Design Strategist (Education) – UNSW Innovation Hub

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Strategist (Education) – UNSW Innovation Hub

Company: UNSW

Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia

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

Category: Education Strategy & Design Operations

Date Posted: May 04, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (implied by responsibilities and salary)

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

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic planning, design, and delivery of innovative, learner-centered curricula and education programs within the UNSW Innovation Hub.

• Apply design-led methodologies and user research to develop future-focused curriculum frameworks and multi-modal learning experiences.

• Drive the implementation, pedagogical quality assurance, and continuous improvement of educational initiatives in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

• Facilitate collaborative curriculum development processes, workshops, and training sessions to foster creativity and applied problem-solving.

• Contribute to building innovation capability and a design-led problem-solving culture across UNSW.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Design Strategist (Education)" within an "Innovation Hub," indicating a focus on operationalizing innovative educational strategies. The emphasis on "design-led methodologies," "learner-centered curricula," and "stakeholder engagement" suggests a role that bridges strategic vision with practical execution in the higher education sector. The fixed-term nature and specific salary band suggest a senior individual contributor role focused on project-based outcomes within a defined timeframe.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Strategize, design, and deliver innovative, learner-centered curricula and education programs aligned with the UNSW Innovation Hub's strategic vision and organizational priorities.

• Drive the development and implementation of curriculum frameworks and education strategies across diverse UNSW communities and external contexts to achieve impactful, real-world outcomes.

• Translate complex design concepts into accessible, engaging learning experiences delivered across multiple modes (in-person, hybrid, online) using real-time and asynchronous models.

• Design and facilitate collaborative curriculum development processes, engaging closely with Innovation Hub colleagues, internal UNSW teams, and external clients/stakeholders to implement innovative solutions.

• Facilitate day-to-day project activities, including designing and delivering workshops, training sessions, and curriculum initiatives that foster creativity, critical thinking, and applied problem-solving.

• Provide strategic direction and coordinate program implementation, including monitoring and evaluating effectiveness, ensuring pedagogical quality assurance, and continuously refining curriculum based on feedback and evidence.

• Develop and maintain effective communications with key internal and external stakeholders, providing influential input to enhance collaboration and program success.

• Collaborate with the Innovation Hub team to build 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.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design, project management, and operational execution in an educational context. The role requires proficiency in translating high-level innovation goals into tangible curriculum and program outcomes, emphasizing a structured approach to design, development, and continuous improvement within a complex university environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Proven track record as a Designer and Strategist/Consultant with expertise in applying design-led methodologies (including user research methods and usability testing) and broader problem-solving methodologies.

• Demonstrated experience in curriculum strategy, program design, and implementation, including planning objectives and documentation.

• Demonstrated experience in design education, including the development and delivery of learner-centered curricula and teaching design-led methodologies through diverse approaches.

• Demonstrated success in collaborating effectively on initiatives with diverse individuals and teams at all levels within an organization.

• High-level experience with digital collaboration, prototyping, and AI-enabled environments, with the ability to rapidly adapt to evolving tools and platforms.

• Excellent time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, manage multiple tasks, and meet competing deadlines using sound judgment and initiative.

Required Skills:

• Design Strategy and Implementation

• Curriculum Development and Framework Design

• Learner-Centered Design Principles

• Design-Led Methodologies (e.g., Design Thinking, Human-Centered Design)

• User Research and Usability Testing

• Pedagogical Strategy and Quality Assurance

• Stakeholder Engagement and Management

• Project Management and Coordination

• Workshop Design and Facilitation

• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

• Digital Collaboration Tools and Platforms

• Prototyping and AI-Enabled Tools Proficiency

• Excellent Written, Verbal, and Visual Communication Skills

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within a University or Higher Education Innovation Hub environment.

• Expertise in scaling educational programs and initiatives.

• Advanced knowledge of emerging educational technologies and trends.

• Experience in fostering and scaling organizational cultures of innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong foundation in design thinking and educational program development, coupled with practical experience in implementation and stakeholder management. The requirement for adaptability with digital tools and AI suggests a forward-thinking approach to educational delivery. The "equivalent competence" clause allows for candidates with diverse backgrounds to apply, provided they can demonstrate the required expertise.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design-Led Methodology Application: Showcase projects where design-led methodologies were applied to solve educational challenges, from research and ideation to prototyping and implementation. Include details on the specific methodologies used (e.g., user journey mapping, persona development, service blueprints) and their impact.

