Preparedness and Engagement Coordinator

• Full-time | Continuing | Callaghan Campus
• Be part of a team shaping a safer, more resilient university community
• Generous leave provisions and a strong commitment to work-life balance
• A vibrant, inclusive culture that champions equity and belonging

The Opportunity

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact across a dynamic and diverse university environment? The University of Newcastle is seeking a proactive and highly organised Preparedness & Engagement Officer to strengthen emergency readiness across our multi-campus estate. This is a unique opportunity to join a team committed to safety, collaboration, and community engagement.

The Role

Reporting to the Emergency Manager, this role plays a central part in delivering key emergency preparedness programs and fostering a culture of resilience. You will coordinate drills and planning activities, manage the emergency warden network, lead the implementation of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs), and support the operations of the Emergency Planning Committee.

You will also be instrumental in stakeholder outreach and engagement—helping our staff, students and partners understand their role in emergency preparedness through clear communication, targeted campaigns and cross-campus collaboration.

What you’ll do:

• Deliver general emergency preparedness training and maintain training records.
• Manage the onboarding, communications and engagement of emergency wardens.
• Manage the University’s PEEP process, ensuring inclusion and compliance.
• Coordinate the Emergency Planning Committee, including agendas, papers, minutes, and actions.
• Support post-incident reviews and reporting, and maintain core preparedness documentation.

Champion awareness campaigns and promote preparedness through events and communications.

What you’ll bring:

• Strong coordination skills and experience managing programs in complex environments.
• Experience in emergency management, safety, or risk coordination.
• Sound understanding of relevant legislation, standards and compliance frameworks.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, stakeholder-focused mindset.

A proactive, resilient approach to balancing operational and engagement priorities.

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 and our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, the University of Newcastle’s Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2020-2025 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. 

For more information click here – Our Uni. 

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 pro-rated from $103,641 -$116596 p.a. + superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience
• Flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy
• 17% super and salary packaging
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal leave and parental leave, annual leave loading and additional purchased leave scheme
• Discounts in private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more
• Wellbeing programs

Your next steps 

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role. 

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a 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 and Desirable Criteria listed below.

1. A degree with at least 4 years subsequent relevant experience; or extensive experience and specialist expertise or broad knowledge in technical or administrative fields; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and or education/training.
2. Demonstrated experience in emergency management, safety, or risk coordination within a complex organisational setting, preferably in higher education.
3. Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple activities (e.g. emergency drills, preparedness planning, documentation reviews) across diverse locations and stakeholder groups.
4. Proven ability to interpret and apply legislation, codes, or standards relevant to emergency preparedness (AS 3745, WHS Act 2011), including experience contributing to policy, audit, or assurance processes.
5. Well developed interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with stakeholders at all levels and contribute to a collaborative and safety-focused team environment.
6. Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify inefficiencies and implement effective solutions.
7. Knowledge of, and experience in adhering to workplace policies and procedures in the areas of work health safety, equity, diversity and promoting a respectful workplace culture.
8. Familiarity with emergency planning frameworks, response structures, or resilience programs.
9. Knowledge of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) and inclusion strategies for persons requiring additional assistance in emergency contexts.
10. Experience in supporting committee operations or formal planning forums, particularly in the context of emergency planning, WHS or risk.

To ensure that your application receives full consideration, it's important to structure and address the selection criteria outlined in the application process. This helps us better understand your experience and suitability for the role. We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to reviewing your application.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document.

Your Cover Letter and Response to the Essential Criteria should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2,000 words).

For specific position enquiries, please contact Natalie Evans (02) 4921 6631 or via email natalie.evans@newcastle.edu.au

Having Difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au

Closing date: Thursday 5th February 2026 11:59pm AEDST

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you