$122,628 – 136,449 (HEW Level 8) plus 17% employer's superannuation and annual leave loading
Full Time | Fixed Term Contract 2.5 Years | Hybrid Ways of Working
Based at Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde
StepAhead is an innovative early childhood program attached to the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood). StepAhead is funded by the NSW Department of Education and delivered by Macquarie University over five sessions in 2026-2028. The program is designed to support students in their academic journey, from enrolment to graduation, with tailored wraparound support, mentoring and tutoring. The program is informed by our sector partners and by an expert steering group.
We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Project Manager to coordinate and deliver key aspects of the program over a 2.5-year fixed term.
The Role
The StepAhead Project Manager is an experienced professional who will lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of a large-scale education program. With a background in early childhood, school education, or a related field, they will ensure smooth operations, outstanding student support, and high-quality outcomes. The role works closely with internal teams, external partners, and students, while also supporting program administration and evaluation.
Key Responsibilities
Manage StepAhead digital platforms and systems, including the iLearn site, CMS updates, governance and compliance requirements, and risk management
Coordinate StepAhead operations and service delivery, including enrolments, timetabling, access to university and bespoke services, degree pathway documentation, and support for Far West Hub/CUC initiatives
Oversee project finances, including budget management, expenditure tracking, and payment approvals for mentors and academic tutors in collaboration with the Project Lead
Lead the recruitment, onboarding, training, and ongoing management of mentors and academic tutors, including engagement tracking and Communities of Practice
Coordinate student support services, including wellbeing support, academic tutoring, scholarships, and professional experience placements, acting as a key point of contact for student
Build strong relationships with students, academics, and partners to support engagement, wellbeing, and a strong sense of belonging
Assist with marketing campaigns and social media promotion to raise program awareness
Administer, collate and analyse data from evaluation surveys, focus groups, and interviews
Coordinate project administration, including Teams site management, document templates and filing, meeting scheduling and support (agendas and minutes), and travel and logistical arrangements for academic teams and stakeholders
About You (Selection Criteria)
You are highly organised with strong project management skills and confidence in working with a wide range of stakeholders. You are comfortable using digital platforms including CMS, LMS, and social media, and can work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team. You thrive in fast-paced environments, managing multiple priorities and deadlines with professionalism and ease.
Bachelor, Masters, or PhD-level qualifications in early childhood (desirable) or a cognate area (considered)
Classroom experience in early childhood (desirable) or a cognate area (considered)
Experience in successfully managing and delivering large and complex projects, ideally in education
Understanding of the tertiary education landscape including degree structures, marketing and education units, accreditation, and governance
Experience and capacity to collaborate effectively in a large team and supervise/mentor junior staff.
Exceptional organisation skills and capacity to work independently and with initiative.
Exceptional written and spoken communication skills with capacity to draft written reports and liaise with internal and external stakeholders.
Capacity to manage quantitative and qualitative evaluation data and provide preliminary summaries (desirable)
About Us
Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Celebrating its 60th year in 2024, it was established as a bold experiment in higher education and designed to break from educational traditions to work in tandem with industry. Institutionally we strive for the extraordinary by challenging convention and embracing different views. Our pioneering culture has encouraged and inspired students, staff and collaborators to break free from conventional thinking, and to actively shape the complex issues that define the future of humanity.
Why work at Macquarie
We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index, having recently earned a five-star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability.
Our prime location, we are walking distance from Macquarie University Metro Station and Macquarie Shopping Centre. Not only are we close, take a look at our benefits on offer:
17% Superannuation
Subsidised onsite parking options
Flexible working options
Training and professional development
Onsite childcare facilities
Discounted health insurance (Medibank)
Onsite vacation care
Employee Assistance Program
Subsidised membership at the Sport & Aquatic Centre
Onsite GP, imaging & physio clinics
How to apply
To be considered, please apply online with your CV and a cover letter outlining how your experience aligns with the selection criteria (above).
Applications will close on Monday 26th January and please note we reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.
If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.
Applications Close:
26/01/2026 11:59 PM
A Place Where You Belong
At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.
Flexible Work
At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.