Design Strategist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Strategist

Company: UNSW

Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia

Job Type: Full-time, Temporary (2-year fixed-term contract)

Category: Design Strategy & Innovation Operations

Date Posted: May 29, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the strategic planning, development, and delivery of design-led, problem-solving initiatives within the UNSW Innovation Hub and in partnership with external organizations.

• Facilitate multidisciplinary project teams, lead stakeholder engagement, and support the implementation of university and faculty-wide policies and procedures aligned with strategic priorities.

• Cultivate strategic partnerships with industry, government, and community organizations to foster knowledge translation and project implementation.

• Contribute to the development and scaling of a design-led innovation culture across UNSW through training programs and initiatives.

• Identify and leverage emerging industry trends and technologies to enhance project outcomes and refine design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits at the intersection of design thinking, strategic planning, and operational project management within an academic innovation context. It requires a blend of creative problem-solving and structured execution, with a focus on driving tangible outcomes through collaborative efforts. The "Operations" aspect is embedded in the strategic planning, project delivery, stakeholder management, and process development for innovation initiatives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate internal and external design-led problem-solving projects, ensuring alignment with the Innovation Hub's strategic objectives and university priorities.

• Design and execute engaging workshops, consultation sessions, and collaborative project activities to foster innovative solutions and achieve desired project outcomes.

• Develop comprehensive project strategies, meticulously define complex problems, and implement effective problem-solving methodologies with diverse, multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.

• Provide strategic direction and oversight to project teams, actively monitor project progress against defined milestones, and proactively support the resolution of issues and competing priorities.

• Build and nurture robust relationships with a broad spectrum of internal and external stakeholders, including industry leaders, government officials, and community partners, to drive collaboration and support.

• Actively contribute to the development, dissemination, and scaling of a design-led innovation culture throughout UNSW, promoting new ways of thinking and working.

• Collaborate closely with Project Managers and other Innovation Hub staff to effectively support the delivery, implementation, and continuous improvement of Hub initiatives and training programs.

• Proactively identify and assess emerging industry trends, disruptive technologies, and best practices to continuously enhance project outcomes and optimize design processes.

• Mentor and guide junior designers, students, and interns within the Innovation Hub, fostering their development and contribution to project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on project leadership, strategic facilitation, and relationship management. The "Operations" component involves the systematic execution of innovation projects, from strategy development to stakeholder alignment and outcome delivery, requiring robust project management and process optimization skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience as a Designer and Strategist/Consultant, with a proven track record in applying design-led methodologies, including user research techniques and usability testing.

Required Skills:

• Design Strategy & Methodology: Expertise in design thinking, user-centered design, and other relevant design-led problem-solving frameworks.

• User Research & Usability Testing: Proficiency in conducting user research, analyzing findings, and applying usability testing principles to inform design decisions.

• Workshop Facilitation: Proven ability to design and lead effective workshops, consultations, and collaborative sessions with diverse groups.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Management: Strong skills in building rapport, managing expectations, and fostering collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

• Project Strategy & Planning: Capability to develop strategic project plans, define objectives, and outline execution pathways.

• Communication (Written, Verbal, Visual): Advanced ability to articulate complex design concepts and strategic ideas clearly and persuasively to varied audiences.

• Problem-Solving: Demonstrated capacity to analyze complex issues, identify root causes, and develop innovative, practical solutions.

• Proficiency in Digital Tools: High-level expertise in the Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft PowerPoint, Apple Keynote, and related design and presentation software.

• Team Leadership & Influence: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire multidisciplinary project teams, positively shaping project culture and driving towards successful outcomes.

• Organizational & Time Management: Excellent skills in managing multiple priorities, meeting competing deadlines, and maintaining efficient workflows in a fast-paced environment.

• Independent and Collaborative Work: Proven ability to work autonomously and as an effective team member in dynamic, multidisciplinary settings.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in Design Education and teaching design-led methodologies through active learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of creative, analytical, and interpersonal skills essential for a Design Strategist role. The "Operations" aspect is evident in the need for structured project execution, stakeholder management, and proficiency with productivity and design software, aligning with typical GTM and innovation operations requirements.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 significant design strategy or problem-solving projects that demonstrate a clear understanding of the design process from problem identification to solution implementation.

• Detail the specific design-led methodologies employed (e.g., Design Thinking, Lean UX, Human-Centered Design) and explain their application within each project context.

• Include examples of user research, ideation, prototyping, and testing phases, illustrating how insights were translated into actionable design strategies.

