As Senior Executive Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor and President at Macquarie University, you will bring more than organisational excellence - you will be a trusted confidant, a skilled navigator, and an essential partner to one of Australia's most forward-thinking university leaders, bridging their vision and action to the wide ecosystem of students, staff, stakeholders and partners with which they engage every day.
You will manage a complex and demanding executive office with precision, discretion and quiet authority. You will anticipate, organise, advise, and enable, ensuring the Vice-Chancellor's time, attention and energy are always directed where they matter most.
The Role
You will manage all aspects of the Vice-Chancellor's schedule, including complex and fluid diary and travel coordination across national and international time zones, preparation and management of high-level correspondence, briefings, and confidential documents and liaison with the University Council, Academic Senate, senior executives, government representatives and international partners.
You will act as a first point of contact for the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, identify and resolve competing priorities with sound judgment and minimal direction, and mentor other Senior Executive Assistants across the University Executive Group.
About You
You bring extensive experience supporting a C-suite or equivalent executive in a large, complex organisation. You are known for your unimpeachable discretion, your ability to stay composed under pressure, exceptional organisational skills, and your talent for turning ambiguity into clear, purposeful action.
You write with precision and polish. You communicate with confidence across every level of an organisation. You understand that the best executive assistants are linked to their executive’s success, and therefore always deliver to an exceptional standard.
You hold relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent demonstrated experience, and you have a genuine affinity for the values of a research-intensive university: curiosity, integrity, collaboration, and impact.
Why work at Macquarie
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. Connect with us today.
We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index. Take a look at the staff benefits on offer.
Pre-Employment Checks
Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role for which they have applied.
Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.
How to apply
Please apply online and attach your resume and a separate cover letter that outlines against the selection criteria how your experience is aligned to the role.
*Please note this position requires a criminal record check.
For a confidential conversation, please contact Heather Mackinnon, Director and Chief of Staff, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, via heather.mackinnon@mq.edu.au or Sarah Bate, Head of Talent Acquisition, via sarah.bate@mq.edu.au.
Applications Close: Tuesday 7 April 2026 at 11:59pm AEDT.
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:
07/04/2026 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.