Ref 2861/23 - Senior Development Lawyer, Office of General Counsel

• Deliver legal advice on a broad range of property, environment and planning matters
• Senior Remuneration Package
• Full-Time, Fixed-Term for 3 years, Parramatta Campus

About Western

Working at Western Sydney University means you will be part of an organisation that is ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide and is ranked the number 1 university in the world for its commitment to UN sustainable development goals, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for 2022. We understand the key to your success is unlocking your true potential – just as we do with our students.

Our 5,000 staff members work together to enable a dynamic, inclusive and innovative culture that is distinctly research-driven and student-centred. The University is deeply embedded in the community and the region we serve, which is Australia’s fastest growing economy and one of the most culturally diverse areas in Australia.

About the Office of General Counsel

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) provides independent legal services to the University, including the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor and other senior officers and has principal responsibility for the management, oversight, coordination and provision of all legal advice and services within or on behalf of the University and its controlled entities. 

The OGC supports the University across a wide spectrum of activities including commercial and technology transactions, research, litigation and disputes, and statutory compliance, working closely with stakeholders to produce viable and tangible solutions that align with the University’s goals and appetite for commercial and other risks. We have a team of specialist senior lawyers and a para legal supported by admin officers.

The OGC also plays a significant role in the development and review of university policies to ensure sound governance and statutory compliance.

About the Role

We are seeking to appoint a Senior Development Lawyer with 7-10 years post admission experience (university sector expertise preferable) to deliver authoritative and strategic legal advice on a broad range of property, environment and planning matters.

The role has a strong focus on Western Growth projects related to property development, acquisition and disposal of lands, leasing and licensing; easements and covenants; compulsory acquisition of land; planning and environment law; environmental protection; land valuation; Crown land; water rights, imposts and caveats.  The role also involves the legal work associated with the University capital works program.

Reporting to the University General Counsel, you will work closely with the University’s Division of Infrastructure and Commercial and other key business units where you will undertake a broad range of complex activities including the review, negotiation and drafting of legal documents for a broad range of property and/or environmental and planning matters reflecting the strategic, commercial and statutory requirements of the University.

You must be a highly motivated senior lawyer with extensive experience in advising on a variety of property matters. You will have strong communication skills and a demonstrated ability to manage a diverse and busy practice and build effective relationships with senior managers and stakeholders.

Benefits

Western Sydney University has long been identified as a University of the people. We value the contributions made by our staff and recognise that they underpin the enablement of our mission and values.

In return, we offer:

• 10.5% or 17% super contributions
• Supportive team and management
• Range of employee benefits including professional career development, workplace flexibility, and a variety of savings and discounts on a range of goods and services

This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 3 years based at the Parramatta South campus, with travel to other campuses as required. Flexible working arrangements will be available subject to completion of your probation.

Remuneration Package: A senior remuneration package is applicable to this appointment.

Position Enquiries: Natalia Villena, Executive Officer, via [email protected]

Closing Date: 8.30pm, Sunday 4 June 2023

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Western Sydney University is committed to diversity and social inclusion. Applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ, and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are encouraged.

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