CSU alumnus James McKechnie started in the part-time role on Monday.

His role will focus on advancing the university's engagement with its communities by building relationships and outcomes that support both Charles Sturt and the region's strategic objectives.

Mr McKechnie said he was passionate about continuing to build on the work Charles Sturt had done.

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"The university has a proud tradition of not only providing first-call higher education opportunities but of actively engaging with and enhancing communities in regional Australia," he said.

"I look forward to dedicating myself to the task of opening up more avenues for Charles Sturt University to serve this community."

CSU director of industry and community engagement Associate Professor Laura Dan said Mr McKechnie's role was a "vital one" for the university and deliver many benefits for the wider region.

"As well as representing Charles Sturt University's interests, Mr McKechnie will support the development of the area through initiatives like the Community-University Partnerships Community Grants program, by attracting speakers from diverse disciplines to share the latest ideas, and seeking opportunities to bring conferences and events to the city," she said.

"He will work closely with the community to promote regional development and deliver mutually-beneficial outcomes, and I have every confidence he will do so successfully."

Mr McKechnie completed a Bachelor of Business majoring in marketing at the CSU Bathurst campus in the 1990s.

He held a 20-year management career in local government, covering economic development and recreation planning, in Orange and Dubbo.

Mr McKechnie said his experience ad contacts would prove invaluable in the new job.

"Those roles let me build strong local relationships with people and industries that will help strengthen and expand Charles Sturt University's engagement with its regional communities," he said.

"I am incredibly excited to be joining Charles Sturt University in this unique role."