Academic Administration & Compliance Coordinator

• 2 x Full time continuing roles based at Callaghan NSW

Be Challenged and Imagine with us

Are you someone who enjoys working with complex information, interpreting policy and legislation, and turning detailed requirements into clear, practical advice?

The University of Newcastle is seeking an Academic Administration & Compliance Coordinator to play a key role in supporting academic governance, regulatory compliance and the quality of our academic programs.

Working across the University, you’ll help ensure our programs and courses meet relevant academic, professional and legislative requirements. You’ll provide advice on policy and compliance, coordinate professional accreditation activities, support governance committees and contribute to reviews that strengthen academic quality and decision-making.

This is a varied role offering exposure to a broad range of University operations. If you enjoy solving problems, working with detail and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, this is an opportunity to apply your skills to work that makes a meaningful difference to the student and academic experience.

The role

You’ll work at the intersection of academic governance, policy and compliance, helping the University maintain high standards across its programs, courses and academic operations.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Academic governance: Coordinate program and course approval processes, provide high-level secretariat support to governance committees, and contribute to effective academic decision-making.
• Regulatory compliance: Monitor compliance with relevant legislation, regulatory frameworks and higher education standards, including requirements relating to international education.
• Policy and advice: Interpret complex policies, legislation and regulatory requirements, providing clear, practical advice to academic and professional staff.
• Program quality and accreditation: Coordinate professional accreditation activities, maintain accreditation records and reporting, monitor conditions and support academic areas to meet their obligations.
• Review and continuous improvement: Contribute to policy reviews, quality assurance activities and improvements to academic administration and governance processes.
• Stakeholder engagement: Build effective relationships across Schools, Colleges and professional service areas to coordinate information, resolve issues and progress priorities.

About you

You’re an analytical and organised professional who can make sense of complex information, identify risks and requirements, and communicate your findings clearly and confidently.

You take pride in producing accurate, high-quality work and understand the importance of sound governance, good judgement and attention to detail. You’re comfortable working with legislation, policies and formal documentation, and can balance competing priorities while maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders.

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex documents, synthesise information and identify key issues.
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to draft clear, precise and well-structured advice, policies and reports.
• Experience in policy, governance, compliance, quality assurance, regulatory affairs or a related field.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple processes, manage deadlines and maintain accurate records.
• Sound judgement and the confidence to provide advice, ask questions and follow up on compliance requirements.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders across a complex organisation.

An interest in law, legislation, business or regulatory frameworks will be valuable. Experience in higher education is welcome, but we’re equally interested in candidates who can bring relevant skills and experience from other regulated or complex environments.

These two continuing roles are full time at a HEW 7 Higher Education Worker Level and are 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: 

• Remuneration is from $107,268 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 John Radvan, Senior Manager Academic Governance and Compliance via email  John.Radvan@newcastle.edu.au

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

Closing date: Sunday 8^th November 2026 @ 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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