Senior Learning and Development Specialist

Shape the future of learning at the University of Newcastle

Great learning experiences create great workplaces. As part of our Learning and Development team, you'll help build the capability of leaders and employees across the University by designing and delivering engaging learning solutions that make a genuine impact.

Working with stakeholders from a wide range of disciplines, you'll identify development needs, create contemporary learning experiences and contribute to strategic initiatives that strengthen leadership capability, support organisational change and foster a culture of continuous learning.

If you're passionate about developing people, enjoy partnering with stakeholders and love turning ideas into meaningful learning experiences, we'd love to hear from you

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Learning and Development, you'll partner with leaders and teams across the University to identify capability needs and design learning solutions that deliver real outcomes.

Expect variety – every day is different. You'll facilitate workshops, design and develop engaging learning programs, consult with stakeholders, manage projects and evaluate learning outcomes to ensure our programs continue to evolve and deliver value.

Your work will have a direct impact on developing leadership capability, embedding change management skills, supporting team development and creating meaningful professional development opportunities for employees across the University.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the design, development and implementation of contemporary learning and development initiatives.
• Partnering with stakeholders to conduct training needs analyses and develop tailored learning solutions.
• Designing and facilitating engaging workshops, programs and learning experiences for a diverse workforce.
• Supporting leadership development and organisational change initiatives.
• Managing learning and development projects from planning through to evaluation.
• Using our Learning Management System to administer, monitor and evaluate learning activities and maintain accurate learning records.
• Measuring the effectiveness of learning initiatives and using data and feedback to drive continuous improvement.

Up to two positions are available, classified at Higher Education Worker Level 8 (HEW 8) and based at our Callaghan Campus on Awabakal and Worimi land.

About You

You have a passion for learning and development and take pride in building strong stakeholder relationships across all levels of the organisation.

You combine creativity with practical delivery, using your experience to design engaging learning experiences aligned with organisational goals that deliver measurable outcomes. You're comfortable juggling multiple projects, managing stakeholder needs, facilitating workshops and partnering with leaders to solve capability challenges.

You'll also bring:

• Qualifications and/or equivalent experience in Learning and Development, Organisational Development, Human Resources or a related discipline.
• Experience designing, developing and delivering contemporary learning solutions for diverse audiences.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and consulting skills, with the ability to influence and build trusted relationships.
• Demonstrated experience managing learning projects from concept through to implementation and evaluation.
• Experience using Learning Management Systems and eLearning platforms to administer, monitor and evaluate learning.
• A commitment to continuous improvement, using data and feedback to enhance learning outcomes.

Desirable experience includes:

• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122).
• Diploma of Training Design and Development (TAE50216).
• Accreditation in learning or change methodologies such as Prosci®, HBDI®, CliftonStrengths® or DiSC®.
• Experience working in higher education or another large, complex organisation.

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: 

• An FTE equivalent remuneration of $116596 - $136030 + superannuation and 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 Trish Varagnolo, Senior Manager Capability and Development via email Trish.Varagnolo@newcastle.edu.au

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

Closing date: Monday, 31 August 2026 at 11.59pm AEST

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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