• Highlight cross-functional collaboration efforts, demonstrating the ability to work effectively with diverse teams (e.g., engineers, business analysts, marketing) to achieve project goals.

Process Documentation:

• Provide documentation examples that illustrate systematic approaches to problem definition, strategy development, and project execution within design contexts.

• Include examples of how you have documented workshop outcomes, stakeholder feedback, and key decision-making processes to ensure clarity and alignment.

• Demonstrate experience in process mapping or workflow design related to innovation projects or design initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio for this role should not only showcase design output but also the strategic and operational rigor behind it. It needs to demonstrate an ability to manage projects, engage stakeholders, and systematically apply design methodologies to achieve measurable results, mirroring the operational demands of GTM and innovation roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: AUD $127,351 - $143,488 per annum (Full-time equivalent)

Benefits:

• Superannuation: 17% employer contribution to superannuation.

• Leave Loading: Additional leave loading payments.

• Annual Leave: Standard annual leave entitlements.

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

• Discounts & Entitlements: Access to UNSW staff discounts and entitlements, including retail, education, and fitness benefits.

• Career Development: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the university.

Working Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a senior design strategy role in Sydney, Australia, reflecting the required expertise and level of responsibility. The benefits package is comprehensive, typical for a large educational institution, with a strong emphasis on retirement contributions and work-life balance provisions. The 35-hour work week indicates a standard full-time commitment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education & Research

Company Size: Large (over 10,000 employees)

Founded: 1949

Company Description: UNSW Sydney is a global research-intensive university, consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide. It is a leader in research and teaching across a broad range of disciplines, fostering innovation and a commitment to addressing societal challenges. The UNSW Innovation Hub is a key initiative driving strategic projects and embedding design-led thinking across the university.

Team Structure:

• The Design Strategist reports directly to the Director of the Innovation Hub, with a dotted reporting line to the Innovation Hub Manager for day-to-day operational activities and planning.

• This role does not have direct reports, focusing on individual contribution and facilitation.

Methodology:

• Design-Led Problem Solving: The core methodology involves using design thinking principles to identify complex problems, ideate solutions, prototype, and test, driving practical and innovative outcomes.

• Strategic Alignment: Projects and initiatives are closely aligned with UNSW's overarching strategy and faculty-specific priorities, ensuring relevance and impact.

• Partnership Cultivation: A key operational focus is building and maintaining strategic relationships with industry, government, and community organizations to support knowledge translation and project implementation.

• Culture Building: The Hub actively works to foster a design-led innovation culture, encouraging new approaches to problem-solving and collaboration across the university.

Company Website: https://www.unsw.edu.au/

📝 Enhancement Note: UNSW's culture emphasizes research excellence, innovation, and community impact. The Innovation Hub operates within this framework, aiming to translate academic expertise into real-world solutions. The Design Strategist role is pivotal in operationalizing this mission through structured, design-centric project execution and strategic partnership development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor / Specialist

This role is positioned as a senior specialist, requiring significant expertise in design strategy, facilitation, and project leadership. It's a step beyond junior design roles, focusing on strategic input and the operational execution of innovation projects. The emphasis is on driving outcomes and influencing project direction rather than managing a team directly.

Reporting Structure:

• Direct reporting to the Director, Innovation Hub, indicates a high level of trust and strategic involvement.

• Dotted line reporting to the Innovation Hub Manager ensures alignment with daily operational planning and execution.

Operations Impact:

• The Design Strategist's impact is measured by the successful delivery of design-led innovation projects, contributing to the strategic objectives of UNSW and its partner organizations.

• This includes driving tangible outcomes, fostering a culture of innovation, and strengthening external partnerships that can lead to grants, research collaborations, and real-world applications of university expertise.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific design-led methodologies or innovation domains relevant to UNSW's strategic research areas.

• Leadership: Transition into roles with direct team management responsibilities (e.g., Innovation Hub Manager) or take on larger, more complex strategic initiatives.

• Partnership Development: Grow into a role focused on cultivating and managing strategic external partnerships for the Innovation Hub or other university departments.

• Education & Mentorship: Develop further skills in design education and mentorship, potentially leading to curriculum development or formal teaching roles within design or innovation programs.

