Manager, Alumni & Engagement

Manager, Alumni & Engagement – New Colombo Plan (NCP) Program Support Unit (PSU)

Join us in shaping Australia’s future connections with the Indo-Pacific. This is a unique opportunity to lead alumni engagement for a flagship Australian Government initiative. You will drive meaningful connections, build a vibrant and active alumni network, and deliver high-impact engagement strategies that strengthen Australia’s relationships across the Indo-Pacific.

• Location – Adelaide, Australia
• Duration – three years
• Applications close on 29 June 2026 at 11:59pm AEST

About Palladium

Palladium is a global development and consulting firm, part of the GISI Consulting Group, working alongside some of the world’s leading project management and engineering organisations. We partner with governments, businesses, investors and communities to design and deliver complex programs that create lasting impact. With a presence across more than 90 countries, Palladium offers the opportunity to work on meaningful challenges, alongside talented colleagues, in environments where your work can truly make a difference.

About The Project

The New Colombo Plan (NCP) plays a key role in supporting the Australian Government’s objectives in building Asia capability. It aims to lift the Indo-Pacific capability and Asia literacy in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to undertake study, language learning and internships in the Indo-Pacific. The goal of NCP is NCP alumni contribute their skills, knowledge and networks to Australia’s enduring engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. This is achieved through three complementary grants programs: the Scholarship Program, Mobility Program and Semester Program.

The NCP PSU is administered by Palladium on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) under the Australia Awards Global Support Mechanism (AAGSM). The AAGSM provides operational and technical support services to DFAT’s International Education and Scholarships Branch, with two End of Investment Outcomes (EOIOs):

• EOIO 1 - Operational Support: High quality and efficient administrative and standard business support services provided to DFAT.
• EOIO 2: Technical Support: High quality, coherent, consistent and fit for purpose technical support services that also promote gender equality, disability and social inclusion outcomes throughout DFAT’s international scholarship programs network.

The NCP Program Support Unit (NCP PSU) supports DFAT’s New Colombo Plan Secretariat (NCS) with high-quality grant administration and management consistent with the principles of the Commonwealth Grant Rules and Principles. Support service delivery includes end-to-end grants cycle and funds management, as well as technical support in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL), alumni engagement, communications, events management, business sector engagement and risk management.

About the Role

As Manager, Alumni & Engagement, you will play a leadership role in designing and delivering alumni strategy, events, and engagement initiatives. You will grow and activate a high-value alumni network, strengthen partnerships with the business sector, and ensure alumni contribute to NCP outcomes.

The Manager Alumni and Engagement will also lead a small team, manage complex projects, and work closely with DFAT and key stakeholders.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of alumni engagement strategies, initiatives and campaigns
• Plan and deliver high-quality events, including major program milestones and alumni activities
• Manage stakeholder engagement across universities, government and the private sector
• Drive business engagement initiatives and support internship and partnership opportunities
• Oversee alumni engagement programs such as Alumni Representatives and Network Leads
• Lead procurement and management of event suppliers and service providers
• Work closely with communications teams to promote alumni impact and program outcomes
• Maintain alumni databases and contribute to monitoring, evaluation and reporting
• Lead and develop team members, ensuring quality delivery and continuous improvement
• Contribute to policy, process improvements and program reporting

Please refer to the Terms of Reference to learn more about the role when you click apply below.

About You

You are a strategic and collaborative leader with strong experience in alumni engagement, events, or stakeholder programs. You bring a balance of operational delivery, relationship management, and strategic thinking.

You will have

• Proven experience delivering alumni or engagement programs (e.g. education, scholarships, public diplomacy)
• Strong project and event management experience, ideally within complex or government programs
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple initiatives and stakeholders simultaneously
• Experience leading teams and managing performance
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and client relationship skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Experience in procurement and managing external suppliers (desirable)

How to Apply

Click the "Apply Now" button

Please submit your application online, including your CV and a cover letter, outlining your suitability in line with the requirements of the position.

Closing date: 29 June 2026 at 11:59pm AEST

If this opportunity interests you, we encourage you to apply promptly, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.