Job Description

Be challenged and imagine with us

The Social Media Officer supports the University’s social media presence as part of the Communications and Engagement team, creating engaging content and building meaningful connections with our online community. You will have a direct role in creating our content, and bringing our stories to life on social media.

In this role you will:

• Create engaging content across key platforms (including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn)
• Develop creative video and photo and written content aligned to brand voice and style
• Manage end-to-end content production, from concept through to publishing
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify and tell compelling University stories
• Provide social media advice and best practice guidance across the organisation
• Actively manage and engage online communities, responding to enquiries in a timely manner
• Monitor social channels for trends, risks, and opportunities
• Analyse performance and use insights to improve content and engagement

This is a full-time, fixed-term parental leave cover position until 30 November 2027, based at the Callaghan campus. (Awabakal and Worimi land).

How will you inspire us?

You will have:

• Passion for social media and digital storytelling
• Creative content skills, including video production and copywriting
• Knowledge of the current social media culture and ability to identify trends
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Passion for working in a highly collaborative environment with strong relationship-building and teamwork skills

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 $80,972 - $93,929 p.a. + superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience
• 17% super and salary packaging.
• A supportive workplace with a strong commitment to inclusion, equity, and cultural safety.
• 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

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 are our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability.

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.

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 below (these may differ slightly from the Position Description, please only respond to the below in your application).

1. Demonstrated experience producing highly engaging social media content (including videos, graphics/photos and written)
2. Experience adapting to the changing social media landscape and culture, adjusting strategy to suit platform changes/requirements and leveraging trends
3. Strong written communication skills, including the ability to write creatively, as well as proof and edit social media content
4. Experience monitoring social media channels to identify and mitigate potential issues.
5. Highly developed interpersonal skills including the ability to participate in a team environment demonstrating clear communication and mutual respect.

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.

Contact Us

For specific position enquiries, please contact Lilly Haines, Social Media Specialist on Lilly.Haines@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: Sunday, 5 July 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.

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