Indigenous Employment Partner

This is an identified position and applicants must be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. Being an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational qualification as authorised under Section 14(D) of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act, 1977 NSW.

Candidates who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torries Strait Islander will be required to demonstrate their heritage by way of providing Confirmation of Aboriginality in line with University procedure. 

Be challenged and imagine with us

As Indigenous Employment Partner, you will lead the implementation and coordination of Indigenous employment initiatives across the University, providing high-level workforce advice to deliver strategic outcomes that improve retention and career progression. You will act as a trusted partner to Colleges, Divisions and People & Culture, working with leaders to design and implement strategies that strengthen Indigenous employment outcomes.

In this role you will:

• Contribute to the design and delivery of Cultural Competency training to embed cultural capability and strengthen engagement with Indigenous knowledge across the University
• Deliver business-oriented project management advice, including advocating for resources aligned to strategic priorities
• Coordinate the University’s Indigenous Employment Committee and Indigenous Employee Network meetings
• Support the delivery of culturally responsive recruitment practices, identifying gaps and enhancing employment services
• Engage with Industry partners and The Wollotuka Institute to co-ordinate internships and work integrated learning opportunities for students

This ongoing position is full time contingent at a HEW 8 Higher Education Level and will be located at the Callaghan Campus (Awabakal and Worimi land).

How will you inspire us?

You will have:

• Aboriginality is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under Section 14 of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977
• Strong communication skills and experience engaging and communicating with groups of people, tailoring communication to suit specific cohorts
• Negotiation and influence skills; the ability to influence and gain cooperation of internal and external stakeholders to create and maintain mutually beneficial relationships and drive outcomes
• The ability to effectively plan and manage multiple tasks independently and as part of a team and a desire to work collaboratively to achieve outcomes
• Demonstrated capacity to coordinate, manage and evaluate a comprehensive program and/or project through being proactive, applying initiative and working independently

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 to $136,030 p.a. + superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience
• 17% super and salary packaging
• A supportive workplace with a strong commitment to inclusion, equity, and cultural safety.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff leave
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal, life, and parental leave, annual leave loading, cultural leave 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
• Candidates who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torries Strait Islander will be required to demonstrate their heritage by way of providing Confirmation of Aboriginality in line with University procedure

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. Aboriginality is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under Section 14 of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977
2. Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and in developing or implementing Indigenous employment, workforce or talent strategies
3. Demonstrated ability to partner with leaders to influence workforce outcomes, including recruitment, retention and workforce planning
4. Demonstrated experience in taking ownership and driving innovation, process improvement and contributing to overall corporate operations, while delivering to plan and on time

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.

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 Loren Collyer on (02) 4921 5307or via email at Loren.Collyer@newcastle.edu.au
• For questions regarding Aboriginality as a genuine occupational qualification for this role, or providing Confirmation of Aboriginality, please reach out to Simone Jordan, Indigenous Employment Partner on (02) 4055 0897 or via email at simone.jordan@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, 6 July 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.

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