• Curriculum Frameworks & Program Design: Present examples of curriculum frameworks or educational program designs you have developed. Detail the objectives, target audience, learning outcomes, and the pedagogical approach taken.

• Learner-Centered Experience Design: Provide case studies demonstrating the creation of engaging, multi-modal learning experiences, highlighting how user (learner) needs were central to the design process.

• Implementation & Evaluation Metrics: Include examples of how you have managed the implementation of educational initiatives and, critically, how their effectiveness was measured and evaluated. Quantifiable outcomes and ROI (if applicable) are highly valued.

• Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication: Illustrate instances of successful collaboration with diverse stakeholders (academics, students, industry partners) to co-create or implement educational programs.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in mapping out and optimizing workflows for curriculum development, program delivery, and stakeholder engagement processes.

• Implementation & Automation: Evidence of managing the implementation of educational programs, potentially involving digital tools, platforms, or automated processes to enhance delivery or learning.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Show how you have established metrics, tracked performance, and used data to inform continuous improvement cycles for educational programs and curricula.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio is crucial to demonstrate practical application of design thinking in education. It should highlight not just the design concepts but also the operational aspects of implementation, evaluation, and stakeholder collaboration. A strong portfolio will showcase the ability to translate strategic design into actionable and measurable educational outcomes within an institutional context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

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

Benefits:

• Superannuation: 17% employer contributions.

• Leave: Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas period.

• Career Development: Opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement.

• Discounts & Entitlements: Access to retail, education, and fitness discounts and entitlements.

• Work Environment: Supportive and collaborative university setting.

Working Hours: Full-time (35-hour week).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range places this role at a mid-to-senior level within the Australian higher education sector for a specialized design and strategy position. The 17% superannuation is a significant component of the total compensation, standard for Australian academic/research institutions. The fixed-term nature to December 2027 indicates a project-focused role, potentially leading to further opportunities based on performance and project needs.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Academic Research. UNSW is a globally recognized university renowned for its strengths in research and teaching across a broad range of disciplines.

Company Size: Large (UNSW is a major public university with tens of thousands of students and staff). This implies a complex organizational structure with diverse departments and a significant operational footprint.

Founded: 1949. UNSW has a long-standing history and established reputation in Australia and internationally.

Team Structure:

• Innovation Hub Focus: The role is part of the UNSW Innovation Hub, a dedicated unit focused on fostering innovation across the university. This suggests a dynamic, project-oriented team often working across traditional departmental lines.

• Reporting: The Design Strategist reports to the Innovation Hub Director and Manager, indicating a hierarchical structure within the Hub, but with significant autonomy in design and strategy execution.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role inherently requires extensive collaboration with academics, professional staff, students, and external partners (industry, government, community), emphasizing a matrixed and collaborative operational environment.

Methodology:

• Design-Led Innovation: The Hub's core methodology is design-led, focusing on user-centered approaches to identify needs, develop solutions, and drive adoption.

• Process Optimization: A key function is to improve existing methods and establish new processes for innovation, curriculum development, and collaboration.

• Data-Driven Improvement: While design-led, there's an expectation of utilizing evidence and feedback for continuous improvement and pedagogical quality assurance.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The UNSW Innovation Hub operates within a large, established academic institution. Its culture likely balances the academic rigor and traditional structures of a university with the agile, experimental, and collaborative ethos of an innovation unit. Expect a professional environment that values research, learning, and strategic impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior individual contributor level, requiring specialized expertise in design strategy, curriculum development, and educational program management within an innovation context. It's a strategic role focused on operationalizing new educational approaches.

Reporting Structure: The Design Strategist reports to the Innovation Hub Director and Manager. This provides a clear reporting line while allowing for independent work on projects. Collaboration with various university departments and external stakeholders is a key aspect of the role's operational network.

Operations Impact: The Design Strategist's work directly impacts the university's innovation capacity and the quality of its educational offerings. By designing and implementing new curricula and programs, they contribute to enhancing student learning experiences, fostering research collaborations, and strengthening partnerships with industry and government, thereby supporting UNSW's strategic goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of educational design, pedagogical innovation, or innovation strategy within higher education.

• Leadership: Potential to move into more senior strategic or managerial roles within the Innovation Hub or other university departments, leading larger projects or teams.

• Program Scalability: Opportunity to develop and scale successful educational programs, leading to broader impact and recognition.

