HDR Program Enhancement Coordinator (Activations)

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

Benefits offered by this job

HEW Level 7 salary

17% superannuation

Additional leave benefits

Wellbeing programs

Job summary

The University of Newcastle – Callaghan NSW is seeking an HDR Program Enhancement Coordinator (Activations) to lead projects that improve HDR programs and the overall research student experience. You will drive initiatives from concept to implementation, applying project management, quality assurance and stakeholder engagement expertise to ensure regulatory alignment and best practice.

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

Qualifications

• Knowledge of higher education research governance frameworks and QA processes.
• Ability to communicate, negotiate and engage a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Project management

Quality assurance

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

HDR Program Enhancement Coordinator (Activations)

The University of Newcastle – Callaghan NSW

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:

• 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.
• 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.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and organisational skills, including managing multiple priorities with exceptional attention to detail.
• 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.

Eligibility

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

Contact Us

For specific position enquiries, please contact Gareth Patterson, Manager Governance and Development via email ***************@newcastle.edu.au

Having technical difficulties? Please reach out to us: **********@newcastle.edu.au 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.

#LI-CJ1