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

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Innovation Hub Design Strategist – AI and Digital Architecture

Company: UNSW

Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia

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

Category: Innovation Strategy & Digital Architecture

Date Posted: May 5, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

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

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in driving innovation at UNSW by strategically designing and advancing AI-enabled and digitally driven solutions within the Innovation Hub.

• The Design Strategist will combine human-centered design principles with advanced technical insights to lead research, problem framing, prototyping, and implementation of emerging technologies.

• A key focus will be facilitating cross-disciplinary collaboration among academics, staff, and students, fostering a design-led, problem-solving culture across the university.

• The position requires strong stakeholder engagement skills to build and maintain partnerships with internal UNSW departments and external industry, government, and community stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title suggests a focus on "Design Strategist," the responsibilities and required skills clearly indicate a role deeply embedded within the operations and strategic execution of innovation initiatives, particularly concerning technology adoption and process enhancement. This role bridges the gap between conceptual innovation and practical implementation, requiring a blend of design thinking, technical acumen, and project management capabilities, making it highly relevant to operations professionals focused on GTM enablement and digital transformation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

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

• Provide high-level design consultation and facilitate collaboration between transdisciplinary project teams, ensuring alignment across design, technology, and operations for ethical, feasible, and human-centered technology outcomes.

• Lead the framing of complex technological and organizational challenges, contributing to the design of strategies and processes to address them effectively.

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

• Lead project activities and provide high-level guidance to teams, assisting with delivery, monitoring progress, and contributing to problem-solving and implementation support.

• Develop and support effective communications with key internal and external stakeholders, providing influential input to enhance collaboration and drive project success.

• Collaborate with the Innovation Hub team to 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 changes in government policy, industry trends, and emerging technologies to enhance design processes and outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize project leadership, stakeholder management, process facilitation, and strategic implementation of technology. This aligns with core operations functions, particularly in driving GTM initiatives through efficient project execution and cross-functional alignment. The focus on building capability and culture points to change management aspects within operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Relevant tertiary qualification in Design or a related discipline, or equivalent competence gained through a combination of education, training, and professional practice.

Experience: Proven track record as a Designer and Strategist/Consultant with expertise in design-led methodologies (including user research and usability testing) and broader problem-solving methodologies. Demonstrated application within AI-enabled and digitally driven initiatives across the project lifecycle, including planning, objectives, and documentation.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in design-led methodologies (e.g., human-centered design, user research, usability testing) and broader problem-solving frameworks.

• Proven experience applying these methodologies to AI-enabled and digitally driven initiatives across the full project lifecycle, including planning and documentation.

• Advanced written, verbal, and visual communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex design and technological concepts to diverse audiences.

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

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

• Excellent time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, respond to changing priorities, and meet competing deadlines.

• Demonstrated ability to lead project teams and positively influence project cultures.

• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and independently with initiative.

Preferred Skills:

• Expertise in technical architecture and digital systems.

• Experience with AI-enabled environments and rapid adaptation to evolving tools and platforms.

• Demonstrated success in collaborating effectively with diverse individuals and teams at all organizational levels.

• Sound judgment and initiative in decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "proven track record" and "demonstrated experience" highlights the need for candidates to showcase concrete examples of their work. For operations professionals, this translates to demonstrating impact through metrics, process improvements, and successful project delivery. The requirement for Australian working rights is a critical eligibility criterion.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase specific examples of design-led and AI-enabled projects, illustrating the full project lifecycle from problem framing to implementation.

• Provide evidence of applying user research, usability testing, and human-centered design principles to achieve tangible outcomes.

• Demonstrate proficiency in digital collaboration and prototyping tools, highlighting efficiency gains or innovative solutions developed.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have documented project plans, objectives, and deliverables for AI and digital initiatives.

• Documentation of workshop facilitation, consultation sessions, and prototyping processes managed.

• Evidence of monitoring project progress, problem-solving during implementation, and stakeholder communication strategies.

• Showcase contributions to building design capability and fostering a problem-solving culture through documented initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on innovation strategy and digital architecture, a robust portfolio is paramount. Candidates should prepare to present case studies that not only demonstrate design and technical skills but also highlight their ability to manage complex projects, drive collaboration, and achieve measurable results through process optimization and efficient implementation of AI and digital solutions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: AUD $127,351 - $143,489 per annum (Remuneration Level 8)

Superannuation: 17% Superannuation contributions

Benefits:

• Career development opportunities

• Additional leave loading payments

• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas period

• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness)

• Access to UNSW's lifestyle benefits

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is benchmarked at Level 8, indicating a mid-to-senior level position requiring significant experience and specialized skills. The comprehensive benefits package, including generous superannuation and additional leave, reflects UNSW's commitment to employee well-being and professional growth, which are attractive aspects for operations professionals seeking stable and supportive employment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education & Research (specifically focused on innovation and technology integration)

Company Size: Large University (UNSW is a major global research university)

Founded: 1949 (UNSW has a long-standing history of academic excellence and innovation)

Team Structure:

• The role is part of the UNSW Innovation Hub, a dedicated unit focused on driving innovation across the university.

