Design Strategist (AI and Digital Architecture) – UNSW Innovation Hub

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Strategist (AI and Digital Architecture)

Company: UNSW Innovation Hub

Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time, Fixed-Term (to December 2027)

Category: Design Strategy & Digital Architecture

Date Posted: 2026-05-05

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (minimum 3 days per week on campus)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic design and implementation of AI-enabled and digitally driven initiatives within the UNSW Innovation Hub.

• Drive human-centered design principles and advanced technical insight for complex problem-solving projects.

• Facilitate cross-disciplinary collaboration, bridging design, technology, and operations to achieve ethical and feasible technology outcomes.

• Develop and scale design-led methodologies and foster an innovation culture across the university and with external partners.

• Contribute to the Hub's strategic vision by identifying and leveraging emerging technologies and trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Strategist," the emphasis on AI, Digital Architecture, and technical insight positions this role at the intersection of design and technology operations, requiring a strong understanding of system implementation and process flows within an innovation context. The role is crucial for translating strategic innovation goals into tangible, technically sound projects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Strategize, design, and deliver AI-enabled and digitally driven problem-solving projects aligned with the Hub's strategic vision.

• Provide high-level design consultation and facilitate collaboration between transdisciplinary project teams, ensuring alignment across design, technology, and operations.

• Lead the framing of complex technological and organizational challenges and contribute to designing strategies and processes to address them.

• Facilitate day-to-day project activities, including designing and delivering workshops, consultation sessions, and overseeing prototyping and implementation processes.

• Provide high-level guidance to project teams, assist with delivery, monitor progress, and contribute to problem-solving and implementation support.

• Develop and support effective communications with key internal and external stakeholders, influencing collaboration and driving project success.

• Build innovation capability across UNSW by increasing staff engagement in design-led methodologies and Hub projects.

• Contribute to the creation, development, and scaling of a design-led, problem-solving culture at UNSW.

• Coordinate and drive the delivery and implementation of projects and initiatives to achieve strategic and operational goals.

• Foster and maintain strong relationships and networks across UNSW and with Hub Partners, monitoring industry trends and emerging technologies to enhance design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic foresight, hands-on facilitation, and operational oversight. The successful candidate will need to manage project lifecycles, ensure effective process adoption, and drive measurable innovation outcomes, akin to a GTM or product operations role within a research and development context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Relevant tertiary qualification in Design, or a related discipline with subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training, and professional practice. A Bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement.

Experience: A proven track record (5-10 years) as a Designer and Strategist/Consultant with expertise in design-led methodologies (including user research and usability testing) and broader problem-solving methodologies, specifically applied to AI-enabled and digitally driven initiatives across the project lifecycle.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in design-led methodologies (e.g., human-centered design, user research, usability testing).

• Advanced understanding of AI, digital systems, and technical architecture principles.

• Proven ability to frame complex technological and organizational challenges.

• Strong facilitation skills for workshops, consultation sessions, and collaborative activities.

• Experience in prototyping and overseeing implementation processes for digital and AI projects.

• Advanced written, verbal, and visual communication skills for articulating complex concepts to diverse audiences.

• Demonstrated experience in design education, including teaching design-led methodologies through active learning.

• High-level experience with digital collaboration tools and environments.

• Excellent time management and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

• Demonstrated ability to lead project teams and positively influence team dynamics and culture.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in higher education innovation or research hubs.

• Knowledge of AI ethics and responsible technology deployment.

• Familiarity with agile project management methodologies.

• Experience in developing and scaling innovation programs.

• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "design-led methodologies" and "problem-solving methodologies" indicates a need for candidates who can not only conceptualize but also operationalize strategies. Experience with the full project lifecycle, from problem framing to implementation, is critical, aligning with revenue and sales operations roles that manage complex go-to-market processes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Examples of successfully designed and implemented AI-enabled or digitally driven projects, showcasing the full project lifecycle from concept to execution.

• Case studies demonstrating the application of human-centered design and problem-solving methodologies to address complex organizational or technological challenges.

• Documentation of strategic planning processes, including how initial challenges were framed and how solutions were architected.

• Evidence of experience in facilitating workshops, leading consultations, and managing prototyping or implementation phases.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of documenting design processes, user research findings, and technical architecture decisions.

• Illustrate how you have contributed to or developed workflows for innovation projects, including AI implementation and digital system integration.

• Provide evidence of how you have measured or contributed to the measurement of project outcomes and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a portfolio that highlights not just design aesthetics but also the strategic and operational aspects of bringing AI and digital solutions to life. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to manage processes, integrate technical components, and articulate the ROI of their design and strategic interventions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: AUD $127,351 - $143,489 per annum, plus 17% Superannuation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive career development opportunities.

• 17% Superannuation contributions.

• Additional leave loading payments.

• An additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas period.

• Discounts and entitlements across retail, education, and fitness.

• Access to UNSW's lifestyle benefits.

