Manager, HDR Program Support and Systems

University of Newcastle; Newcastle; On-site; AUD 121,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation and salary packing

Additional university holiday days

Discounts on private health insurance,

Wellbeing programs and support

Job summary

The University of Newcastle is seeking a Manager, HDR Program Support and Systems to lead a team delivering comprehensive operations for Higher Degree by Research candidates from enrolment to examination. You will oversee HDR operations, provide expert analytics and drive continuous improvement across compliance, reporting and systems.

Reporting to the Director, Graduate Research, you will influence strategic decisions, build stakeholder relationships and ensure an outstanding candidate

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualifications or progress towards postgraduate qualifications and extensive relevant experience; or extensive experience and management expertise; or an equivalent combination of relevant professional experience and/or training.
• Demonstrated ability to drive a culture of innovation and lead administrative services and continuous improvement initiatives as the basis for service delivery.
• Ability to show leadership and exceptional interpersonal skills by empowering staff to meet high standards and demonstrated success in the development of effective relationships with key senior and external stakeholders.
• Solid understanding of the Australian higher education context, especially as it relates to higher degrees by research, including funding (e.g.: Research Training Program).

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of nine staff delivering graduate research operational services.
• Oversee Higher Degree by Research candidature operations, reporting, compliance and recruitment activities.
• Provide expert advice to senior leaders on analytics, forecasting, financial management and emerging issues.
• Prepare and deliver strategic reports, briefings, forecasts and performance insights.
• Lead complex projects and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance systems and services.
• Monitor compliance with University and external regulatory requirements.
• Build strong partnerships with Schools, Colleges and stakeholders across the University.
• Drive data quality, reporting accuracy and evidence-based decision making.
• Support recruitment planning through data analysis, benchmarking and forecasting.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of Graduate Research and act on behalf of senior leaders when required.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Data analytics

Strategic project leadership

Communication

Education

Postgraduate qualifications or progress towards

Job description

Be challenged and imagine with us

Are you an experienced leader with a strong background in people and operational management? The University of Newcastle is seeking a Manager, HDR Program Support and Systems to lead a high-performing team responsible for supporting Higher Degree by Research candidates throughout their candidature from enrolment through to examination and completion.

Reporting to the Director, Graduate Research, you will provide expert leadership across compliance, reporting and process and systems improvement while influencing strategic decision-making across the University. Leading a team of nine staff, you will build strong stakeholder relationships, drive continuous improvement and use data and insights to support research excellence and an outstanding candidate experience.

If you are a collaborative leader with strong analytical capability, good judgement and experience leading teams and a passion for improving services, we invite you to join a team shaping the future of graduate research.

In this role you will:

• Lead and develop a team of nine staff delivering graduate research operational services.
• Oversee Higher Degree by Research candidature operations, reporting, compliance and recruitment activities.
• Provide expert advice to senior leaders on analytics, forecasting, financial management and emerging issues.
• Prepare and deliver strategic reports, briefings, forecasts and performance insights.
• Lead complex projects and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance systems and services.
• Monitor compliance with University and external regulatory requirements.
• Build strong partnerships with Schools, Colleges and stakeholders across the University.
• Drive data quality, reporting accuracy and evidence-based decision making.
• Support recruitment planning through data analysis, benchmarking and forecasting.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of Graduate Research and act on behalf of senior leaders when required.

​This is a full-time, 12-month fixed-term position, and will be located at the Callaghan Campus (Awabakal and Worimi land).

How will you inspire us?

You will:

• Bring proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Build trusted relationships and influence stakeholders across a complex organisation.
• Use data, analytics and reporting to drive informed decision making and continuous improvement.
• Lead strategic projects from concept through to successful implementation.
• Communicate complex information clearly to a range of audiences.
• Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes and service delivery.
• Balance operational priorities while maintaining a strategic focus.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing team culture.
• Demonstrate sound judgement, initiative and a commitment to excellence.

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 create a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision are our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability.

What we offer

The remuneration for this position is Higher Education Worker Level 8 ($120,677-$140,791) +17% superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience.

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:

• 17% super and salary packaging.
• 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 essential criteria listed below, demonstrating your qualifications and experience with examples.

1. Postgraduate qualifications or progress towards postgraduate qualifications and extensive relevant experience; or extensive experience and management expertise; or an equivalent combination of relevant professional experience and/or training.
2. Demonstrated ability to drive a culture of innovation and lead administrative services and continuous improvement initiatives as the basis for service delivery.
3. Ability to show leadership and exceptional interpersonal skills by empowering staff to meet high standards and demonstrated success in the development of effective relationships with key senior and external stakeholders.
4. Solid understanding of the Australian higher education context, especially as it relates to higher degrees by research, including funding (i.e.: Research Training Program).

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document. This document should not exceed 4 pages.

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.

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 Helen Ross, Director, Graduate Research on email [e-mail]

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

Please note, we do not accept email applications.

Closing date: Thursday, 26 November 2026 at 11.59pm AEST

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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