• Collaboration is central, involving academics, professional staff, students, and external partners (industry, government, community).

Methodology:

• The Hub employs design-led methodologies and human-centered design principles.

• A strong emphasis is placed on AI-enabled and digitally driven problem-solving.

• The team fosters a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and strategic application of emerging technologies.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: UNSW's culture is research-intensive and forward-looking, with a stated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. The Innovation Hub specifically cultivates an environment that encourages experimentation, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and the practical application of cutting-edge technologies. For operations professionals, this means an environment that values strategic thinking, process innovation, and measurable impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role sits at a mid-to-senior level, requiring substantial expertise in design strategy, AI, and digital architecture. It involves leading projects, influencing strategy, and building capabilities, offering significant growth potential within innovation management and technology strategy.

Reporting Structure: The Design Strategist reports to the Innovation Hub Manager and works closely with the Hub Director. This structure allows for direct engagement with leadership and significant autonomy in project execution.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is measured by its contribution to UNSW's innovation pipeline, the successful implementation of AI and digital solutions, the enhancement of university-wide innovation capabilities, and the strengthening of external partnerships. This directly influences UNSW's strategic goals for research, education, and societal impact.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in AI, digital architecture, human-centered design, and innovation management through leading complex projects and exposure to diverse stakeholders.

• Leadership Potential: Develop leadership skills by guiding project teams, influencing strategic direction, and contributing to the Hub's growth and program scaling.

• Network Expansion: Build a robust network within UNSW and with external industry, government, and community partners, opening doors for future collaborations and career advancements.

• Specialization: Potential to specialize further in specific AI applications or digital architecture domains relevant to higher education and research.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique blend of strategic innovation and practical implementation within a leading academic institution. The growth opportunities are substantial for operations professionals looking to pivot into innovation strategy, technology leadership, or advanced project management within the education sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, requiring a minimum of 3 days per week on campus at Paddington, NSW.

Office Location(s): Paddington, NSW campus. This location is known for its vibrant environment, fostering creativity and collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is designed to be collaborative and innovative, supporting transdisciplinary teams working on cutting-edge projects.

• Access to modern digital collaboration and prototyping tools is expected.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with diverse teams, stakeholders, and leadership within the Innovation Hub and across UNSW.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 35-hour week. The hybrid model offers flexibility while ensuring on-campus presence for team collaboration and strategic engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and campus-based work environment at Paddington suggest a dynamic workspace that balances flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration, crucial for design thinking workshops and team-based project execution. Operations professionals can expect an environment that supports both focused work and interactive brainstorming.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of Cover Letter and CV, focusing on alignment with required skills and experience, particularly in design-led methodologies, AI, and digital architecture.

• First Interview: Likely with the hiring manager (Michaela Turner) and/or Hub Manager to assess technical expertise, strategic thinking, and cultural fit. Expect questions on your approach to AI-enabled projects, design challenges, and stakeholder management.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio review or a prepared case study showcasing their experience in designing and implementing digital or AI solutions. This will assess problem-framing, solution design, and communication skills.

• Final Interview: May involve the Hub Director or other senior stakeholders to evaluate strategic alignment, leadership potential, and overall fit within UNSW's innovation ecosystem.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Focus on 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your expertise in AI, digital architecture, human-centered design, and project lifecycle management.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the technologies used (AI, digital systems), the processes followed, and the measurable outcomes or impact achieved. Use metrics where possible.

• Showcase Collaboration: Highlight instances where you facilitated cross-disciplinary teams or managed diverse stakeholder groups.

• Explain Design-Led Methodology: Clearly articulate your process, including user research, prototyping, and iterative development, and how it led to effective solutions.

• Tailor to UNSW: Frame your experience in the context of a leading university's innovation goals, emphasizing your ability to contribute to research, education, and societal impact.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your understanding of AI's ethical implications and its application in an academic or research setting.

• Think about how you would frame and approach a complex, undefined problem using design-led and AI-driven methodologies.

• Consider how you would foster a collaborative, design-led culture within a large organization.

• Prepare examples of how you have managed competing priorities and influenced stakeholders to adopt new technologies or processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential case study indicates that practical demonstration of skills is key. Operations candidates should focus on showcasing their ability to translate strategy into actionable plans, manage complex projects, and deliver measurable results, using data and process frameworks.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Tools like Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, InVision, Miro, Mural for collaborative design, wireframing, and prototyping.

