Admissions Specialist (Domestic PG)

University of Newcastle; Newcastle; On-site; AUD 107,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remuneration

Flexible working

35 hour week

Superannuation

Leave entitlements

Employee discounts

Wellbeing programs

Job summary

The University of Newcastle is seeking an experienced Admissions Specialist to lead domestic postgraduate admissions, ensuring a smooth and positive applicant experience. You will work with the Senior Manager, Domestic Admissions and Conversion to oversee assessments, RPL and credit pathways, while leading a team to deliver timely outcomes.

This full-time role at Callaghan Campus includes opportunities to streamline processes, strengthen stakeholder relationships and use admissions data to

Qualifications

• Experience in admissions or student administration, preferably in higher education.
• Ability to lead a busy team and manage complex enquiries and escalations.
• Understanding of governance, policy and compliance in admissions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate domestic postgraduate admissions activities, ensuring accurate and timely outcomes.
• Provide specialist guidance to the team and handle complex cases and applicant enquiries.
• Support staff development and foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture.
• Monitor performance, analyse data and prepare reports to inform planning and recruitment strategies.
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders to resolve issues and improve outcomes.
• Review admissions policies and resources to strengthen quality and efficiency.

Skills

Team leadership

Data analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Problem solving

Job description

Be Challenged and Imagine with us

The University of Newcastle is seeking an experienced and solutions-focused Admissions Specialist to lead the delivery of domestic postgraduate admissions activities, ensuring an efficient, consistent and positive experience for prospective students.

Working closely with the Senior Manager, Domestic Admissions and Conversion, you will provide specialist expertise and operational leadership across domestic postgraduate admissions, including application assessments, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), credit and other postgraduate admission pathways. You will lead and support a team, oversee quality and compliance, resolve complex enquiries and ensure admissions processes are delivered accurately and within established timeframes.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the University's student recruitment and growth objectives, balancing operational excellence with a strong focus on student experience. You will also play an important role in identifying opportunities to streamline processes, strengthen stakeholder relationships and use admissions data to inform decision-making and improve outcomes.

What you’ll do

• Lead and coordinate domestic postgraduate admissions activities, including application assessments, RPL, credit and end-on honours admissions, ensuring consistent, accurate and timely outcomes.
• Provide specialist advice and guidance to the team, overseeing complex cases, escalations, complaints and applicant enquiries.
• Support staff development and foster a collaborative, positive team culture that encourages accountability, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
• Monitor admissions performance, analyse data and prepare reports and insights to inform operational planning, workload management and postgraduate recruitment strategies.
• Build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, working collaboratively to resolve issues and improve admissions outcomes.
• Review and enhance admissions policies, procedures, resources and systems to strengthen quality, compliance and operational efficiency.
• Oversee applicant communications and admissions resources, ensuring information is accurate, accessible and supports a positive applicant experience.

About You

You are an experienced admissions or student administration professional with strong knowledge of complex admissions processes and the ability to lead a team in a busy, service-focused environment. You combine sound judgement and attention to detail with a genuine commitment to improving the student experience.

You will also bring:

• Demonstrated experience coordinating complex admissions or student administration activities, ideally within a higher education environment.
• Experience providing operational leadership, guidance and support to staff, with the ability to foster a positive and high-performing team culture.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret data, identify trends and translate insights into practical improvements.
• A sound understanding of governance, policy and compliance requirements, with the ability to manage complex cases and competing priorities.
• Highly developed communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the confidence to negotiate, influence and build productive working relationships.
• A continuous improvement mindset and the ability to identify opportunities to enhance processes, service delivery and operational effectiveness.

This continuing role is full time at a HEW 7 Higher Education Worker Level 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 20 30 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 $107268 - $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

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 Kellie Masters, Senior Manager, Domestic Admissions and Conversion [phone] or email [e-mail]

Having Difficulties? Please reach out to us: [e-mail]

Closing date: Tuesday, 17 Novemberat 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!

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.