the policy agenda on a multitude of issues affecting higher education and research – evidence-based policy and advocacy tools, including original ATN-led reports, fact sheets, one-pagers and other materials that help drive ATN’s advocacy agenda and amplify the voice of member universities and ATN partners.
Research and prepare high-quality andtimelywritten advice for our ATN senior executives, in the form of reports, briefs, policy discussion papers, and circulars to inform, respond to requests, andinitiateconsideration of new policy initiatives.
About You
We are seeking a provenseniorpolicyadvisorwhois abletotranslateand simplifycomplexinformationintopolicypapers,agendasand strategyforseniorexecutives. Proven agility with the ability toquicklyanalysisinformation andswitch between complexprojects.
To Be SuccessfulInThis Position,You’llHave
Demonstrated flexibility,initiativeand the ability tooperatestrategically within a busy and complex environment, to deal effectively with competing demands and to produce high quality responses within limitedtimeframes.
Demonstratedexpertisein providing high-level policy advisory services that contribute to achievingorganisationalstrategic goals, delivered with tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality.
Highly developed interpersonal, oral communication,facilitationand negotiation skills, including the demonstrated ability to interact with people at all levels, both internal and external to theorganisation.
Exceptional writing skills including experience with developing data and poly analysis, media
materials, opinion pieces, reports, submissions, speeches, discussion papers, and strategic plans.
Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check.
Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN) is a national Australian higher education peakbody, with a membership of five universities across Australia. ATN has a strong presence both nationallyand internationally and in key metropolitan and regional mediamarkets. Established in 1999, ATN undertakes policy, advocacy, publicaffairsand national media work tobenefitthe shared interest of our membership of world-class Australian universities, the higher education sector and society more broadly.
ATN member universities are Curtin University, Deakin University, RMIT University, The University of Newcastle, and University of Technology Sydney.
PleasesubmityourCVandcovering letteraddressingthe Key Selection Criteriaforthis position by clicking on the ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page.
For further information about this position, please see the Position Description hyperlinked below or contactJessica Hoodvia emailjessica.hood@rmit.edu.au.
Please note, if you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to RMIT's Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page. Due to recent upgrades, position description links may not work on LinkedIn advertisements.
Applications Close:
7 May 2026 11.59 pm
RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community, and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.
In line with RMIT University’s commitment to a safe, respectful and inclusive environment, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence (GBV) risk factors as part of our recruitment processes. All applicants will be required to complete a gender‑based violence declaration in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence. Preferred candidates will also be required to undertake relevant pre‑employment background checks, including Working With Children Checks. Information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for its relevance to the role and RMIT’s safety obligations.
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