USU Opens Applications for New CEO

Ellie Stephenson reports.

The University of Sydney Union (USU) has opened applications for its next CEO with an advertisement for the position appearing on Seek. The new CEO take over the role after previous CEO Alexis Roitman resigned after 6 months in the role. Acting CEO Jessica Reed is highly likely to apply for the role.

The advertisement, which was riddled with writing errors, described the USU as “Working together with the University senate the independent student led board provide  an ever increasing range of programs, events and services”. It described the priorities of the CEO’s role as “achieving business operating profit targets”, working “closely with the board and key University stakeholders to build both membership and participation” and “full operation decision making authorities”. 

The advertisement identified desirable qualities for the CEO as “degree qualified”, having a “track record of success” and having “an entrepreneurial nature”. 

Some staff expressed displeasure that they were not consulted about their priorities for the new CEO. Staff complained that they did not have input on the position description, salary range and other details relating to the job advertisement. 

The advertisement does not indicate the closing date for application, nor the pay rate, however it did appear in the $200K+ category on Seek. It is also unclear at this stage whether the CEO will begin work on 100% capacity, while the majority of the staff are working only 80% of their typical hours.

The text of the job advertisement at time of writing.