Program Manager
- Financial Services, Sunshine Coast Campus, Sippy Downs
- Level 10, $143,875 p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation
- Full-time, fixed-term for 12 months
The Opportunity
Join us at the University of the Sunshine Coast as the Program Manager, Financial Management Transformation where you will lead an important University-wide initiative to enhance our strategic and operational financial management frameworks. In this role, you will guide a comprehensive transformation program that supports financial sustainability, improves resource allocation, and aligns financial practices with our new Strategic Plan. Drawing on your experience in project delivery and stakeholder engagement, you will help ensure the program meets its goals through careful planning, thoughtful risk management, and supportive organisational change. Working closely with a range of internal and external partners, you will contribute to outcomes that strengthen decision-making, build financial resilience, and develop staff financial capability. This role involves overseeing reporting, budgeting, procurement, and integration activities, while maintaining high standards that support the University’s long-term financial health. Your focus on continuous improvement, cultural awareness, and fostering an inclusive and safe environment will be at the heart of your leadership in this collaborative setting.
You will
- lead the delivery of a university-wide financial transformation that drives UniSC’s Strategic Plan forward;
- strengthen financial frameworks, systems, and resource allocation to boost sustainability and support informed decision-making;
- champion organisational change, build financial confidence across teams, and foster a culture of continuous improvement; and
- manage program planning, stakeholder engagement, risk, and reporting to achieve clear and successful outcomes.
About you
Our ideal candidate is someone who excels at leading complex programs with confidence and clarity. You are a strategic thinker who applies expert judgement throughout all stages of delivery, ensuring projects remain on track, within budget, and aligned with UniSC’s vision. You are adept at driving change and redesigning financial frameworks to meet future challenges while enhancing financial capability across the University. Your communication skills are exceptional, you know how to connect with, influence, and engage a wide range of stakeholders with clarity and purpose. You are organised and proactive, effectively managing risks, resources, and integration across projects to achieve sustainable outcomes. Above all, you lead with authenticity, building trust and inspiring collaboration to support UniSC’s financial future.
You will possess:
- Proven experience managing complex finance-related projects, leading cross-functional teams, and delivering results that balance multiple stakeholder needs.
- Strong analytical and financial management skills, including hands-on experience with enterprise systems like ERP, student information systems, and advanced Excel.
- Demonstrated leadership and people management abilities, with a focus on process improvement, workflow oversight, and handling competing priorities with confidence.
- Excellent project and operational coordination skills, with the ability to manage several initiatives at once while building positive, collaborative relationships across the organisation and beyond.
- A track record of driving financial and operational improvements that boost efficiency, performance, and compliance.
- Well-developed skills in risk, issue, and change management, navigating complex situations to keep projects and teams on course.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, able to explain complex ideas clearly, influence stakeholders, and foster engagement at all levels.
Desirable
- Current membership with the Australian Society of Certified Practicing Accountants or equivalent.
- Project management certification such as PRINCE2 or PMP.
- Experience in the higher education sector with an understanding of accountability and reporting requirements.
UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage your commentary on your achievements in this context. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at unisc-careers@usc.edu.au or call +61 7 5430 2830.
Position description: 
493334_position description.pdf
UniSC values a diverse and talented workforce and invites applications from candidates who already have legal work rights in Australia.
UniSC does not accept unsolicited applications. For agency inquiries, contact unisc-careers@usc.edu.au
Applications for this position close midnight, Tuesday 17 June
Your completed application must include:
- a resume, and a response to selection criteria. Noting that within the application form, we will request a statement addressing each of the selection criteria contained within the position description.
Further information regarding how to prepare your application is available on our website: Join our team
We would love the opportunity to get to know you better, but we know it works both ways. To get to know a little more about us, visit us at: Welcome to UniSC and LinkedIn Life
Have questions or want to know more? For a confidential discussion, please contact:
Jodi Marchant
Associate Director, Financial Management & Commercial
Telephone: 07 5409 8663
Email: jmarchant@usc.edu.au
We're all about doing work that matters, connecting with great people, and being part of an incredible journey. We’re not the biggest university. But we’re growing every day, and doing big things. Like ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, producing gold-winning athletes and award-winning alumni.
We're one of the fastest growing universities in Australia, growing to over 2,000 people across 5 campuses in South East Queensland.
Teaching excellence is at the heart of what we do, and our commitment to sustainability is integrated into our teaching, research, and daily operations. Our research tackles the most pressing challenges of our time, with 26 research fields ranked at or above world standard according to the Excellence in Research for Australia Rankings. At UniSC you will have the opportunity to contribute to the educational landscape for future generations.
We foster a collaborative and supportive environment, encouraging continuous professional development and providing resources to enhance your career. We recognise and value the contributions of each team member to our culture and success. We're not afraid to be different, and we're looking for people who share our values and want to be part of a team that is working together to improve our local and global challenges.
Our Culture & Benefits:
- Our collaborative, passionate and welcoming culture is what really sets us apart.
- Modern teaching & research facilities.
- Professional development and career pathway opportunities.
- We are a proud recipient of the prestigious Athena SWAN Bronze Award, granted as part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative.
- Flexible work arrangements & generous leave options.
- Salary packing options + 17% Super.
- EAP, fitness passport & discounted private health.
