Community Engagement Officer, Tamworth Region

This is an identified position and applicants must be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. Being an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational qualification as authorised under Section 14(D) of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act, 1977 NSW.

Candidates who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torries Strait Islander will be required to demonstrate their heritage by way of providing Confirmation of Aboriginality in line with University procedure. 

Be challenged and imagine with us

As Community Engagement Officer you will play a key role in strengthening the University’s presence across Tamworth and the North West by delivering impactful outreach initiatives and supporting pathways into higher education.

You will work closely with schools, communities, and key stakeholders, with a strong focus on the Schools to University (S2U) Program, helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students explore and access future study opportunities.

In this role you will:

• Deliver school and community-based outreach activities, presentations, and programs that promote higher education pathways and opportunities.
• Coordinate and support the planning and delivery of the S2U Program, including liaising with schools, community contacts, and internal teams.
• Build and maintain respectful, culturally safe relationships with Aboriginal communities, students, families, and regional stakeholders.
• Represent the University at events, workshops, and community engagements across the region, including regular travel to rural and remote areas.

This 12-month fixed term position is full time and will be located at the Tamworth Campus.

How will you inspire us?

You will have:

• Aboriginality is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under Section 14 of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.
• Strong cultural and community connection, and experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• High-level communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage confidently and respectfully across diverse communities.
• Proven organisational skills and the ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and coordinate activities effectively.
• The ability to travel around the North West region.

What we offer

The remuneration for this position is Higher Education Worker Level 5 + 17% superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience. 

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: 

• 17% super and salary packaging.
• A supportive workplace with a strong commitment to inclusion, equity, and cultural safety.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff leave.
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal, life, and parental leave, annual leave loading, and additional purchased leave scheme.
• Discounts on private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more.
• A range of support and wellbeing programs.

For more information on benefits and conditions, please follow this link.

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 are our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability.

Your next steps

Important information before you apply:

• If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ (or equivalent) to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy from the Related Documents section before commencing your application.
• Candidates who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torries Strait Islander will be required to demonstrate their heritage by way of providing Confirmation of Aboriginality in line with University procedure.
• A Working With Children Check (WWCC) is a requirement of this role.

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 below (these may differ slightly from the Position Description, please only respond to the below in your application).

1. Aboriginality is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under Section 14 of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.
2. Strong organisational and time‑management skills, with the ability to coordinate tasks, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
3. Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage respectfully with diverse cultural and community groups.
4. High-level competency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, SharePoint, databases, and email, with the ability to quickly learn new systems.
5. Ability and willingness to undertake regular travel to rural and remote communities in the North West region.
6. Existing connections or strong cultural relationships with Aboriginal communities in the North West.
7. Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, families, or community groups.
8. Experience in community engagement, youth outreach, or educational program support.

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

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 Kristy Faulkner, Indigenous Student Recruitment Coordinator on (02) 4055 1077 or via email at kristy.faulkner@newcastle.edu.au
• For questions regarding Aboriginality as a genuine occupational qualification for this role, or providing Confirmation of Aboriginality, please reach out to Simone Jordan, Indigenous Employment Partner on (02) 4055 0897 or via email at simone.jordan@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: Wednesday 10 June 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.

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