Communications Specialist - Infrastructure Projects

Be challenged and imagine with us

Join us as a Communications Specialist – Infrastructure Projects, and lead strategic communications and stakeholder engagement initiatives that support the University's priorities and major infrastructure projects.

The role provides expert communication advice, develops and delivers communication and engagement plans, and creates compelling content that builds, promotes and protects the University's reputation. Working across a range of channels, you'll share stories that showcase the impact of the University's infrastructure investments, strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, and build understanding and support among staff, students and the broader community.

In this role you will:

• Develop and implement integrated communications plans to raise awareness and engagement in regard to University infrastructure projects.
• Provide strategic communications advice to stakeholders across the University on sensitive, high profile and contentious matters related to infrastructure.
• Maintain a strong network of relevant media contacts in commercial and non-commercial outlets at a local and national level.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders to understand issues and develop media responses to contentious matters related to infrastructure projects.
• Research and develop high quality, targeted corporate communications content (written and multimedia) for senior stakeholders.
• Analyse, report on and monitor the success of communications projects and publications and recommend responses. 
• Work as part of interdisciplinary project teams on key initiatives supporting the Communications and Engagement unit business plan.

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

How will you inspire us?

You will have:

• A degree with at least 4 years' experience in communications; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
• Demonstrated success developing, delivering and evaluating strategic communication and engagement plans for complex projects or initiatives, including media engagement, event coordination and providing advice to senior stakeholders.
• Experience supporting high-profile projects and milestones, including working with media, coordinating events and engaging with government and external stakeholders.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders and work collaboratively across diverse teams.
• A strong track record of writing effective, engaging and creative content for a range of channels, as well as experience editing and proofreading copy.
• Proven ability to work autonomously in a high-volume environment, managing competing priorities, multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines with limited supervision.

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 Communications and Engagement Unit forms part of the Engagement and Equity Division at the University of Newcastle. Under the guidance of the University’s Looking Ahead Strategic Plan, Communications and Engagement lead on the University’s paid, owned and earned strategies focused on building brand and protecting reputation. This includes staff communication, contentious and crisis communications, community partnerships, social and media engagement, events, and brand management.

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 experience delivering communication and engagement activities for major projects or initiatives, including media engagement, events and key project milestones.
2. Proven ability to provide strategic communication advice and build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior leaders and external partners.
3. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience developing engaging content for a range of audiences and channels.
4. Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes in a complex environment.

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 Chris Breaden, Senior Manager Corporate Communications on Chris.Breaden@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: Friday 14 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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