The Opportunity

• Play a key role in delivering the Global Innovation Foundry — a strategic initiative aimed at accelerating over 100 startups annually through global collaboration, investment, and market access.
• Full-time, 2-year fixed term contract from Jan 2026 to Jan 2028
• $127,351-$143,489 + 17% superannuation

The Founders Program supports UNSW staff, students and alumni to build the capabilities and networks they need to create positive impact through entrepreneurship. This is achieved through delivering foundational entrepreneurship experiences, educating founders with knowledge on how to design and execute successful business models, and connecting entrepreneurs to the local and international innovation ecosystems.

UNSW Founders is launching the Global Innovation Foundry (GIF) — a strategic initiative designed to accelerate more than 100 startups each year by connecting them with global expertise, production capabilities, and investment. Building on the success of the Global Landing Pads, GIF addresses challenges in research, talent, and capital by linking high-potential ventures to international markets, funding, and partnerships, bridging the gap between research breakthroughs and commercial success.

The UNSW Founders Global Manager is a hands-on role responsible for the day-to-day management, planning, and implementation of the GIF initiative. Delivered in partnership with the UNSW Office of Global Affairs, GIF enhances UNSW’s role as a global innovation leader and hub for world-class entrepreneurial activity. The position reports to the Senior Manager, Startups, and has no direct reports.

The Organisation

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. It’s the reason we’re Australia’s number one university for impact and among the nation’s Top 20 employers.

Benefits and Culture: 

UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to benefits including:

• Hybrid/Flexible working options
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period
• Access to learning and career development
• Progressive HR practices
• Discounts and entitlements  
• Affordable on-campus parking

About the successful applicant

You can demonstrate your hands-on program, events or delegations delivery experience, particularly in global markets, as well as best-practice startup support methodologies and are well-connected within the startup ecosystem. Ideally, you’ve worked in incubators, accelerators, or similar community-focused environments and have provided direct coaching or mentoring to entrepreneurs.

You’re confident in facilitating workshops, delivering training, and speaking or hosting at events. Your marketing and event management skills are well developed, and you’re willing to travel internationally and work flexibly to support events.

You have strong interpersonal and communication skills, enabling you to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. Your organisational abilities allow you to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines efficiently. You take initiative, solve problems creatively, and work effectively both independently and within a team. You communicate clearly in writing and speech, have advanced computer literacy (including Microsoft Office and CRM tools), and demonstrate a strong commitment to UNSW’s values, objectives, and policies. Additionally, you understand and uphold health and safety responsibilities, both psychosocial and physical.

To Apply: If helping startups scale globally of interest to you, please submit your CV, Cover Letter (including responses to Skills and Experience required nominated in the Position Description) via the APPLY button.

Contact: Shiree Thomas, Talent Acquisition Consultant E: shiree.thomas@unsw.edu.au

Applications close:  11.55pm, Tuesday 4^th November 2025

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. 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.