Associate Director, Program Delivery

Job no: HRC0014127

Category: HEW 10+

Position: Full time 5-year fixed term   

Location: Callaghan Campus

Be challenged and imagine with us

We are seeking a strategic and influential leader to drive the successful delivery of our Built Infrastructure Capital Development Plan – one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the Newcastle region.

As Associate Director, Program Delivery, you will lead a multi-year, multi-million-dollar transformation of the University's physical estate, shaping spaces that will support learning, teaching, and research for the next 60 years.

This senior leadership role goes beyond traditional project management, requiring a blend of institutional and strategic insight, stakeholder engagement, and operational excellence.

This is a great opportunity to deliver a capital program of regional significance, leading change, shaping spaces, and creating a lasting legacy for the University and its communities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the delivery of the University's Built Infrastructure Capital Development Plan and other annual programs, including asset improvement, space optimisation, and minor refurbishments.
• Supporting the development of future capital plans, feasibility studies, and business cases.
• Providing strategic leadership and direction to internal delivery teams and external consultants, with a focus on procurement, contract performance, compliance, and risk control.
• Managing planning frameworks, reporting on budgets and expenditure, and delivering high-quality outcomes that enhance sustainability and the campus experience.
• Building strong relationships across internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective, coordinated program delivery.

This 5-year fixed term position is full time and will be located at the Callaghan Campus (Awabakal Land) with travel to the University’s campuses on the Central Coast and Newcastle City, in addition to our regional campuses in Tamworth, Taree, Port Macquarie and Sydney. 

How will you inspire us?

You are a capable and credible leader with a track record of delivering complex capital works programs in large, multifaceted environments.

You will bring:

• Proven ability to manage complex competing priorities and apply agile problem-solving skills to ensure the delivery of the University’s built infrastructure aspirations.
• The ability to provide a comprehensive framework that enables the delivery of consistent high-quality outcomes.
• Demonstrated stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build trust and communicate effectively across diverse internal and external groups.
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to prepare executive reports and board-level papers.
• Exceptional leadership and team-building capabilities, with a focus on clear communication, goal setting and driving performance.
• Strong commercial acumen in procurement and contract negotiation.
• A strong understanding of sustainability, design, and the future of the built environment in higher education or similar sectors.

What we offer

A highly attractive remuneration package is on offer and a range of flexible salary packaging options is also available.

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. 

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

About Infrastructure and Facilities Services

Infrastructure and Facilities Services (IFS) is responsible for the planning, development, and operation of the University’s physical infrastructure and estate. This includes both operational services delivery and the management and upkeep of facilities to support the strategic objectives of the University to meet the needs of students, staff and the University community.

IFS delivers comprehensive facilities management to support the teaching and research goals of the University. With a team of over 80 staff, IFS provides a diverse range of services.

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, 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.

Move to Newcastle

A move to Newcastle offers you the choice to live in the city, by the sea or near bushland - the region offers a wonderful place for a family to grow and the opportunity to strike a work/life balance.

Visit the City of Newcastle site to imagine your future.

Your next steps

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.

Your application must include:

• Your resume.
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity.
• A point-by-point statement addressing the Essential Criteria listed on the attached Position Description.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document. This document should not exceed 4 pages.

Due to the nature of this role, the University may require the preferred candidate to undertake further pre-employment checks.

Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit.

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.

Contact Us

For specific position enquiries, please contact Kevin McCarthy, Director, Infrastructure and Facilities Services on 0458 841 098 or via email at kevin.mccarthy@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: Monday 2 June, 2025 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. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.  

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