Design Strategist

Design Strategist

The UNSW Innovation Hub requires a Design Strategist to lead strategic planning, development, and delivery of design-led, problem‑solving initiatives.

Employment Details

Employment Type: Full‑time (35 hours per week)

Duration: Fixed‑term contract for 2 years

Remuneration: $127,351 - $143,488 + 17% superannuation + leave loading

Location: UNSW Kensington Campus, Sydney, NSW

Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate internal and external design‑led problem‑solving projects aligned with the Innovation Hub’s strategic priorities.
• Design and facilitate workshops, consultation sessions and collaborative project activities to support innovative project outcomes.
• Develop project strategies, define complex problems and implement effective problem‑solving approaches with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.
• Provide strategic direction to project teams, monitor project progress and support the resolution of issues and competing priorities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including industry, government and community partners.
• Contribute to the development and scaling of a design‑led innovation culture across UNSW.
• Collaborate with Project Managers and Innovation Hub staff to support the delivery and implementation of Hub initiatives and programs.
• Identify emerging industry trends and technologies to enhance project outcomes and design processes.
• Mentor junior designers, students and interns within the Innovation Hub.

Skills and Experience

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Design with subsequent relevant experience, or equivalent competence gained through education, training and professional practice.
• Demonstrated experience as a Designer and Strategist/Consultant with expertise in design‑led methodologies, including user research methods and usability testing.
• Strong understanding of broader problem‑solving methodologies and their application across the project lifecycle.
• Advanced written, verbal and visual communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex design concepts to diverse audiences.
• Experience facilitating workshops, consultations and collaborative problem‑solving activities with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead project teams and positively influence project culture and outcomes.
• Experience collaborating effectively across diverse teams and organisational levels.
• High level proficiency across relevant computer systems and applications, including Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint, Keynote and related tools.
• Excellent organisational and time‑management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary environment.
• Experience in Design education and teaching design‑led methodologies through active learning is desirable.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold Australian Working Rights or Australian Citizenship. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Benefits

• Career development opportunities
• 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments
• Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness)

EEO Statement

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people with diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.