Job Description

Senior Manager, ResLife Standards (HEW 9)

Location Callaghan Campus, Newcastle (with work across campuses)

Employment Type Continuing, Full Time

The University of Newcastle is seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Manager, ResLife Standards to lead the development, delivery, and governance of student conduct, wellbeing, and community standards across Student Living student accommodation locations and facilities.

This is a senior leadership role at the forefront of residential student safety and wellbeing. You will shape the University’s approach to residential crisis management, student conduct, and community standards, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all residents.

About the University

The University of Newcastle is a global leader in equity and excellence, committed to delivering an exceptional student experience and creating positive outcomes for our regions and communities.

Student Living sits within the Student Central Portfolio and provides safe, inclusive, and development‑focused accommodation experiences that support students academically, socially, and personally.

About the Role

Reporting to the Associate Director, Student Living, the Senior Manager, ResLife Standards provides strategic leadership of residential standards, conduct processes, and crisis response within Student Living.

You will lead a specialist team and act as a primary point of escalation for complex, high‑risk residential student matters. This includes critical incident management, behavioural investigations, wellbeing concerns, and ensuring compliance with legislative and University frameworks.

The role also plays a key advisory function by providing expert advice to senior University leadership and contributing to policy, governance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction and delivery of Student Living standards, conduct, and wellbeing frameworks
• Act as a primary contact for crisis and critical incident management within Student Living
• Oversee and manage complex, high‑risk student conduct and behavioural matters
• Ensure compliance with University policies, legislative requirements, and national frameworks
• Drive consistent, fair, and transparent approaches to student discipline and community standards
• Provide high‑level advice and briefings to senior University leaders
• Lead and develop a high‑performing team, building capability in trauma‑informed practice and crisis response
• Champion inclusive, culturally responsive approaches to student wellbeing and community safety

About You

You are an experienced clinician and confident leader with a strong background in crisis management, student wellbeing, or complex case management. You bring sound judgement, resilience, and the ability to lead through ambiguity and high‑pressure situations.

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:

• Qualifications in psychology, social work or related disciplines and experience managing complex, high‑risk situations involving student wellbeing, behaviour, or crisis response
• Demonstrated leadership capability, including developing and leading professional teams
• Strong understanding of governance, compliance, and legislative frameworks in a complex environment
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including experience advising senior leaders
• Proven ability to make sound, timely decisions in high‑pressure situations
• Experience developing and implementing policy, systems, or process improvements
• High level of emotional intelligence, resilience, and commitment to student wellbeing

Additional Information

• This role involves exposure to complex and emotionally challenging situations, including crisis and critical incidents
• Participation in an after‑hours on‑call roster is required
• Work may occur across multiple campuses
• The role is primarily campus‑based and student‑facing
• A Working With Children Check is required

Why Join Us?

At the University of Newcastle, you will play a critical leadership role in shaping safe, inclusive, and supportive residential communities. You’ll influence strategy, lead meaningful work, and make a direct impact on the wellbeing and success of students.

What we offer

The remuneration for this position is Higher Education Worker Level 9 + 17% superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience.

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:

• 17% super and salary packaging.
• 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:

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 4 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.

Contact Us

For specific position enquiries, please contact Jess Rokobaro, Associate Director, Student Living on (02) 4921 5233 or via email at Jess.Rokobaro@newcastle.edu.au

Having technical difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au Please note, we do not accept email applications.

Closing date: Wednesday 24 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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