Project Officer, Equity Pathways and Student Transition

University of Newcastle; Newcastle; On-site; AUD 97,000 - 107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remuneration package

Flexible work

35 hour week

Salary packaging

Parental leave

Private health discounts

Job summary

The University of Newcastle is seeking a Project Officer, Equity Pathways and Student Transition to deliver evidence‑informed initiatives that create more equitable and accessible tertiary pathways for low SES and First Nations students. This is a fixed‑term, full‑time role based at Callaghan Campus in Newcastle, NSW.

Reporting to the Manager, Tertiary Pathways and Integrated Partnerships, you will lead designated projects, coordinate engagement, data capture, reporting and evaluation to

Qualifications

• Experience coordinating projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong communication, analytical and problem solving skills.
• Experience maintaining and analysing accurate data to demonstrate progress and outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate equity pathway, participation and transition projects with plans, timelines, meetings, records, reporting and risk management.
• Support student engagement activities for low‑SES and First Nations students, maintaining relationships with university stakeholders and external partners.
• Coordinate VET-to-higher education pathways, articulation, block credit and transition activities with consistent information and processes.
• Capture, validate and analyse student participation and feedback to support reporting and evaluation.
• Support compliance, quality assurance and reporting with accurate documentation of benefits for eligible cohorts.
• Identify operational issues, barriers and risks and recommend practical improvements.

Skills

Project coordination

Stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

Reporting

Job description

• Full-time, fixed-term position from 2 February 2027 until 31 December 2027, based at Callaghan

Be Challenged and Imagine with us

Would you like to use your project coordination skills to help more students access and successfully transition into higher education?

The University of Newcastle is seeking a Project Officer, Equity Pathways and Student Transition to deliver practical, evidence-informed initiatives that create more equitable and accessible tertiary pathways. The role will have a particular focus on improving opportunities and outcomes for students from low socioeconomic status backgrounds and First Nations students.

Reporting to the Manager, Tertiary Pathways and Integrated Partnerships, you will work as part of a collaborative team to lead the delivery of designated projects and contribute to broader equity pathway and student transition initiatives. Working closely with the Coordinator, Equity Pathways and Integrated Partnerships, you will coordinate student and stakeholder engagement, data capture, reporting and evaluation to translate equity priorities into practical initiatives and measurable outcomes for students.

The role

You will lead designated projects and coordinate activities across VET–higher education pathways, student transition initiatives, stakeholder meetings and workshops, participant tracking, communications and feedback collection. You will help ensure initiatives are evidence-informed, responsive to student needs and able to demonstrate measurable outcomes for low-SES and First Nations students

Your responsibilities will include:

• Coordinating equity pathway, participation and transition projects, including project plans, timelines, meetings, records, reporting and risk management.
• Supporting student engagement activities for low-SES and First Nations students, maintaining effective relationships with University stakeholders and external partners.
• Coordinating VET-to-higher education pathways, articulation, block credit and transition activities, ensuring accurate information and consistent processes.
• Capturing, validate and analyse student participation, stakeholder feedback and outcome data to support reporting, evaluation and continuous improvement.
• Supporting compliance, quality assurance and reporting, maintaining accurate documentation and evidence of benefits for eligible student cohorts.
• Identifying operational issues, barriers and risks, recommend practical improvements, and escalating complex matters where appropriate.

About you

You are an organised and proactive project professional with experience delivering defined projects and coordinating activities across multiple stakeholders. You bring strong communication, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, maintain accurate information and contribute to effective project delivery.

You will also bring:

• Experience coordinating projects, meetings, workshops and stakeholder activities.
• A proactive approach to improving processes and supporting effective service delivery.
• Strong interpersonal skills and confidence working with diverse stakeholders.
• Well-developed organisational, written communication and reporting skills.
• Experience maintaining and analysing accurate data to demonstrate progress and outcomes.
• A collaborative, solutions-focused approach and commitment to educational equity.

Experience supporting equity initiatives, VET–higher education pathways, student transition activities or funded programs would be highly regarded but we’re equally interested in candidates who can bring relevant skills and experience from other complex environments.

This fixed term role is full time at a HEW 6 Higher Education Worker Level from 2 February 2027 - until 31 December 2027 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 $97217 - $107268 + 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

Closing date:Thursday 12th November 2026 @ 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

We are committed to a fair, inclusive, and barrier-free recruitment process. If you require an alternative way to access the Position Description or submit your application, please contact [e-mail].

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.

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