Project and Engagement Officer

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University of Newcastle seeks a Project and Engagement Officer to back the Institute for Regional Futures. You will coordinate stakeholder engagement, events, communications and project administration, translating research into accessible content and ensuring milestones and budgets stay on track. In a small, collaborative team you’ll foster partnerships with researchers, government, industry, deliver workshops and forums, and support executive activities. The ideal candidate has a degree with five years’ experience, strong communication and Office skills, and the ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced environment. To apply, ensure you have Australian residency or a valid work permit; submit one PDF containing your resume, a cover letter and your response to criteria by 3 August 2026.

Be challenged and imagine with us

As the Project and Engagement Officer, you will support the delivery of the Institute for Regional Futures (IRF) projects and engagement activities through the coordination of stakeholder engagement, events, communications and project administration. You will play a key role in ensuring research, outreach and partner-facing initiatives are delivered efficiently, professionally and in alignment with the Institute's strategic priorities.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to projects that help shape the future of some of Australia's fastest-growing and most complex regions. Working with government, industry, community partners and leading researchers, you will support initiatives that influence policy, strengthen communities and drive regional development outcomes.

As part of a small, highly engaged and collaborative team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, broaden your professional networks and grow with the Institute as it continues to expand and strengthen its national profile.

In this role you will:

• Develop and coordinate engaging communications, presentations and stakeholder materials that translate research findings into accessible and impactful content.
• Coordinate the planning, scheduling and delivery of research, engagement and partnership projects, ensuring key milestones, deliverables and reports are achieved on time and within budget.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with researchers, government, industry and community stakeholders to support collaboration and project outcomes.
• Coordinate the delivery of workshops, roundtables, forums and community engagement events, including promotion, logistics and post-event evaluation.
• Support executive and operational activities through meeting coordination, preparation of agendas and papers, record management and stakeholder correspondence.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of project delivery, engagement activities and operational processes across the Institute.

This Full-time Fixed-term position until December 2027, is at a HEW 6 and located at the City Campus (Awabakal and Worimi land). 

How will you inspire us?

You will have:

• A university degree and relevant experience (approximately five years) in project coordination, stakeholder engagement, communications, administration or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to scope and coordinate projects, support research brokerage activities, track project milestones and build effective relationships with senior academics, government, industry and community stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating complex projects, including those involving external partnerships and government-funded initiatives, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes within agreed timeframes.
• Proven ability to work independently, exercise initiative and adapt in a dynamic and evolving environment, while contributing positively to a small, collaborative team.
• High-level digital literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and business systems, with the ability to interpret information and data and translate insights into meaningful recommendations, reporting and stakeholder communications.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and judgement skills, with the ability to identify issues, assess risks and implement practical solutions. 

About the Unit

The Institute for Regional Futures undertakes interdisciplinary research, working with external clients as well as within the University of Newcastle. It is one of three flagship Institutes at the University, alongside the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER) and the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI).

IRF delivers high-value research, analysis, and policy-influencing initiatives for regions locally, nationally, and internationally, working with government, industry, and community partners to support communities undergoing profound social and economic change.

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 6 + 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 experience coordinating projects, managing competing priorities, meeting deadlines, and supporting the successful delivery of initiatives in a complex or fast-paced environment.
2. Highly developed interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, including experience building effective relationships and working collaboratively with researchers, senior leaders and a diverse range of stakeholders across higher education, government, industry and community organisations.
3. Demonstrated ability to translate research findings, data and evidence into clear, compelling and accessible communications, presentations and stakeholder materials for government, industry, community and academic audiences.
4. Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement, identify and resolve issues, and adapt to changing priorities while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.
5. Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office and business systems, including experience preparing reports, coordinating administrative processes, managing project documentation, and interpreting information to support decision-making and project outcomes.

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 Laura Eadie, Executive Director, Institute for Regional Futures via her mobile at 0458 265 723.

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

Closing date: Monday 3 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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