Student Advocate

Be Challenged and Imagine with us

We are seeking a passionate and solutions-focused Student Advocate to join our student-facing team. This is an opportunity to make a genuine difference by supporting students to navigate University policies and processes, understand their options and overcome challenges that may impact their university experience.

Providing independent advocacy, advice and guidance, you'll work closely with students, academic and professional staff to resolve issues early and achieve fair and constructive outcomes. This is a highly relational role suited to someone who enjoys problem-solving, building connections and advocating for others.

You'll also play an important role in identifying opportunities to improve University processes and strengthen the overall student experience.

The role

As Student Advocate, you will:

• Provide independent advice, guidance and advocacy to students navigating academic and administrative processes.
• Support students through complex or sensitive matters, including student conduct, academic concerns and Higher Degree by Research processes.
• Manage early intervention and issue resolution, working collaboratively with students and University staff to achieve timely and fair outcomes.
• Build strong relationships with students, student associations and University stakeholders to facilitate positive resolutions.
• Advise academic and professional staff on relevant policies and procedures to support effective resolution of student matters.
• Identify recurring issues and contribute to policy and service improvements that promote equity and fairness.

About you

You are someone who genuinely cares about people and is motivated by helping others navigate challenges and achieve positive outcomes. You bring empathy, sound judgement and a practical, solutions-focused approach.

This is a full time HEW 7 Higher Education Worker contingent role (based on funding) and is 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 Strategic Plan 2030 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. 

For more information click here – Our University. 

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: 

• A remuneration of $107,268 - $120677 p.a. + superannuation commensurate with skills and experience
• Excellent employment conditions in line with University of Newcastle professional staff conditions.
• Flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy
• 35 hour week
• 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

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 in the job description demonstrating your qualifications and experience with examples.

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 3 pages (approximately 1,500 words).

Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. 

For specific position enquiries, please contact Cath Nichols, Student Advocate Manager (02)   4921 6842 or email Cath.Nichols@newcastle.edu.au

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

Closing date: Tuesday, 17 November 2026 at 11.59pm AEDST

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.

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you!

We are committed to a fair, inclusive, and barrier-free recruitment process. If you require an alternative way to access the Position Description or submit your application, please contact employment@newcastle.edu.au.

Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the assessment and interview process to support all applicants to participate fully.

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and social inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and strongly encourage women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply.

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