Executive Assistant to General Counsel – University of Sydney
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* Full-time – on campus, continuing opportunity in a dynamic, future-focused legal team
* Deliver top-tier executive support to the General Counsel and senior leadership
* Base Salary $112,628 – $122,702 + 17% superannuation
About the opportunity
The Office of General Counsel (OGC) is the University of Sydney's agile and future-focused in‑house legal team. We partner across the University to provide strategic, high‑quality legal, policy, compliance and governance advice that supports the institution's vision and priorities.
OGC enjoys a highly trusted and collaborative culture, based in modern offices on our heritage Camperdown campus. We are a strategic business unit that embraces innovation and continuous learning, including through a dedicated professional development program focused on business, technology and career skills.
As the University evolves, particularly through digital transformation and the rise of generative AI, OGC is combining legal expertise with operational innovation to stay responsive, compliant and future-ready.
This is a fast‑paced and high‑impact role at the centre of that transformation. As Executive Assistant to the General Counsel, you will provide high‑level executive support that creates space for strategic focus and decision‑making. Reporting to the Senior Manager, you'll play a key role in coordinating complex priorities and refining operational systems through the Legal Support Operating Model (LSOM) – embedding innovation, efficiency and consistency across the portfolio.
You'll be part of a collaborative and trusted team that values initiative, continuous learning and professional growth – where your ideas for improvement are welcomed and your work genuinely makes a difference.
Key responsibilities
* Serve as the first point of contact for the General Counsel, triaging and prioritising matters with professionalism, discretion and sound judgment.
* Coordinate schedules, briefings, correspondence, travel and critical communications to maximise executive efficiency and impact.
* Prepare high‑quality reports, briefings and sensitive materials in a fast‑moving, high‑stakes environment.
* Manage confidential workflows and liaise effectively with senior stakeholders across the University.
* Provide executive, operational and administrative support that creates space for strategic leadership priorities.
* Contribute to the implementation and continuous improvement of the LSOM – embedding systems and processes that enhance operational effectiveness while championing innovation, automation and new ways of working.
This role is based on campus full‑time. The successful candidate must be able to work on the Camperdown campus five days per week.
About you
You are an experienced and proactive Executive Assistant who thrives in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment. You bring strong foresight and intuition in anticipating executive needs and priorities, and you take pride in creating structure and clarity amidst complexity.
Highly organised and composed under pressure, you demonstrate exceptional discretion, professionalism and judgment in managing confidential matters and sensitive communications. You're skilled at balancing multiple priorities, building trusted relationships and maintaining calm efficiency when it matters most.
Experience supporting senior leaders in large or complex organisations is essential, and exposure to legal or higher education environments will be highly regarded. Above all, you bring initiative, adaptability and a passion for continuous improvement and learning.
Sponsorship / work rights for Australia
You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.
Pre‑employment checks
Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre‑employment or background checks in a manner satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.
EEO statement
At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.
How to apply
Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.
For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Kristy Fairweather, Recruitment Operations by email at
Applications Close Sunday 23 November :59 PM
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