Engagement and Communications Manager

Be challenged and imagine with us

As the Engagement and Communications Manager for the Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) Program, you will lead the development and delivery of a strategic engagement program that supports a wide range of initiatives in clean energy and recycling. You’ll play a key role in boosting the profile of the program, building awareness of emerging innovations, and driving impactful collaboration across research, industry, and enterprise.

In this role you will:

• Design and implement engagement and communications strategies that support research translation, partnerships, and enterprise growth.
• Collaborate with internal teams, external stakeholders, and partners at UNSW to promote program outcomes and increase visibility.
• Manage and execute the creation of engaging content for internal and external audiences, and monitor and evaluate their impact.
• Coordinate the delivery of TRaCE events including the management of event logistics and stakeholder enquiries as well as facilitating media engagement.

This fixed term position is until end of June 2027, is full time, and will be located at the Callaghan Campus (Awabakal land).

About Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy

The Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) initiative is co-led by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and University of Newcastle. TRaCE aims to accelerate a pipeline of disruptive technologies out of the lab and into local manufacturing and global deployment.

The program spans the innovation lifecycle, from research and development through to de-risking, demonstration, deployment, and manufacturing, and is underpinned by critical workforce skills, cultural change, and university workplace reform.

For more information on TRaCE, please visit this link.

How will you inspire us?

You will have:

• Proven experience delivering engagement and communications strategies across complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Strong ability to translate technical or research-based content into compelling messaging for diverse audiences.
• Strong engagement and stakeholder management skills, with ability to manage multiple priorities whilst maintaining a high level of client service.
• A collaborative approach, with a passion for clean energy and recycling innovation, and a drive to create meaningful impact.

What we offer

The remuneration for this position is from $116,596 to $136,030 + 17% superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience. 

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: 

• 17% super and salary packaging.
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal, life, and parental leave, annual leave loading, and additional purchased leave scheme.
• Discounts on private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more.
• A range of support and wellbeing programs.

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

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.

Your next steps

Important information before you apply:

• 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.
• 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.

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 (these may differ slightly from the Position Description, please only respond to the below in your application).

1. Relevant tertiary qualification with subsequent experience, or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training, and experience in a similar role, or in science communications will be highly valued.
2. Proven track record to develop, plan, execute and evaluate strategic and creative engagement, marketing and communications initiatives that align with business strategy.
3. Demonstrated writing skills, with strong attention to detail and talent for creating audience-specific content in a range of formats and distilling complex information into clear messages.
4. Excellent project management skills and the ability to lead and balance multiple projects of varying importance, scale, co-ordination effort, and stakeholder involvement to meet required deadlines taking into account cost and quality parameters.
5. Demonstrated superior interpersonal communication and negotiation skills, including the ability to negotiate and influence desirable outcomes with diverse stakeholders.
6. Extensive knowledge of engagement management tools such as customer relationship management databases and communication platforms including traditional, digital, and social media channels.
7. Proven collaborative and team-oriented approach as well as the ability to work independently and autonomously.
8. 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.

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

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

Having technical difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au Please note, we do not accept email applications.

Closing date: Monday 30 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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