Senior Governance Officer

Job Description

• Full-time, Ongoing position
• Based at Western’s Hawkesbury (Richmond) Campus, with flexible working arrangements
• Salary: HEW Level 7 $107,053 – $115,469 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading

Shape the governance frameworks and processes that support informed, transparent and effective decision-making across the University.

The Opportunity
We are seeking a Senior Governance Officer to join the Office of Governance Services and play a key role in supporting the University's corporate and academic governance functions.

In this diverse and rewarding role, you will provide specialist governance advice and high-level secretariat support to key governance committees, including committees of the Board of Trustees and Academic Senate. You will coordinate committee operations from end to end, preparing agendas, papers, minutes and correspondence, coordinating meeting schedules, communicating outcomes and maintaining accurate, confidential records.

You will also manage a range of complex governance matters that contribute to the integrity and accountability of the University's operations. This may include student progression and appeals, University elections, subpoena requests and the University Delegations framework. Drawing on your governance expertise, you will interpret policies and regulatory requirements, support policy development and review activities, and provide clear and practical advice to stakeholders.

Working closely with senior and executive leaders, committee chairs, external members and colleagues across the University, you will identify governance risks, enhance governance processes and contribute to building capability within a collaborative and high-performing governance team.

What Success Looks Like:
Success in this role will be demonstrated through the delivery of accurate, timely and effective governance processes that enable sound decision-making across the University. This includes:

• Delivering high-quality agendas, committee papers, minutes and governance records within required timeframes.
• Providing clear, practical governance and policy advice to senior stakeholders and committee members.
• Managing hearings, elections, delegations and other governance matters in accordance with University policy and regulatory requirements.
• Identifying governance risks and implementing improvements to processes, frameworks and supporting systems.
• Strengthening team capability through collaboration, knowledge sharing and the consistent application of governance best practice.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You
You are a governance professional with sound judgement, strong attention to detail and the ability to navigate complex and sensitive matters within a regulated environment. To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• A qualification recognised by the Governance Institute, or extensive professional experience at a comparable level.
• Experience supporting corporate or academic committees, including preparation of agendas, papers, minutes and correspondence.
• Knowledge of the statutory and regulatory environment relevant to public sector organisations, together with demonstrated policy interpretation, research and analytical skills.
• Strong written communication skills, including experience preparing complex reports, briefing papers and governance documentation.
• Proven ability to manage sensitive matters, deliver projects within competing deadlines and build effective working relationships with senior stakeholders.

Benefits
We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Alongside a rewarding career, we offer a range of benefits designed to support your financial, personal and family wellbeing.

• Financial benefits: Access to staff-only products and offers with selected banking partners, salary sacrifice options for onsite parking, and novated motor vehicle leasing.
• Health and wellbeing support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), complimentary annual flu vaccination, eligibility for Fitness Passport membership, and access to discounted private health cover.
• Onsite childcare: Long day care and early learning services operate at our Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Penrith campuses. Staff may be eligible for discounted fees and salary packaging, with places subject to centre capacity.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Direct to Shubha Devadasen, Company Secretary (Entities) & Associate Director (Secretariat) via [email protected]. Please include the job reference code REF1791J in your email.
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Sunday 13th September 2026.
• Working Rights: You must provide evidence of your working rights in Australia at time of application.
• How to Apply: Please note that only applications submitted via the University's online recruitment system will be considered. As part of your online application, you will be asked to respond to screening questions addressing the key qualifications, experiences and skills required for this position.

Belonging at Western
We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For reasonable adjustments during the application process, please contact [email protected].

About Western
This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

For the latest please visit our website and LinkedIn.