Working Hours: Full-Time, 35-hour week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a senior strategic role in the Australian higher education sector. The benefits package is robust, reflecting UNSW's commitment to employee well-being and professional growth, which is attractive for operations professionals seeking a stable and supportive work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education, Innovation, Technology Services. UNSW is a leading Australian university focused on research and education, with the Innovation Hub acting as a catalyst for cross-disciplinary projects and external partnerships.

Company Size: Large (UNSW is a major university with tens of thousands of employees and students). The Innovation Hub likely operates as a dedicated team within this larger structure.

Founded: UNSW was founded in 1949. The Innovation Hub is a more recent initiative designed to drive modern innovation practices.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Innovation Hub Director and Manager.

• Collaboration will be with transdisciplinary project teams comprising academics, professional staff, and students.

• Close interaction with other Hub team members responsible for program delivery, partnerships, and operational support.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on design-led methodologies, human-centered design, and problem-solving frameworks.

• Integration of AI and digital architecture principles into project design and implementation.

• Focus on fostering collaboration, innovation culture, and scaling impactful projects.

• Data-driven approaches to inform design decisions and measure project success.

Company Website: https://www.unsw.edu.au/ (UNSW), with specific Innovation Hub initiatives likely detailed on internal or dedicated pages.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Innovation Hub's culture is likely dynamic, collaborative, and forward-thinking, driven by the university's mission to advance knowledge and societal progress. Operations professionals will find opportunities to influence processes and drive adoption of new technologies and methodologies within an academic and research-oriented environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior individual contributor position, often referred to as a "Principal" or "Lead" in other industries, focusing on strategic design and technical implementation within an innovation context. It requires significant experience and the ability to operate autonomously and influence outcomes.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Innovation Hub Manager and Director, indicating a clear line of accountability for strategic initiatives and project delivery.

Operations Impact: The Design Strategist's impact is measured by the successful design, development, and implementation of AI-enabled and digitally driven projects that advance UNSW's strategic goals. This includes fostering innovation capability, scaling successful projects, and building productive partnerships, directly contributing to the university's mission and reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Opportunity to shape and scale innovative projects within a leading university.

• Potential for leadership in emerging technology applications and design methodologies.

• Develop expertise in AI strategy and digital architecture within an academic and research setting.

• Expand professional network across academia, industry, government, and community sectors.

• Transition into more senior strategic roles within UNSW or related innovation/technology fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, this role offers a unique path to apply strategic thinking and process management skills in a research and development environment. Growth potential lies in deepening expertise in AI/digital architecture and leadership in innovation program management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the UNSW Innovation Hub in Paddington, NSW. This is likely a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and teamwork.

Office Location(s): Paddington, NSW. The successful candidate is required to work on campus a minimum of 3 days per week, indicating a hybrid work model.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative environment designed for cross-disciplinary teams and innovation activities.

• Access to digital collaboration tools and potentially prototyping facilities.

• Opportunities for interaction with diverse stakeholders from academia and external organizations.

• A supportive environment that encourages experimentation and continuous learning.

Work Schedule: A standard 35-hour work week, with the flexibility inherent in a hybrid model, allowing for focused work on campus and remote days for deeper analysis or personal work arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement, with a requirement for on-campus presence, suggests a balance between structured team collaboration and individual focused work. Operations professionals will appreciate the ability to manage their schedule while contributing actively to the Hub's initiatives.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of Cover Letter and CV. Focus on how your experience aligns with the "Skills and Experience" section, particularly your track record in AI/digital initiatives and design-led methodologies.

• First Interview: Likely with the Hub Manager and/or Director. Expect behavioral questions assessing your experience in problem framing, stakeholder management, and collaboration. Be prepared to discuss your approach to leading projects and fostering innovation.

• Second Interview/Workshop: May involve a practical exercise or case study presentation. This could test your ability to apply design-led methodologies, frame a complex challenge, or outline a strategy for an AI-enabled solution. This is where your portfolio will be crucial.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership, focusing on strategic fit and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your expertise in AI, digital architecture, and human-centered design. Prioritize those with demonstrable impact.

• Process & Outcomes: Clearly articulate the problem, your design strategy, the methodologies used (including AI/digital architecture considerations), the implementation process, and the measurable outcomes or impact. Quantify results where possible.

• Visual Storytelling: Use visuals (diagrams, wireframes, user flows, prototypes) to illustrate your design thinking and technical approach.

• Tailor to UNSW: Briefly explain how your skills and experience can contribute to UNSW's innovation goals and the specific mandate of the Innovation Hub.

Challenge Preparation:

• Problem Framing: Practice breaking down complex, ambiguous problems into manageable components, identifying key stakeholders, and defining success criteria.

• Methodology Application: Be ready to explain how you would apply design-led methodologies, AI, and digital architecture principles to solve a given challenge.

• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare examples of how you have communicated complex technical and design concepts to diverse audiences (technical, non-technical, academic, industry).

