About

Full time, continuing opportunity for a Director level lawyer to join the University's Office of General Counsel (OGC) Lead a team of experts advising in the areas of Employment, Workplace Relations and Workplace Health and Safety Law Offering a competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation About the opportunity 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 working model. 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. As a Director, you will lead and oversee institutionally significant matters providing strategic and practical legal advice on industrial, employment and workplace health and safety law to the Vice-Chancellor, Senate, senior executives, the Human Resources leadership team, and other key personnel. You will also be a member of the Office of General Counsel leadership team and will be responsible and accountable for the performance of your team and its alignment with OGC’s purpose and strategy. This role is ideal for someone who wants to be involved in creating the conditions for an innovative culture to thrive and is open to championing new ways of working. You will have the opportunity to work on a variety of challenging issues that are important to the University at a time of increased focus on the higher education sector. To give a flavour, you could be advising on major institutional projects, advising in relation to regulatory reform, complex complaints and misconduct matters involving harassment, discrimination, safety, academic freedom and sexual misconduct. You could also be representing the University before external tribunals and Courts. About you (skills, capabilities and experience) We are seeking a seasoned legal professional with deep subject matter expertise and an understanding of the higher education sector, as well as Federal Government industrial relations policies. You will bring proven expertise in alternative dispute resolution, particularly in employment and industrial relations disputes, along with demonstrated experience representing clients in proceedings before the Fair Work Commission and the Federal Court. Your ability to navigate complex legal and policy frameworks, coupled with your practical experience in employment law, industrial relations and workplace health and safety law, will position you as a key contributor to our team. This role requires a proactive and strategic thinker who can effectively support the University's vision and values while addressing critical legal challenges with professionalism and precision. Sponsorship / work rights for Australia Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance will be provided if required. Term and remuneration This is a full-time continuing position. The successful candidate will be offered an attractive remuneration package commensurate with the responsibilities of the position and the candidate’s relevant experience and qualifications. 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 are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by 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. We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. How to apply Applications (including a CV and cover letter outlining how your skills, capabilities and experience meet the requirements for the role) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. Please refer to the position description for further details. Click to view the Position Description for this role. 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 Lucy Porter (Senior Talent Partner, Recruitment Operations, Human Resources) on + 61 429 771 115 or by email lucy.porter@sydney.edu.au © The University of Sydney The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment. Applications Close Friday 17 October 2025 11:59 PM Our team is expanding, and we want to hire the most talented people we can. Continued success depends on it! So once you've had a chance to explore our current open positions, apply to the ones you feel suit you best and keep track of both your progress in the selection process, and new postings that might interest you! The University values are excellence, trust and accountability. The University of Sydney is committed to diversity and social inclusion. Applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment. The University of Sydney may conduct routine pre-employment checks before an appointment is made. Want to know more about working at the University of Sydney? https://www.sydney.edu.au/about-us.html