• Cross-University Influence: Gain broader influence across UNSW by leading high-profile projects and contributing to strategic policy development related to innovation and design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a Design Strategist in an academic setting like UNSW involves deepening specialized expertise, moving into broader strategic leadership, or focusing on partnership development and educational outreach, all while maintaining a strong operational focus on project execution and impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: University Campus Environment

The role is based at the UNSW Kensington Campus, offering a dynamic academic and research-focused work environment. This typically involves access to state-of-the-art facilities, libraries, and collaborative spaces designed to foster innovation and interdisciplinary work.

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The Innovation Hub likely features flexible workspaces, meeting rooms, and workshop areas conducive to collaborative design sessions and team activities.

• Technology & Tools: Access to standard office technology, high-speed internet, and potentially specialized design software and hardware. The role requires proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint, and Keynote, indicating a digitally-enabled workspace.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with the Innovation Hub Director, Manager, Project Managers, and various internal/external stakeholders, fostering a communicative and connected work atmosphere. The role also involves mentoring junior staff, encouraging knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule:

• A 35-hour work week is standard, with flexibility expected to accommodate project needs, workshops, and stakeholder engagement, which may occasionally require working outside standard hours. The fixed-term nature of the contract implies a defined project scope and timeline.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement at a major university campus suggests a collaborative, resource-rich, and intellectually stimulating environment. The operational aspects of the role will be supported by the university's infrastructure and a culture that encourages innovation and partnership.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR/Talent Acquisition reviews applications based on stated requirements, focusing on qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's core responsibilities.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the Director and/or Innovation Hub Manager to assess technical skills, strategic thinking, facilitation experience, and cultural fit. This stage may involve scenario-based questions related to design strategy and project leadership.

3. Portfolio Presentation/Workshop Simulation: A practical assessment where candidates present a selected portfolio piece, detailing their process, outcomes, and impact. This might also include a simulated workshop facilitation or problem-solving exercise to evaluate practical skills.

4. Final Interview/Panel: Potentially with additional senior stakeholders or team members to gauge broader fit and confirm suitability for the role and team dynamics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best exemplify your design strategy, problem-solving, and facilitation skills. Prioritize projects with clear objectives, demonstrable processes, and measurable outcomes.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach (methodologies, tools), your specific role and contributions, the challenges faced, the solutions developed, and the resulting impact (quantified if possible).

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your systematic approach to design and problem-solving. Showcase how you moved from research and ideation to implementation and evaluation.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Show evidence of working effectively with multidisciplinary teams and diverse stakeholders. Explain how you managed differing perspectives and fostered consensus.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use clear language and compelling visuals.

• Tailor to UNSW: If possible, subtly align your examples with UNSW's strategic areas or innovation goals, demonstrating an understanding of their context.

Challenge Preparation:

• Facilitation Skills: Practice facilitating hypothetical workshops or problem-solving sessions. Be ready to outline your approach to engaging participants, managing discussions, and capturing insights.

• Strategic Thinking: Prepare to discuss how you would approach developing a strategy for a new innovation initiative or tackling a complex problem relevant to a university setting.

• Stakeholder Management: Anticipate questions about how you would engage and manage diverse stakeholders with potentially conflicting interests.

• Design Process: Be ready to articulate your understanding of design-led methodologies and how you apply them practically.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess strategic thinking, practical application of design methodologies, and collaborative skills. A strong portfolio and preparation for practical exercises are crucial for demonstrating suitability for this operations-focused design strategy role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for visual design, prototyping, and presentation material creation (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, XD).

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in PowerPoint for presentations, Word for documentation, and Excel for data analysis.

• Apple Keynote: Alternative presentation software, often used in creative and academic settings.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly specified, but experience with CRM systems for managing external stakeholder relationships or project management/collaboration tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira) would support the operational aspects of project delivery and partnership management.

• Familiarity with collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams or Slack for team communication and project coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes creative and presentation tools, reflecting the 'design' aspect. However, proficiency with productivity software and an understanding of project management/collaboration tools are critical for the 'strategist' and 'operations' components of the role, ensuring effective project execution and stakeholder communication.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Purposeful Impact: A strong drive to create meaningful, real-world outcomes through innovation and design, aligning with UNSW's mission.

• Collaboration & Inclusivity: Valuing diverse perspectives and working effectively in multidisciplinary teams, fostering an inclusive environment where all voices are heard.

• Practicality & Pragmatism: Applying design thinking and strategic approaches in a practical manner to solve complex problems and achieve tangible results.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to ongoing learning, refining processes, and adapting to emerging trends and technologies in design and innovation.

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding high standards of ethical conduct in all interactions and project work, particularly when engaging with external partners and sensitive data.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively seeking out and working with individuals and teams across various university departments, faculties, and external organizations.

