Engagement Officer, Communications and Outreach

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University of Newcastle is seeking an Engagement Officer in Communications and Outreach to build connections across the College, its four Schools, and the wider community. This full-time, on-site role at City Campus coordinates outreach, develops and delivers communications plans, leads events and stakeholder engagement, and supports projects and reporting within an annual engagement plan. You will capture and share impact stories, amplify research and teaching, and assist with student recruitment. Essentials include strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, a track record delivering engagement activities, collaboration and project coordination ability, and relevant qualifications or equivalent experience. Apply as one PDF (resume, cover letter, and a response to essential criteria) not exceeding four pages; you must have Australian residency or valid work permit; closing date 28 June 2026 at 11.59pm AEST.

Be challenged and imagine with us

As Engagement Officer, Communications and Outreach, you will play a key role in building connection across the College, University, and beyond. You will coordinate and drive engagement activities, communications, and events that bring people together, showcase the breadth of work across our College and its four Schools, and support the recruitment of students into our programs.

Working closely with stakeholders across the College, Schools and central teams, you will capture and share stories that celebrate our research, teaching and partnerships. You’ll develop and deliver an annual engagement plan, support events from concept to delivery, and ensure our achievements are communicated effectively across multiple channels.

Through strong relationships and collaboration, your work will help amplify our strengths, build shared connections, and enhance the College’s profile – creating lasting impact across the University, community and industry.

In this role you will:

• Coordinate outreach and engagement initiatives
• Develop and implement communication plans
• Lead event coordination and stakeholder engagement
• Support projects and reporting
• Improve systems and processes

This continuing role is full time at a HEW 6 Higher Education Worker Level and is based at our City Campus

How will you inspire us?

We're looking for someone who is confident building relationships, communicating ideas and bringing people together around shared goals. You will bring:

• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience delivering communications and engagement activities
• Collaboration and relationship building capacity
• Project coordination and organisational skills
• Relevant qualifications or equivalent experience

What we offer

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively. 

These include: 

• The remuneration for this position is from $93,929 - $103,641 p.a. + superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience
• Flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy
• 17% super and salary packaging
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal leave and parental leave, annual leave loading and additional purchased leave scheme
• Discounts on private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more
• Wellbeing programs 

For more information on benefits and conditions, please follow this link.

About our University

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and creating a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision and our values of excellence, equity, engagement, and sustainability, the University of Newcastle's Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2025-2030 outlines the University's commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities.

Your next steps

Important information before you apply:

• If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ (or equivalent) to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy from the Related Documents section before commencing your application.
• Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit.

Your application:

Your application must include:

• Your resume.
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity.
• A statement addressing the Essential Criteria listed in the attached Position Description.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document. Applicants are advised that the cover letter and statement addressing the selection criteria must not exceed a combined total of four pages.

Contact Us

For specific position enquiries, please contact the College Operations Manager, Tanille Elley on 4921 5494 or via email at [email protected]

Having technical difficulties? Please reach out to us: [email protected] Please note, we do not accept email applications.

Our assessment process

Typically candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process:

• Interview (an ‘in person’ interview will be conducted as part of the process)
• Referee checks
• Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role

Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.

The completion and return of the University’s Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.

Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance – it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.

Closing date: Sunday 28 June 2026 at 11.59pm AEST

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you

We provide opportunities for all people regardless of their background and experience, and this philosophy is reflected across all that we do. 

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and social inclusion. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are particularly encouraged to apply. 

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