• Industry Partnerships: Develop strong relationships with external industry and government partners, potentially opening doors to consulting or further collaborative projects.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning in cutting-edge design tools, AI applications in education, and emerging pedagogical approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a fixed-term role, it offers significant opportunities for professional development and impact within a leading university. The role provides a strong platform for building a career in educational innovation, design strategy, or higher education management, with potential for advancement based on performance and strategic alignment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work arrangement, requiring a minimum of 3 days per week on campus at the Paddington, NSW location. This suggests a blend of collaborative office-based work and remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): Paddington, NSW. This location is likely a dedicated hub for innovation activities, potentially offering a modern, collaborative workspace distinct from traditional academic settings.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The Innovation Hub environment is expected to be designed for collaboration, with meeting rooms, workshop spaces, and potentially open-plan areas conducive to brainstorming and co-creation.

• Tools & Technology: Access to digital collaboration tools, prototyping software, and AI-enabled platforms is a key requirement, suggesting a tech-forward workspace.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with the Innovation Hub team, university staff, students, and external stakeholders is integral to the role, fostering a dynamic and networked work environment.

Work Schedule: Full-time (35-hour week). While the hours are defined, the hybrid nature and project-driven environment may offer some flexibility in managing tasks and schedules, provided core on-campus days are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model at Paddington indicates a modern work environment designed to balance focused work with collaborative engagement, typical of innovation units. Candidates should be comfortable with a structured approach to hybrid work, ensuring sufficient on-campus presence for team collaboration and stakeholder interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of Cover Letter and CV, focusing on alignment with the "Skills and Experience" outlined.

• Shortlisting: Candidates demonstrating the strongest fit will be shortlisted.

• Interview(s): Likely to involve one or more rounds of interviews with the Hiring Manager (Michaela Turner), Hub Director/Manager, and potentially other team members or stakeholders. Expect questions about your design process, project experience, and approach to educational innovation.

• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: A significant component will likely be a presentation of your portfolio, demonstrating past work, methodologies, and impact. You may be asked to work through a hypothetical design challenge or discuss a detailed case study.

• Pre-Employment Checks: Successful candidates will undergo a series of checks as listed in the job description.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your expertise in design strategy, curriculum development, and learner-centered design. Ensure diversity in project types and methodologies.

• Structure for Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the methodologies used, the process followed, the collaborative efforts, and most importantly, the outcomes and impact achieved (quantifiable where possible).

• Highlight Design-Led Process: Emphasize your systematic approach to design thinking, user research, prototyping, and iterative development.

• Showcase Operational Skills: Demonstrate your ability to manage project timelines, coordinate stakeholders, and ensure quality assurance in program delivery.

• Prepare for Presentation: Be ready to present your portfolio concisely and engagingly, tailoring the narrative to the specific requirements of the UNSW Innovation Hub. Practice explaining complex concepts clearly to a diverse audience.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Thinking Scenarios: Be prepared for questions or exercises that test your ability to apply design thinking to educational challenges within a university context.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would engage and influence various university stakeholders (e.g., faculty, students, administrators).

• Curriculum Design Principles: Refresh your knowledge of current pedagogical theories, learner-centered approaches, and best practices for curriculum development in higher education.

• AI & Digital Tools: Be ready to discuss your experience with and approach to leveraging AI and digital collaboration tools in education.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize your practical experience and ability to articulate your design process and its impact. A well-prepared portfolio presentation is critical for success, demonstrating not just theoretical knowledge but also hands-on capability and strategic thinking in educational innovation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping Software: Tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), Miro, Mural for ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and visual design.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace for communication, real-time collaboration, and virtual workshop facilitation.

• Project Management Tools: Tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, or Monday.com for managing project timelines, tasks, and team progress.

• AI-Enabled Environments: Awareness and potential use of AI tools for content generation, research summarization, or data analysis in educational contexts.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Learning Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with platforms that track student engagement and learning outcomes (e.g., LMS analytics dashboards).

• Survey & Feedback Tools: Tools like Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, or Google Forms for gathering feedback from students and stakeholders.

• Data Visualization Tools: Potentially tools like Tableau or Power BI for presenting insights from program evaluations.

CRM & Automation:

• Learning Management Systems (LMS): Experience with or understanding of platforms like Moodle, Canvas, or Blackboard, as they are central to educational delivery.

• Workflow Automation: Understanding of how to leverage tools to streamline processes related to program administration or communication.

• Integration Concepts: Awareness of how different educational technologies might integrate to create a cohesive learning ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires adaptability with a range of digital tools, with a particular emphasis on collaboration, prototyping, and AI. While specific tools may vary, the ability to quickly learn and effectively utilize new platforms is paramount, especially in an innovation context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Experimentation: A culture that encourages trying new approaches, learning from failures, and pushing boundaries in educational design.