• AI & Digital Architecture: Familiarity with conceptual understanding of AI frameworks, machine learning principles, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), and digital system design. Specific tool proficiency may vary but understanding of their application is key.

• Project Management & Collaboration: Tools such as Jira, Asana, Trello, Microsoft Teams, Slack for workflow management, task tracking, and team communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Power BI, Tableau) for understanding user behavior and project performance, though direct hands-on use might be less emphasized than strategic interpretation.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how digital solutions integrate with broader organizational systems and workflows is beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation concepts and tools to streamline processes within innovation projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a strategic understanding of various technology domains rather than deep technical expertise in every tool. For operations professionals, highlighting experience with project management software, collaboration platforms, and the strategic application of data analytics for decision-making will be highly relevant. Understanding how to integrate digital solutions into existing operational frameworks is also crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Experimentation: A drive to explore new ideas, test hypotheses, and embrace emerging technologies like AI.

• Collaboration & Inclusivity: Valuing diverse perspectives and fostering an environment where all team members can contribute effectively.

• Impact & Purpose: Focusing on projects that deliver significant value to UNSW, its students, researchers, and external partners, aligning with the "Progress for All" strategy.

• Design-Led Problem Solving: A commitment to user-centered approaches and iterative processes to solve complex challenges.

• Ethical Technology Use: Ensuring that AI and digital solutions are developed and deployed responsibly and ethically.

Collaboration Style:

• Transdisciplinary: Working seamlessly across different academic disciplines and professional functions.

• Facilitative: Guiding teams through design processes and problem-solving sessions.

• Partnership-Oriented: Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

• Open Communication: Encouraging feedback, transparency, and knowledge sharing within the team and with project participants.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture at the Innovation Hub is geared towards proactive problem-solving, embracing change, and fostering a collaborative spirit. Operations professionals who can demonstrate adaptability, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to driving positive change will thrive in this environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a Large Organization: Effectively driving innovation and change within a large, established university structure with diverse stakeholder interests.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with the fast-changing landscape of AI and digital technologies and identifying their most impactful applications.

• Ethical AI Implementation: Addressing the complex ethical considerations associated with deploying AI in an educational and research context.

• Balancing Strategy and Execution: Ensuring that innovative ideas are translated into practical, scalable, and operationally sound solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI & Digital Architecture Expertise: Opportunities to deepen knowledge and practical application of AI and digital systems through hands-on project work.

• Innovation Strategy: Developing strategic thinking and program management skills within a leading university innovation ecosystem.

• Leadership & Influence: Enhancing capabilities in team leadership, stakeholder management, and driving cultural change.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining insights into diverse research areas and academic disciplines, broadening one's understanding of innovation drivers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for roles bridging strategy and execution in dynamic fields. The growth opportunities are significant, offering a path for operations professionals to develop into leaders in innovation, technology strategy, and digital transformation within the higher education sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to framing a complex, ill-defined problem using design-led methodologies and AI."

• "How would you foster a design-led, problem-solving culture within a large university setting like UNSW?"

• "Walk us through a project where you successfully integrated AI or advanced digital architecture into a solution. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about UNSW's Innovation Hub and its mission?"

• "How do you see your skills contributing to UNSW's strategy of 'Progress for All'?"

• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment and how you build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Start with an overview of your role and the UNSW Innovation Hub's mandate. Then, present 2-3 key projects, dedicating ample time to each.

• Content: For each project, clearly articulate: the challenge, your strategic design approach, the methodologies used (human-centered design, AI integration), your specific contributions, the technology stack, stakeholder engagement, challenges faced, and measurable outcomes/impact.

• Delivery: Be concise, engaging, and prepared to answer detailed questions about your process, technical choices, and strategic rationale. Use visuals where appropriate.

• Connect to Role: Explicitly draw parallels between your past experiences and the requirements of the Innovation Hub Design Strategist role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of strategic thinking, technical understanding, and practical execution skills. For operations professionals, this means framing your answers to highlight your ability to manage complex initiatives, drive efficiency, and achieve measurable business outcomes through technology and process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Innovation Hub Design Strategist position:

• Submit your application via the UNSW Job Board before Tuesday, May 19, 2026, by 11:30 PM.

• Ensure your Cover Letter (no more than 2 pages) directly addresses the core Skills and Experience mentioned in the advert, providing specific examples of your expertise in design-led methodologies, AI, and digital architecture.

• Tailor your CV to highlight relevant experience in project leadership, stakeholder engagement, and the application of human-centered design and AI in problem-solving initiatives.

• Prepare your portfolio for potential review, ensuring it showcases your ability to design and implement digital and AI solutions, quantifying impact and detailing your process.

• Research UNSW's Innovation Hub, its strategic goals, and recent projects to understand the context and demonstrate your alignment with their mission and culture.

⚠️ 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.