Job Description

Drive impact in education innovation and student experience

The University of Newcastle is a global leader committed to equity, excellence and creating a better future for our regions and the world. We are seeking a high-performing strategic leader to join the College of Human and Social Futures as Senior Manager, Education & Innovation

This is a key leadership opportunity providing high-level strategic advice, executive support and operational oversight across the College’s Education and Innovation portfolio.

What does this role offer you?

• Direct access to senior leadership – act as a trusted advisor to the Pro Vice-Chancellor and key decision-makers
• Real influence – shape education strategy, priorities and innovation at scale
• High-impact work – deliver initiatives that directly improve student outcomes and experience
• Breadth and visibility – work across strategy, policy, operations and innovation in a highly visible portfolio
• A collaborative, purpose-led culture

What you’ll be responsible for

Reporting to the College General Manager, you will play a central role in driving the College’s education and innovation agenda. You will:

• Provide trusted strategic advice to the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Head of College and senior leaders on education strategy, policy and emerging issues
• Lead the delivery of high-quality teaching and learning proposals, reports, submissions and associated portfolio documentation
• Drive the development and implementation of education strategy and performance planning
• and manage a multidisciplinary Education and Innovation Team across strategy, operations and professional experience functions
• Oversee complex projects and strategic initiatives that enhance educational outcomes and innovation
• Build strong relationships and partnerships across the University with key academic and senior stakeholders
• Navigate complex and sensitive issues, ensuring effective, low-risk outcomes

What you bring

You’re a commercially minded, strategic operator who thrives in fast-paced, complex environments and enjoys working close to decision-makers.

You bring:

• Proven experience advising senior leaders and shaping strategic direction
• Strong capability in strategy, transformation or policy environments
• The ability to cut through complexity and deliver clear, actionable outcomes
• Exceptional communication skills, including executive-level writing
• A track record of leading teams, programs or organisational change
• Confidence building relationships and influencing at senior levels

You don’t need to come from a university environment.

We’re looking for a leader with capability, perspective and impact.

We welcome candidates from:

• Public sector strategy and policy environments
• Education, training or skills-focused organisations (including VET/TAFE)
• Health, large-scale service delivery or complex operational environments
• Consulting, advisory or transformation roles
• Corporate learning, edtech or innovation environments
• Research, think tanks or adjacent education ecosystems

Terms & Conditions

This is a full-time fixed-term role until December 2026

Remuneration

Up to $170,522 package including superannuation (per annum)

Your next steps

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to reach the University's website, where copies of the Position Descriptions can be accessed. Please download the relevant copy before commencing 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. 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 employment@newcastle.edu.au

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.

Closing date

Sunday 14th June 2026 at 11:59pm AEST

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you

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.

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Birpai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.