Digital Assurance Lead

• Shape and lead the University’s Digital Assurance Framework
• Bridge cyber security, governance, and risk management
• An opportunity to influence cyber maturity
• Onsite role at Callaghan with flexible work options

The role

Shape the future of cyber governance and risk management at the University. Be at the forefront of building and embedding our Digital Assurance Framework.

We’re looking for a skilled and motivated Digital Assurance Lead to join our Digital Governance team. In this role, you will design, implement, and evolve the University’s Digital Assurance Framework—ensuring cyber security, IT governance, project governance, and digital risk management practices are robust, effective, and embedded across the organisation.

Working closely with the Cyber Security and DevOps teams, you will test controls, track cyber maturity, and deliver ongoing improvements to the University’s cyber posture. You will also provide assurance around project governance and risk management, helping us achieve compliance, operational excellence, and strategic priorities.

What you’ll do:

• Lead the design and delivery of the University’s Digital Assurance Framework.
• Test and monitor cyber controls in collaboration with the Cyber Security team.
• Develop reporting dashboards to translate control effectiveness into clear insights.
• Oversee assurance activities for projects and digital risk management.
• Conduct cyber risk assessments and contribute to audit activities.
• Provide expert advice and build strong relationships across stakeholders.

About You

You’re detail-oriented, collaborative, and confident in engaging with stakeholders at all levels. With experience implementing cyber controls and/or governance frameworks, you have the technical capability to understand the detail and the communication skills to translate it into clear reporting. You’re motivated by the opportunity to step into a governance-focused role where you can influence how the University measures and tracks its cyber maturity.

This full-time position is a fixed term role for 12 months at a HEW 8 Higher Education Level located at Callaghan Campus.

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: 

• A competitive remuneration 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 Criteria listed in the attached Position Description demonstrating your qualifications and experience with examples.

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).

Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. 

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.

For specific position enquiries, please contact Anthony Gorzalka, Senior Manager, Digital Governance (02) 4055 3483 or via email Anthony.Gorzalka@newcastle.edu.au

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

Closing date: Monday 23rd February 2026 @ 11:59pm AEST

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you