• Facilitative Leadership: Guiding discussions and decision-making processes in a way that empowers participants and encourages collective ownership of outcomes.

• Open Communication: Maintaining transparency and regular communication with the Innovation Hub Director, Manager, project teams, and stakeholders to ensure alignment and manage expectations.

• Feedback-Driven: Open to receiving and providing constructive feedback to enhance project execution and personal/team development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a mission-driven approach, collaborative execution, and practical application of innovative methodologies. This aligns with an operational mindset focused on achieving defined goals through effective teamwork and strategic implementation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a Large Organization: Effectively driving change and embedding design-led innovation within a large, established university structure can be challenging due to established processes and diverse stakeholder interests.

• Balancing Strategic Vision with Operational Execution: Ensuring that strategic project goals are met while managing the day-to-day operational demands of project delivery and stakeholder engagement.

• Securing Buy-in and Managing Expectations: Gaining support for new ideas and managing the expectations of various stakeholders with different priorities and levels of understanding of design thinking.

• Measuring Impact: Quantifying the impact of design-led initiatives, especially in a research and academic context where outcomes may be long-term or qualitative.

• Fixed-Term Contract: Working within a defined 2-year contract period requires efficient project delivery and a focus on achieving key milestones within the timeframe.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Strategy: Opportunities to explore and apply cutting-edge design methodologies and innovation frameworks.

• Strategic Partnerships: Developing skills in cultivating and managing high-level collaborations with industry, government, and community sectors.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining deep insights into UNSW's diverse research areas and operational functions, broadening your understanding of complex problem domains.

• Mentorship & Teaching: Honing leadership and pedagogical skills through mentoring junior staff and potentially contributing to design education programs.

• Innovation Culture Building: Playing a key role in shaping and embedding a future-focused innovation culture within a leading global university.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to tackle complex organizational challenges and grow within a dynamic innovation ecosystem. Addressing these challenges requires strong operational skills, strategic foresight, and a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex problem you've solved using design-led principles. Walk us through your process, the challenges you faced, and the measurable impact of your solution." (Focus on process, problem definition, stakeholder collaboration, and quantifiable outcomes.)

• "How would you approach developing a strategic plan for a new innovation initiative within a university setting, considering multiple faculties and external partners?" (Prepare to outline a structured approach, including stakeholder mapping, goal setting, resource allocation, and risk management.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you understand about UNSW's strategic goals, and how do you see the Innovation Hub contributing to them?" (Research UNSW's strategic plan and current initiatives. Connect the Hub's mission to these goals.)

• "How would you contribute to building a design-led innovation culture at UNSW?" (Discuss your experience in promoting new ways of working, sharing best practices, and fostering collaboration.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select for Impact: Choose a project that best showcases your strategic planning, problem-solving, and facilitation skills. Ensure it demonstrates a clear process from problem to solution.

• Structure Your Narrative: Clearly outline the problem statement, your role and methodology, key insights, design decisions, collaborative efforts, challenges overcome, and the final outcomes/impact. Use visuals effectively.

• Quantify Where Possible: If you have metrics (e.g., improved user satisfaction, increased efficiency, successful partnership established), present them clearly.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, alternative approaches you considered, and how you would scale or adapt the solution.

• Showcase Operational Rigor: Emphasize the structured approach you took, the project management aspects, and how you ensured alignment with strategic goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, robust process execution, and strong collaborative capabilities. A well-prepared portfolio presentation is critical for showcasing practical experience and operational effectiveness.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Strategist position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete and submit your CV and cover letter through the UNSW job portal by the deadline of June 14th, 11:30 PM.

• Craft a Strategic Cover Letter: Ensure your cover letter directly addresses the core Skills and Experience outlined in the job advertisement. Keep it concise, no more than 2 pages, and highlight how your background aligns with the role's strategic and operational demands.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your design strategy, problem-solving, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement capabilities. Prepare to articulate the process, your role, challenges, and outcomes for each.

• Research UNSW & the Innovation Hub: Familiarize yourself with UNSW's strategic priorities, research strengths, and the stated mission of the Innovation Hub. Understand their operational context and how your role contributes to their goals.

• Prepare for Interview Scenarios: Anticipate questions related to design methodology, strategic planning, workshop facilitation, stakeholder management, and problem-solving. Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description provides insights based on industry best practices and the provided information. Candidates are strongly advised to thoroughly review the official Position Description and directly contact the hiring managers for any specific clarifications before submitting their application.