Manager, ResLife Programs

Manager, ResLife Programs (HEW 8)

Location: Callaghan Campus, Newcastle (with oversight across Callaghan and Ourimbah)

Employment Type: Continuing, Full Time

HEW Level: 8

About the Role

Reporting to the General Manager, Student Living, the Manager, ResLife Programs leads the strategy, development, and delivery of Residential Life (ResLife) programs.

You’ll drive initiatives that enhance student engagement and community connection, while also contributing to occupancy outcomes and broader Student Living objectives. The role combines strategic leadership with operational oversight and requires strong collaboration across the University.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of ResLife programs that promote student wellbeing, safety, inclusion, and community connection
• Manage and develop a team of staff delivering engagement, leadership, and student development initiatives
• Oversee residential leadership programs, including Residential Mentors and student associations
• Develop and implement communication, engagement, and marketing campaigns to support student engagement and occupancy
• Monitor participation, engagement, and impact, using data to inform continuous improvement
• Ensure strong governance, risk management, and compliance across all programs and activities

About You

You are a strategic and people‑focused leader with a strong understanding of student development, engagement, and wellbeing. You bring a balance of creativity, operational discipline, and sound judgement, and are passionate about building inclusive, high‑impact student experiences.

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:

• Postgraduate qualifications or extensive relevant experience in student engagement, education, marketing, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience leading programs or services that support student development and community building
• Proven leadership capability, including managing and developing teams
• Strong understanding of student wellbeing, engagement, and factors influencing student experience
• Experience designing and delivering engagement strategies and initiatives at scale

About the University

The University of Newcastle is a global leader in equity and excellence, committed to delivering an exceptional student experience and creating positive outcomes for our regions and communities. Student Living sits within the Student Central Portfolio and provides safe, inclusive, and development‑focused accommodation experiences that support students academically, socially, and personally.

Why Join Us?

At the University of Newcastle, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the residential student experience at a strategic level. You’ll lead meaningful programs that make a lasting impact on student wellbeing, belonging, and success—while contributing to a collaborative, values‑driven organisation.

Your next steps

Your application must include:

• Your resume.
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity.
• A statement addressing the Essential Criteria listed in the attached Position Description

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document. This document should not exceed 3 pages.

Additional Information

• This role requires flexibility to work outside standard hours as required
• Work may occur across multiple campuses
• The role is primarily campus‑based and involves engagement with student‑focused services
• A Working With Children Check is required

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 Jess Rokobaro, General Manager Student Living, on (02) 4921 5233 or via email at Jess.Rokobaro@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 31 May, 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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