Associate Director, Collections and Experience

University of Newcastle; Newcastle; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The University Library invites applications for Associate Director, Collections and Experience at Callaghan Campus. You will provide strategic leadership across collections, archives and exhibitions, and drive audience engagement, programming, and digital experiences.

You will lead a high-performing team to ensure access, relevance and impact for students, researchers and the wider community, advancing equity and inclusion within a dynamic higher education environment.

Qualifications

• Lead strategic development of the Library's Collections and Experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development and delivery of the Library's Collections and Experience portfolio.
• Provide leadership for collection development, collection stewardship, archives, special collections, and the delivery of engaging and meaningful user experiences.
• Develop and deliver a unified program of exhibitions, events, student wellbeing initiatives, communications, promotions, social media, and digital engagement activities that showcase the value and impact of the Library.
• Lead the Library's communications and advocacy activities, translating complex ideas into compelling stories that strengthen awareness, engagement, and support for collections, programs, and services.
• Oversee the stewardship, preservation, digitisation, interpretation, and promotion of archives, rare books, artefacts, and special collections.

Job description

Job no: HRC0027824

Category: HEW 10+

Position: Full Time fixed term (1-year contract)

Location: Callaghan Campus

Be challenged and imagine with us

As Associate Director, Collections and Experience, you will provide strategic leadership across collections, archives and special collections, audience engagement, programming, communications, digital experiences, and emerging technologies. You will lead a highly skilled team responsible for ensuring the University's collections, services, programs, and experiences remain accessible, relevant, and responsive to the evolving needs of students, researchers, staff, and the wider community.

This is an opportunity to lead how collections, exhibitions, digital initiatives, student wellbeing programs, and community engagement activities connect people with the Library's resources, expertise, and unique cultural assets in a rapidly evolving higher education environment.

In this role you will:

• Lead the strategic development and delivery of the Library's Collections and Experience portfolio.
• Provide leadership for collection development, collection stewardship, archives, special collections, and the delivery of engaging and meaningful user experiences.
• Develop and deliver a unified program of exhibitions, events, student wellbeing initiatives, communications, promotions, social media, and digital engagement activities that showcase the value and impact of the Library.
• Lead the Library's communications and advocacy activities, translating complex ideas into compelling stories that strengthen awareness, engagement, and support for collections, programs, and services.
• Oversee the stewardship, preservation, digitisation, interpretation, and promotion of archives, rare books, artefacts, and special collections.

About the Library

The University Library plays a vital role in supporting students, academics, and researchers, providing a first-class learning environment that fosters collaboration, research excellence, and academic success. With a strong workplace culture and a commitment to innovation, the Library is both a student-facing service and a strategic hub, adapting to the evolving needs of the University community.

The Library develops and preserves print and digital collections, supports collaborative learning and research via contemporary and flexible learning facilities and social meeting spaces, and builds the user experience into the design and development of services and programs.

Our recognition and support for the changing needs of students, academics, and researchers is exemplified through investment in learning spaces and resources, a client-centred service model that engages staff and clients in ongoing review of service requirements and introducing technology solutions that enhance the client experience.

Our libraries are welcoming places where students come to meet, read, study and learn. We operate four libraries across locations at Callaghan, Newcastle City, Gosford, and Sydney.

How will you inspire us?

Your expertise in collections, audience engagement, and emerging sector trends, combined with knowledge of digital platforms, content management, and risk-informed practice, will ensure the Library continues to innovate, connect students and researchers with collections, and deliver impactful programs and services.

Your strong strategic engagement skills will enable you to build partnerships and influence key stakeholders, strengthening the University's presence within the sector.

You will bring a strategic and creative mindset, the ability to navigate complexity and risk, and a leadership approach that fosters innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. With extensive experience leading high-performing teams, you will cultivate a positive, productive, and inclusive workplace culture.

Equally important is your commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. As the leading educator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Australia, and the first in NSW for social equity students, the Library is committed to furthering the University's vision through inclusive and supportive environments for both students and staff.

What we offer

A highly attractive remuneration package is on offer and a range of flexible salary packaging options is also available.

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.

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, 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.

Contact Us

For specific position enquiries, please contact Lisa Ogle, Acting University Librarian on 0437772451 or via email at [e-mail].

Having technical difficulties? Please reach out to us: [e-mail] Please note, we do not accept email applications.

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.

Closing date: Monday 2 November 2026 at 11.59pm AEDT

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.

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Birpai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.

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