Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator

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The University of Newcastle is hiring an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator at the Callaghan Campus to lead strategic EDI projects, advise senior leaders, develop and evaluate programs, and foster an inclusive culture for staff and students while addressing sector priorities such as gender based violence prevention. You will coordinate policy work, stakeholder engagement, and co design activities, conduct research and benchmarking, and build communications and capability building resources to demonstrate impact. Essential criteria include a relevant degree with four or more years in a related field, deep understanding of contemporary EDI issues in higher education, proven project coordination and reporting skills, and the ability to work independently and with diverse teams. To apply, submit one PDF containing your resume, a cover letter, and a response to the criteria by 19 August 2026 11 59pm AEST, noting Australian residency or a valid work permit. Tips for success: tailor your examples to measurable outcomes, show stakeholder collaboration across complex environments, and clearly link your work to equity and inclusion goals.

Be challenged and imagine with us

Join us as an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator and help drive meaningful change across the University. Working within a values-driven team, you will lead strategic projects and initiatives that advance equity, diversity and inclusion outcomes for our staff and students, contributing to an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive.

Working collaboratively with stakeholders from across the University and the broader community, you'll provide expert advice, develop innovative programs and influence positive change. From project delivery and policy development to stakeholder engagement and capability building, you'll play a key role in shaping an inclusive and supportive experience for our University community.

 In this role you will:

• Lead and coordinate strategic equity, diversity and inclusion projects and initiatives that deliver measurable outcomes for staff and students.
• Provide expert advice and recommendations to stakeholders, including senior leaders, on equity, diversity and inclusion matters.
• Develop, implement and evaluate programs, resources and initiatives that support the University's equity objectives and strategic priorities.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to foster collaboration, influence change and drive positive outcomes.
• Facilitate consultation, engagement and co-design activities with diverse staff, students and community stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development and review of policies, strategies and action plans that promote equity, diversity and inclusion across the University.
• Support the University's response to emerging sector priorities and legislative requirements, including gender-based violence prevention and response initiatives.
• Lead and support initiatives that address systemic barriers, promote anti-racism, and foster a safe, respectful and inclusive culture for all members of the University community.
• Undertake research, benchmarking and evaluation activities to inform evidence-based practice and demonstrate impact.
• Develop communications, resources and capability-building activities that increase awareness, engagement and understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion issues. 

This full-time continuing position, is at a HEW 7, and located at the Callaghan Campus (Awabakal and Worimi land). 

How will you inspire us?

You will have:

• A relevant degree with at least 4 years' experience in a related field; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education and training.
• Demonstrated understanding of contemporary equity, diversity and inclusion issues, particularly those affecting underrepresented and equity target groups within higher education and broader communities.
• Experience coordinating projects, programs, events or initiatives and delivering measurable outcomes.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and work collaboratively across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience preparing reports, briefings and recommendations for a range of audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, facilitate conversations on complex or sensitive topics, and communicate information in an accessible and inclusive way.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage competing priorities, and deliver high-quality outcomes in a complex environment.
• Knowledge of workplace health and safety, equity and diversity principles, and a commitment to fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace culture

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 create a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision are our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability.

About the Unit

The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Unit is a social-justice orientated unit, focused on systemic change and development. Through strategic planning, policy development and review, the unit focuses on ensuring equitable and inclusive experiences for both students and staff. The Equity Diversity & Inclusion Unit is part of the University’s Equity & Engagement Division.

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:

• Remuneration of Higher Education Worker Level 7 + 17% superannuation, commensurate with skills and experience. 
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal, life, and parental leave, annual leave loading, and additional purchased leave scheme.
• Discounts on private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more.
• A range of support and wellbeing programs.

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

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 must include:

• Your resume.
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity.
• A statement addressing each of the essential criteria listed below (these may differ slightly from the Position Description).

1. Demonstrated understanding of contemporary equity, diversity and inclusion issues including the experiences and barriers faced by underrepresented and equity target groups (particularly in the Higher Education Sector), and the ability to apply this knowledge to achieve meaningful change.
2. Proven experience coordinating projects, programs, events or initiatives, including planning, implementation, stakeholder engagement and evaluation to achieve identified outcomes.
3. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build effective relationships with diverse stakeholders, communicate complex or sensitive information, and prepare high-quality reports, advice and briefing materials.
4. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently in a complex environment, managing competing priorities while fostering inclusive and respectful workplace practices.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document. This document should not exceed 3 pages.

We value diversity and strive to ensure that our recruitment processes are equitable, inclusive, and barrier-free. If you require an alternative pathway to view the Position Description or to submit an application, please reach out to [email protected].

We also seek to provide a fair chance to all applicants by providing reasonable adjustments where required during the assessment and interview phases of the recruitment process.

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.

Contact Us

For specific position enquiries, please contact Rachel Fowell, Senior Manager Equity, Diversity and Inclusion on [email protected].

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

Closing date: Wednesday 19 August 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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