ResLife Leadership Advisor

ResLife Leadership Advisor (HEW 6)

Location: Callaghan Campus, Newcastle (with work across campuses)

Employment Type: 1 x Continuing, full time, 1 x fixed term, full time 

The University of Newcastle is seeking an experienced and values‑driven ResLife Leadership Advisor to support student leadership development within our Student Living – ResLife Programs team.

This role plays a central part in implementing the Student Living Leadership Framework and fostering inclusive, supportive, and high‑performing residential communities. You’ll work closely with Residential Mentors, Associations, student leaders, and University partners to build leadership capability, support student development, and uphold community standards.

About the Role

Reporting to the Manager, ResLife Programs, the ResLife Leadership Advisor supports the coordination and delivery of student leadership initiatives across residential communities.

This role combines program coordination, student mentoring, stakeholder engagement, and operational support. It suits someone who is confident working with young people, comfortable navigating complex or sensitive situations, and motivated by building safe, inclusive communities.

Please note: there are two roles available - 1 continuing, and 1 fixed term (minimum 6 months)

Key Responsibilities

• Design the delivery of leadership training sessions, workshops, engagement activities, and events aligned to the Student Living Leadership Framework
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing development of Residential Mentors and student association leaders
• Provide advice, coaching, and guidance to student leaders to uphold residential living standards and address community concerns
• Support student development initiatives including association elections, voting processes, and student‑led events
• Liaise with internal stakeholders (e.g. Student Wellbeing, Careers, Security Services, UNSA) to support student leadership and engagement initiatives
• Provide administrative, reporting, and coordination support to the ResLife Programs team
• Identify and escalate complex welfare, wellbeing, or risk‑related issues as appropriate

About You

You are a confident, empathetic professional with strong judgement and a passion for student development. You’re comfortable working in dynamic environments, balancing student wellbeing with operational requirements, and supporting young people to step into leadership roles safely and effectively.

To be successful, you’ll bring:

• A degree in Education, Social Work, Social Sciences, Public Health, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience
• Demonstrated experience working with young people in leadership, mentoring, or residential settings
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborate across diverse stakeholder groups
• Experience planning, coordinating, and evaluating programs or initiatives that support student development
• Ability to manage competing priorities, maintain accurate records, and work effectively under pressure

Your next steps

Your application must include:

• Your resume.
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity.
• Please also include a statement noting if you only wanted to be considered for one role (e.g. 'continuing position only')
• A statement addressing the Essential Criteria listed in the attached Position Description

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

 Additional Information

• This role requires flexibility to work some evenings and weekends during peak periods
• Work may occur across multiple campuses and in dynamic student environments
• The role is student‑facing and primarily campus‑based
• A Working With Children Check is required

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 Ashleigh Milne, Manager, ResLife Programs, on (02) 4985 4405 or via email at aem216@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: Thursday 21 May 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. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are particularly encouraged to apply. 

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