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is critical. Candidates should treat it as a demonstration of their operational capability to translate strategy into tangible, scalable solutions within a complex organizational structure like a university.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Tools like Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, InVision, or similar for user interface design, wireframing, and prototyping.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, Miro, Mural for virtual workshops, team communication, and collaborative ideation.

• Project Management: Tools such as Jira, Asana, Trello, or Monday.com for task management, workflow tracking, and project lifecycle oversight.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for analyzing user research data, usability testing results, and project performance metrics. Specific tools may vary but could include survey platforms, analytics dashboards, or custom reporting solutions.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly a CRM role, understanding how digital initiatives integrate with university systems or partner platforms may be beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation concepts to improve efficiency in project delivery and operational processes.

• Experience with digital systems and their underlying architecture is essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with a range of digital collaboration and design tools is expected. For operations professionals, understanding how these tools integrate and support streamlined workflows is key. The role implies a need to work with and potentially influence the adoption of new technologies and platforms within the Hub.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Experimentation: A culture that encourages exploring new ideas, technologies, and methodologies, with a tolerance for intelligent risk-taking.

• Collaboration & Inclusivity: Strong emphasis on working together across disciplines and backgrounds, valuing diverse perspectives to drive better outcomes.

• Impact & Purpose: A focus on creating meaningful, real-world impact through projects that align with UNSW's mission and societal benefit.

• User-Centricity: A commitment to understanding and prioritizing the needs of users (students, staff, partners) in all design and technology decisions.

• Ethical Technology: A strong consideration for the ethical implications of AI and digital technologies, ensuring responsible development and deployment.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative and transdisciplinary, requiring active engagement with individuals from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.

• Emphasis on co-creation, workshop facilitation, and open communication to build consensus and drive project momentum.

• A culture of continuous feedback and iterative improvement in both design processes and project outcomes.

• Knowledge sharing is encouraged to build collective capability within the Hub and across UNSW.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations candidates, embodying these values means being adaptable, a strong communicator, and focused on driving tangible results through collaborative processes within a dynamic academic setting.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating the complexities of a large university structure to implement new initiatives and technologies.

• Balancing the rapid pace of technological change (AI, digital architecture) with the established structures of higher education.

• Effectively integrating human-centered design principles with advanced technical requirements for AI-enabled projects.

• Securing buy-in and fostering adoption of new methodologies and technologies across diverse stakeholder groups.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen expertise in cutting-edge AI applications and digital architecture within a research context.

• Gain experience in scaling innovation programs and fostering design-led cultures.

• Opportunities to attend industry conferences, workshops, and potentially pursue certifications relevant to AI, digital strategy, or design.

• Mentorship from senior leaders within UNSW and potential exposure to industry partners.

• Develop advanced skills in stakeholder management, strategic planning, and project leadership within the higher education sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of innovation roles in established organizations. For operations professionals, these represent opportunities to hone strategic planning, change management, and stakeholder influence skills, positioning them for future leadership roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex technological challenge you've addressed using human-centered design and AI/digital architecture principles. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem framing, methodology, implementation, and impact.)

• "How would you facilitate collaboration between a transdisciplinary team of academics, technical experts, and university administrators on an AI-driven project?" (Highlight facilitation skills, communication strategies, and conflict resolution.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at the UNSW Innovation Hub specifically, and how do you see your skills contributing to our mission?" (Research UNSW's strategy and the Hub's mandate.)

• "How do you approach building and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders in a university environment?" (Emphasize collaboration, communication, and understanding of academic culture.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your portfolio presentation as a compelling story for each project: The Challenge, Your Solution (Design Strategy & Technical Approach), The Implementation Process, and The Impact/Outcome.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects. For operations roles, this is key to showing ROI.

• Interactive Elements: Be prepared to walk through diagrams, workflows, or prototypes. If presenting a case study, explain your role clearly as part of the team.

• Connect to UNSW: Conclude by explicitly linking your experience and approach to the specific needs and goals of the UNSW Innovation Hub.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, operational execution, and the ability to influence and collaborate within a complex, academic environment. Your portfolio is your primary tool for showcasing these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Strategist position:

• Submit both a Cover Letter and CV through the UNSW Job Board before Tuesday, 19th May 2026, by 11:30 pm.

• Cover Letter Customization: Tailor your cover letter (max 2 pages) to directly address the core "Skills and Experience" requirements. Use specific examples that highlight your expertise in AI, digital architecture, design-led methodologies, and project leadership.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your experience in AI-enabled initiatives, design strategy, and process implementation. Use keywords from the job description, such as "Human-Centered Design," "Digital Architecture," "AI Strategy," and "Stakeholder Engagement."

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a portfolio that showcases your best work in AI and digital strategy. Prepare to present 2-3 key case studies, focusing on the problem, your strategic approach, the methodologies used, and measurable outcomes. Be ready to discuss your role in the implementation process.

• Company Research: Deeply research UNSW's strategic priorities, its commitment to innovation, and the specific goals of the Innovation Hub. Understand how your role contributes to the university's broader mission of "Progress for All."

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.