David Maxwell

My passion is in delivering transformative student experiences, which is evident in my 18 years of experience in tertiary education. I am a results-driven, data-informed leader, that demonstrates a successful ability to consistently deliver these transformative student experiences through strategic partnerships, university-wide programs and stakeholder engagement. My leadership has achieved an 112% increase in sport scholarship funding between 2022 and 2025, growing from $250,000 to $530,000 annually, resulting in $1,640,000 in direct financial support to students. Since 2019, over 100,000 students have engaged in university-wide programs that I have led, including Onboarding and Transition; AHEGS Co-Curricular Program; Launch of the UNSW App; Cultural Experience Programs; and inclusive sporting events. Since 2022, I have achieved $7,592,856 in UNSW brand exposure through strategic partnerships with the NSW Waratahs and Sydney Swans. I also possess strong skills in policy, governance, and compliance which is demonstrated through leading the execution of legally binding partnership agreements, exceeding a value of $1,000,000 annually, and ensuring alignment with UNSW and Sport Strategies. These outcomes reflect my ability to lead at scale, influence across a matrix of internal and external stakeholders, and deliver strategic value.

• Increased sport scholarship funding by 112% between 2022 and 2025, growing from $250,000 to $530,000 annually, resulting in $1,640,000 in direct financial support to UNSW students.
• In 2024, led high level collaboration for UNSW Sport with Philanthropy to successfully secure $300,000 in new donor funds for Sport Scholarships.
• Achieved $7,592,856 in UNSW brand exposure from 2022 to 2025 through strategic partnerships with the NSW Waratahs and Sydney Swans.
• Designed and executed legally binding partnership agreements exceeding a value of $1,000,000 annually, ensuring strategic alignment with UNSW and Sport Strategies, and compliance with governance frameworks.
• Analysed, designed and implemented the UNSW Sport Partnership Framework across 12 strategic pillars, delivering 209 measurable partnership benefits annually across nine sport partnerships. Strategic pillars include- Pathways, Scholarships, International, Accommodation, Elite Athletes, Student Engagement, Educational Excellence, Alumni & Development, Societal Impact, Sport Clubs, Media/Branding, Infrastructure.
• Led strategic academic integration with Faculties of Medicine & Health, Science and Engineering to facilitate PHD, Honours, and undergraduate placements with the Sydney Swans, NSW Waratahs, Randwick Rugby and Wheelchair Sport NSW/ACT.
• Led university-wide programs engaging over 100,000 students since 2019, including Orientation & Transition, AHEGS Co-Curricular Programs, UNSW App launch, and inclusive cultural and sporting events.
• Directed the launch of the UNSW App (Uni-Verse) in collaboration with IT, achieving 65,000 student downloads and registrations between 2017 and 2019, and embedding student feedback through the Students as Partners model.
• Co-founded the ACPE Cultural Experience Program, enabling 45 students and 5 staff to deliver volunteer teaching in Cambodia from 2011 to 2015, raising $80,000, building four playgrounds, and funding three university scholarships.