• Collaboration & Inclusivity: Strong emphasis on working together across diverse teams and backgrounds, ensuring all voices are heard and valued in the design process.

• Learner-Centricity: A core commitment to designing educational experiences that meet the needs and enhance the outcomes of students.

• Impact & Evidence: A focus on creating tangible, positive change and using data and feedback to demonstrate the effectiveness of initiatives.

• Agility & Adaptability: Responsiveness to evolving needs, technologies, and pedagogical trends in a dynamic higher education landscape.

Collaboration Style:

• Co-creation: Encouraging joint development of ideas and solutions with academics, students, and external partners.

• Open Communication: Fostering an environment where ideas can be shared freely, feedback is constructive, and challenges are discussed openly.

• Cross-Pollination: Facilitating the sharing of knowledge and best practices between different university units and the Innovation Hub.

• Facilitative Leadership: Guiding teams and stakeholders through design processes, empowering them to contribute and innovate.

📝 Enhancement Note: The UNSW Innovation Hub likely fosters a culture that is both intellectually stimulating and practically oriented. Success in this role will depend on embracing a collaborative mindset and actively contributing to a culture of continuous learning and innovation within the university.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating University Structures: Working within a large, established institution can present challenges in terms of bureaucracy, differing stakeholder priorities, and adoption rates for new initiatives.

• Balancing Innovation with Rigor: Ensuring that innovative educational approaches meet academic standards and quality assurance requirements.

• Scaling Impact: Moving from pilot projects to university-wide adoption and ensuring sustained impact requires strategic planning and strong change management.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in AI, digital learning tools, and pedagogical research requires ongoing learning and adaptation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to professional development in emerging design methodologies, educational technology, and innovation management.

• Industry Engagement: Opportunities to engage with leading thinkers and practitioners in higher education innovation and design through conferences, workshops, and partnerships.

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior leaders within the Innovation Hub or broader UNSW structure.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Working on diverse projects across various faculties and departments provides broad exposure to different academic disciplines and operational challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers the chance to tackle complex challenges in higher education innovation, which can be highly rewarding. The growth opportunities are substantial for individuals eager to contribute to the future of learning in a leading academic institution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used design-led methodologies to address a complex educational challenge. What was your process, and what was the outcome?"

• "How would you approach designing a new, learner-centered curriculum framework for a cross-disciplinary program at UNSW?"

• "What are the key considerations for implementing innovative educational programs within a large university setting, and how would you manage potential resistance?"

• "How do you ensure pedagogical quality and effectiveness when designing multi-modal learning experiences?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about UNSW and the Innovation Hub specifically?"

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

• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment. How do you foster a culture of innovation and inclusivity?"

• "How do you stay current with advancements in educational technology and design thinking?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your presentation like a story for each project: The Challenge, Your Approach (Methodology & Process), Collaboration, The Solution, and The Impact (Quantifiable Results).

• Visuals are Key: Use mockups, screenshots, diagrams, and data visualizations to illustrate your points and make your work tangible.

• Focus on "How" and "Why": Explain not just what you did, but how you did it and why you made certain decisions, linking them to user needs and strategic objectives.

• Demonstrate Adaptability: Highlight instances where you adapted your approach based on feedback or changing project requirements.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Be mindful of time. Rehearse your presentation to ensure it's clear, engaging, and within the allotted timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to deep-dive into your past projects, demonstrating not only your design skills but also your strategic thinking, operational capabilities, and ability to collaborate effectively within an academic and innovation context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Strategist position:

• Submit a Cover Letter and CV: Ensure your Cover Letter (max 2 pages) specifically addresses the core "Skills and Experience" mentioned in the advert.

• Curate Your Operations Portfolio: Select 3-5 impactful projects that showcase your expertise in design strategy, curriculum development, and learner-centered design. Prepare to present these with a clear narrative of challenge, process, collaboration, and quantifiable outcomes.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords related to design strategy, curriculum development, innovation methodologies, stakeholder engagement, and project management within an educational or innovation context.

• Research UNSW and the Innovation Hub: Understand their strategic goals, current initiatives, and the university's broader mission. This will inform your Cover Letter and interview responses.

• Prepare for a Design Challenge/Portfolio Presentation: Anticipate a scenario where you'll need to apply your design thinking skills to an educational problem or present your portfolio in detail. Practice articulating your process and impact clearly and concisely.

⚠️ 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.