Strategic Space Planner

Be challenged and imagine with us

As Strategic Space Planner, you’ll lead the analysis and modelling of space design across the University to inform strategic planning, optimise campus utilisation, and guide future development.

You’ll work across a diverse portfolio of spaces including teaching areas, professional workplaces, and student-centred environments, using spatial data insights, asset analysis, and stakeholder engagement to shape long-term planning and policy frameworks.

In this role you will:

•  Analyse space utilisation data and engage with stakeholders to understand current and emerging space needs.
• Provide design insight and support for pre-design projects, drawing on spatial analytics to develop and inform infrastructure projects.
• Develop strategic space models, forecasts, and scenario plans to guide decision-making
• Translate data insights into clear recommendations, visualisations and project briefs.

This continuing position is full time and will be located at the Callaghan Campus (Awabakal land).

How will you inspire us?

You will have:

• A background in commercial design, architecture, engineering, or a related field, with proven project experience in large, complex environments.
• Experience working with teaching spaces, professional workplaces, and student-centred environments.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse and interpret spatial data to inform planning and decision-making.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to produce compelling reports and present technical concepts clearly.

What we offer

The remuneration for this position is from $103,641 to $116,596 + 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.

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

1. Relevant tertiary qualifications and substantial experience in space planning, asset management, architecture, interior design, or related discipline.
2. Demonstrated experience in strategic space planning and asset analysis in complex environments.
3. Proven capability in space data analysis, utilisation forecasting, and scenario modelling.
4. Strong interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to deliver clear, concise reports and presentations.
5. Experience using space and asset management systems such as Archibus, Syllabus Plus, Maximo, or equivalent software.
6. Advanced analytical skills and experience in Microsoft Excel or Microsoft PowerBI.
7. Proficiency using CAD software including AutoCAD LT and SketchUp Pro, or equivalent software.
8. Understanding of contemporary trends and issues affecting space utilisation and management in the higher education sector.
9. Demonstrated knowledge of workplace health and safety, equity and diversity, and performance development principles.

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.

Contact Us

For specific position enquiries, please contact Tim Johnson, Senior Manager, Design & Space Strategy on (02) 4921 5308 or via email at Tim.Johnson@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: Tuesday, 1st July 2025 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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