HDR Activation & Quality Improvement Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Annual leave loading

University holiday days

Discounts on private health insurance

Gym memberships

Wellbeing programs

Job summary

The University of Newcastle invites applications for the HDR Program Enhancement Coordinator (Activations). This 18-month full-time role at Callaghan Campus leads a portfolio of projects to improve HDR quality, compliance and the student experience, working with internal and external stakeholders to move concepts into practice.

You will apply project management, QA and stakeholder engagement expertise to deliver initiatives and build collaborative relationships across the University.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of higher education governance frameworks.
• Experience implementing quality assurance processes to meet national standards.
• Ability to engage diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead HDR enhancement and activation projects to improve quality and compliance.
• Manage project delivery from planning to evaluation.
• Coordinate HDR initiatives and events, including conferences and assessments.
• Provide expert advice on HDR quality assurance and program improvement.
• Use data and sector insights to drive continuous improvement.
• Build collaborative relationships across the University and with external partners.

Skills

Project management

Quality assurance

Stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

Communication

Change management

Job description

The Role

As the HDR Program Enhancement Coordinator (Activations), you will lead a diverse portfolio of projects that support continuous improvement within HDR programs and the broader research student experience. Working closely with internal and external stakeholders, you will deliver strategic initiatives from concept through to implementation and evaluation, applying expertise in project management, quality assurance and stakeholder engagement to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and best practice.

In this role you will:

• Lead HDR enhancement and activation projects that support quality, compliance and the research student experience.
• Manage project delivery, including planning, stakeholder engagement, implementation and evaluation.
• Coordinate key HDR initiatives and events, including conferences, festivals, assessment integrity projects and the implementation of HDR quality assurance frameworks.
• Provide expert advice and support to Schools, Colleges and Divisions on HDR quality assurance, compliance and program improvement.
• Use data, feedback and sector insights to drive continuous improvement and strengthen HDR programs.
• Build collaborative relationships across the University and externally to achieve project outcomes, benchmark practices and share best practice.

This 18-month Fixed-term position is full time and will be located at the Callaghan Campus (Awabakal and Worimi land).

How will you inspire us?

You will have:

1. Demonstrated knowledge of higher education research governance frameworks and experience in implementing quality assurance processes to ensure compliance with national standards and best practice in PhD supervision and research environments.
2. Excellent communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills, including the ability to manage difficult conversations, as well as effectively engage with a culturally diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
3. Excellent analytical, problem-solving and organisational skills, including managing multiple priorities with exceptional attention to detail.
4. Demonstrated capacity to work within a team and bring a strong, positive culture to achieve divisional and organisational goals in an environment of competing demands.

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.

About the Unit

Graduate Research is responsible for building, shaping and implementing initiatives to develop the next generation of research leaders at the University of Newcastle; and for the timely and efficient management of Higher Degree Research (HDR) activities within the University, including the administration of HDR rules and policies; compliance with relevant university and external regulatory requirements; and maintaining the highest ethical standards in research higher degree training. The team is responsible for the above services for both domestic and international students.

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:

• Remuneration of Higher Education Worker (HEW) Level 7 ($107,268 - $120,677) + 17% superannuation, commensurate with skills and experience.
• 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.

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.
• Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit.

Your application must include:

• Your resume.
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity.
• A statement addressing each of the 4 essential criteria listed below the ‘How will you inspire us – you will have:’ heading in this advert using an example for each to demonstrate (these may differ slightly from the Position Description).

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. 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 [e-mail].

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 Gareth Patterson, Manager Governance and Development via email [e-mail]

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

Closing date:Monday, 26 October 2026 at 11.59pm AEDT

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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