Executive Officer

• Play a vital role in shaping strategic initiatives
• Work alongside passionate professionals in a dynamic and highly responsive environment
• This role offers scale, variety, and challenge—and the chance to make a real impact.

Are you a strategic thinker with exceptional communication skills, a knack for navigating complex issues, and the ability to work at pace in a dynamic environment? Join our high-performing team at Infrastructure and Facilities Services (IFS), where your work will help shape the future of the University.

The Role

We are seeking a highly capable and resourceful Executive Officer to provide strategic and executive support to the Director, Infrastructure and Facilities Services. As a trusted advisor and key member of the IFS Senior Management Team, you will drive continuous improvement initiatives, analyse complex information, and provide insightful recommendations to support the delivery of high-impact projects and operational priorities.

This is a strategic, fast-paced, and diverse role—not your typical diary management position. You'll operate with autonomy and discretion, often seeking out critical information without direct instruction. Your responsibilities will include preparing high-quality Committee / Council papers and monthly reports, delivery of allocated projects, summarising strategic information for decision making, supporting the delivery of the Department’s continuing improvement agenda and contributing to the operation and long-term planning for a unit that oversees more than 400,000 square metres of the University’s built environment.

This continuing position is full time at a HEW 8 Higher Education Level located at Callaghan Campus.

About you 

To succeed in this role, you will be:

• An exceptional communicator, with demonstrated ability to write clearly, persuasively, and diplomatically.
• A strategic operator, with the foresight to anticipate issues and the confidence to work through ambiguity.
• Highly organised and agile, capable of juggling competing priorities in a fast-moving environment.
• A trusted professional, comfortable dealing with confidential and politically sensitive matters.
• Skilled in data analysis and interpretation, with strong commercial and financial acumen.
• A collaborative team player, with a deep understanding of governance frameworks and university operations.

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 2020-2025 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. 

For more information click here – Our Uni. 

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 from $116,596-$ 136030 p.a. + superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience
• Flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy
• 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

Apply now and bring your strategic thinking, sharp writing skills, and operational insight to one of the most influential roles in our IFS team.

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 demonstrating your qualifications and experience with examples.

1. Postgraduate qualifications or progress towards postgraduate qualifications and extensive relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
2. Demonstrated leadership capability including the ability to lead/influence a team of professional staff to deliver exceptional performance/outcomes.
3. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills including the capacity to build relationships and an inter-disciplinary way of working.
4. Demonstrated experience managing complex and stakeholder focused initiatives and projects and proven ability to prioritise tasks and manage competing priorities.
5. Highly developed analytical and problem-solving skills with the capacity to think creatively, act strategically and manage change while effectively managing stakeholder expectations, issues and risks.
6. Demonstrated high-level organisational and administrative skills, including demonstrated ability to handle a high volume and broad range of complex, confidential and sensitive matters.
7. Demonstrated knowledge of workplace obligations to, and experience in leading and cultivating workplace practices and behaviours that promote, support and maintain a safe, healthy, equitable, diverse and respectful workplace; including responding appropriately to adverse accidents, incidents, behaviours, issues, reports and the like. 

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).

For specific position enquiries, please contact, Kevin McCarthy via email Kevin.McCarthy@newcastle.edu.au

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

Closing date: Sunday 17^th August, 2025 11:59pm AEST

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you

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