Senior Conduct and Appeals Officer

• Shape the university's approach to student conduct, ensuring fairness and integrity in academic and non-academic conduct matters.
• Gain experience in a role that combines elements of investigative, policy, legal and educational expertise, enhancing your professional versatility.
• Work with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, from university staff at all levels to external partners.

Join our amazing team at the University of Newcastle, where we are committed to ensuring a fair and supportive environment for our students. Our team is passionate, collaborative, and dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of academic and non-academic conduct.

Be challenged and imagine with us

The Senior Student Conduct Officer is a critical role responsible for managing and reviewing student conduct matters in alignment with University policies and procedures, including the Student Conduct Rule. You will provide expert advice to the Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and support the Student Academic Conduct Officer system across the University.

This role offers the opportunity to work with internal and external stakeholders to ensure fair, robust and client centred processes are delivered. This role sits in a small collaborative and supportive team led by the Senior Manager Student Conduct.

Key responsibilities include:

• Gathering and analysing information to prepare comprehensive reports on sensitive, complex, and high-risk student conduct matters and appeals.
• Managing multiple, complex cases efficiently, ensuring stakeholders are informed of progress and outcomes while maintaining privacy and confidentiality.
• Assessing and providing advice on associated risks.
• Preparing and delivering timely reports to the SDVC(A) and internal and external stakeholders
• Delivering misconduct outcomes to students in person.
• Providing expert advice on the implementation of policies and procedures related to student conduct and appeals to staff at all levels.
• Developing, reviewing, and evaluating relevant policies, programs, and initiatives related to Student Academic Conduct.
• Influencing and negotiating with key University members and external stakeholders.
• Leading and managing projects to ensure timely and effective delivery of outcomes, including investigating issues, preparing ad hoc advice, and implementing process improvements.
• Building and managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders to navigate complex issues affecting the University's reputation and operations.
• Acting as a point of contact for queries related to University policy and procedure on conduct.
• Monitoring trends and data to assess their impact on policy and approaches to managing student conduct and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

You will inspire us with your·         

• Strong analytical and investigative skills potentially from a legal, workplace relations, compliance, law enforcement, regulatory or investigative background.
• Strong understanding of legislation and policies related to student conduct
• Experience in investigating allegations, assessing penalties, and ensuring compliance with policies.
• Ability to manage sensitive, complex, and high-risk matters while maintaining high levels of resilience.
• Demonstrated commitment to developing and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships
• Experience in investigating Gender Based Violence (GBV) matters and related training will be highly regarded.

This continuing position is full time at a HEW 8 Higher Education Level 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 2030 strategic plan outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities.

The Academic Division delivers a range of services and resources including student administration, student support, educator enablement, and pathways to higher education, all of which work together to support and enhance the student experience. The Division’s commitment to the student experience and positive outcomes for graduates is fundamental to all aspects of teaching and learning across the University’s multiple campuses.

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: 

• The remuneration for this position is Higher Education Worker Level 8 + 17% superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience
• Flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy)
•  Salary packaging options
• 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 below

1. Exceptional interpersonal and oral communication skills with demonstrated ability to engage effectively with, advise and support senior executives, managers and staff at all levels across an organisation.
2. Strong writing skills including significant experience in the preparation of high-level reports and operational documents and an ability to write for different audiences using an appropriate register.
3. Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and impartiality in the provision of advice and management of sensitive, complex and high-risk matters.
4. High level investigative, case management, policy interpretation and organisational skills including the ability to operate effectively under pressure and handle a large, diverse range of complex and sensitive matters.

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 4 Criteria as one PDF document.

Your Cover Letter and Response to the Essential Criteria should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2,000 words).

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.

For specific position enquiries, please contact Luke Robinson, Senior Manager, Student Conduct at luke.robinson1@newcastle.edu.au

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

Closing date: Friday 29^th May 2026 @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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