Senior Manager, Special Collections and Archives

Be Challenged and Imagine With Us

As the Senior Manager, Special Collections and Archives, you will lead the responsible care, governance and professional practice shaping how the University Library’s archives, rare books and special collections are cared for, accessed and understood. Working closely with the Associate Director, Collections & Experience, you will lead the Special Collections and Archives team to deliver their work in line with the strategic direction of the University Library, providing authoritative leadership in collection management governance, ethical practice and professional judgement.

The University Library is evolving how its distinctive collections are experienced, engaged with and embedded in teaching and research. This role will play a key part in guiding that evolution, working with colleagues to explore new and imaginative ways of connecting students, researchers and communities with archives, rare books and special collections, and sharing their value more widely across the University. It’s an exciting time to join the Collections & Experience portfolio and help shape how these collections are understood, used and celebrated.

This is a role for a thoughtful and confident leader who enjoys navigating complexity. You’ll balance access and engagement with long‑term care, work with academics and partners to integrate collections into curriculum and research, and contribute senior curatorial expertise to selected exhibitions and public programs within the Library’s broader programming framework. Your leadership will strengthen professional practice, build capability, and ensure the Library’s distinctive collections remain relevant, trusted and impactful.

What you’ll do 

• Lead and support a high‑performing team, fostering collaboration, confidence and continuous improvement.
• Guide the lifecycle of special collections and archives, ensuring ethical care, access, preservation and governance.
• Contribute to planning and resource management, supporting budgets, priorities and sustainable use of resources.
• Use insight and evidence to inform decisions and communicate the value and impact of collections.
• Work closely with academics and stakeholders to strengthen access, resolve issues and support teaching and research.

This is a continuing, full‑time position based at our Callaghan Campus on Awabakal land.

About our University 

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader with a reputation for excellence in education and research. Ranking in the top 1% of global universities and among the top 40 for impact, 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 and our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. Our Looking Head 2030 Strategic Plan outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities.

What’s on offer  

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing its 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: 

• A remuneration of $136,030 to $145,745 (Higher Education Worker Level 9) plus 17% superannuation, and excellent employment conditions in line with University of Newcastle professional staff conditions.
• Flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy)
• 35 hour week
• 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 

Click the Apply button to be redirected to the advert on our University of Newcastle jobs page where you will find a guide on how to apply and gain access to the job description 

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 should include: 

• Your Resume (maximum. 4 pages) 
• A one-page cover letter outlining your motivation and experience to apply for this opportunity.
• A response to each of the two following questions (maximum 2 pages):   

1. Describe your experience leading professional teams within a special collections, archives, cultural heritage or similarly complex service environment.
2. Provide an example of how you have led a significant initiative, decision or change relating to collections, access or engagement.

For the full list of the selection criteria and role responsibilities, please download the Position Description (available in the Related Documents section below). 

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. 

Reasonable Adjustments  

If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process to support your application, please let us know. This information will help us understand how best to support you and ensure an equitable and inclusive recruitment process.  

Please be assured that anything you share will be treated respectfully and appropriately. Our goal is to provide the best environment for every candidate to demonstrate their suitable skills and experience. 

Contact Us 

For specific position enquiries, please contact Beth White, Associate Director, Collections and Experience, 0459 530 463 or beth.white@newcastle.edu.au  

Please reach out to employment@newcastle.edu.au if you are experiencing any difficulties or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments. 

Applications Close:  Sunday 24 May 2026 at 11:59PM AEST  

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you 

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Birpai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present. 

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