Admissions Specialist (Domestic PG)

Be Challenged and Imagine with us

The University of Newcastle is seeking an experienced and solutions-focused Admissions Specialist to lead the delivery of domestic postgraduate admissions activities, ensuring an efficient, consistent and positive experience for prospective students.

Working closely with the Senior Manager, Domestic Admissions and Conversion, you will provide specialist expertise and operational leadership across domestic postgraduate admissions, including application assessments, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), credit and other postgraduate admission pathways. You will lead and support a team, oversee quality and compliance, resolve complex enquiries and ensure admissions processes are delivered accurately and within established timeframes.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the University's student recruitment and growth objectives, balancing operational excellence with a strong focus on student experience. You will also play an important role in identifying opportunities to streamline processes, strengthen stakeholder relationships and use admissions data to inform decision-making and improve outcomes.

What you’ll do

• Lead and coordinate domestic postgraduate admissions activities, including application assessments, RPL, credit and end-on honours admissions, ensuring consistent, accurate and timely outcomes.
• Provide specialist advice and guidance to the team, overseeing complex cases, escalations, complaints and applicant enquiries.
• Support staff development and foster a collaborative, positive team culture that encourages accountability, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
• Monitor admissions performance, analyse data and prepare reports and insights to inform operational planning, workload management and postgraduate recruitment strategies.
• Build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, working collaboratively to resolve issues and improve admissions outcomes.
• Review and enhance admissions policies, procedures, resources and systems to strengthen quality, compliance and operational efficiency.
• Oversee applicant communications and admissions resources, ensuring information is accurate, accessible and supports a positive applicant experience.

About You

You are an experienced admissions or student administration professional with strong knowledge of complex admissions processes and the ability to lead a team in a busy, service-focused environment. You combine sound judgement and attention to detail with a genuine commitment to improving the student experience.

You will also bring:

• Demonstrated experience coordinating complex admissions or student administration activities, ideally within a higher education environment.
• Experience providing operational leadership, guidance and support to staff, with the ability to foster a positive and high-performing team culture.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret data, identify trends and translate insights into practical improvements.
• A sound understanding of governance, policy and compliance requirements, with the ability to manage complex cases and competing priorities.
• Highly developed communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the confidence to negotiate, influence and build productive working relationships.
• A continuous improvement mindset and the ability to identify opportunities to enhance processes, service delivery and operational effectiveness.

This continuing role is full time at a HEW 7 Higher Education Worker Level and is 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 2030 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. 

For more information click here – Our University. 

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 remuneration of $107268 - $120677 p.a. superannuation commensurate with skills and experience
• 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 

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 job 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. 

For specific position enquiries, please contact Kellie Masters, Senior Manager, Domestic Admissions and Conversion (02) 4921 5237 or email Kellie.Masters@newcastle.edu.au

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

Closing date: Tuesday, 17 November at 11.59pm AEDST

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.

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you!

We are committed to a fair, inclusive, and barrier-free recruitment process. If you require an alternative way to access the Position Description or submit your application, please contact employment@newcastle.edu.au.

Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the assessment and interview process to support all applicants to participate fully.

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and social inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and strongly encourage women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply.

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