Project Specialist

University of Newcastle; Newcastle; On-site; AUD 107,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Salary packaging opportunities

Annual leave loading

Parental leave provisions

Wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

The University of Newcastle is seeking a Project Specialist to join the People Experience team, driving a diverse portfolio of strategic people projects aligned with our priorities. You will design and embed initiatives across organisational development and employee experience, working with HR, leaders and stakeholders to achieve outcomes.

This full-time HEW 7 role is based at Callaghan Campus and offers flexible working and a range of benefits as part of our commitment to a fair and inclusive

Qualifications

• Experience supporting and managing complex projects from planning and design through to implementation, evaluation and continuous improvement.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities with a strong focus on quality, outcomes and stakeholder experience.
• Builds productive relationships and works collaboratively with diverse stakeholders to influence and drive outcomes.
• Applies change management, continuous improvement and evidence-based approaches to support sustainable organisational outcomes.
• Uses research, benchmarking, data and insights to inform recommendations and solve complex problems.
• Enjoys working in a collaborative team while also taking ownership and working independently.

Responsibilities

• Drive and support a diverse portfolio of strategic people projects and initiatives aligned with the University's priorities.
• Design, implement and embed initiatives to improve employee experience and capability.
• Partner with leaders and HR professionals to deliver outcomes across organisational development and change management.
• Use planning, stakeholder engagement and problem-solving to deliver successful project outcomes.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Continuous improvement

Data-informed decision making

Job description

Are you an experienced project professional with a passion for people, organisational change and delivering outcomes that make a real difference? We are seeking a Project Specialist to join our high-performing People Experience team, where you will drive and support a diverse portfolio of strategic people projects and initiatives aligned with the University's strategic priorities.

This role offers the opportunity to work across a broad range of projects spanning organisational development, employee experience, workforce capability, process improvement and change management. You'll thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two projects are the same, bringing strong planning, stakeholder engagement and problem-solving skills to deliver successful outcomes.

Working closely with leaders, HR specialists and stakeholders across the University, you will help design, implement and embed initiatives that create positive experiences for our people and contribute to achieving our strategic goals.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience supporting and managing complex projects from planning and design through to implementation, evaluation and continuous improvement.
• Can effectively balance multiple priorities, while maintaining a strong focus on quality, outcomes and stakeholder experience.
• Builds productive relationships and works collaboratively with diverse stakeholders to influence, engage and drive successful project outcomes.
• Applies change management, continuous improvement and evidence-based approaches to support sustainable organisational outcomes.
• Uses research, benchmarking, data and insights to inform recommendations, identify opportunities and solve complex problems.
• Enjoys working as part of a collaborative team, while also being confident operating independently and taking ownership of outcomes.

This continuing position is full-time at a Higher Education Worker (HEW) 7 Level and will be based at Callaghan Campus (Awabakal land).

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 community and the world. Underpinned by this vision and our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, the University of Newcastle's Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2030 outlines our commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities.

To learn more about our university, visit Our Uni / The University of Newcastle, Australia.

About the Unit

This role sits within the People Experience team in Human Resource Services (HRS), part of the Resources Division. The People Experience team designs and delivers programs, projects and initiatives that support workforce capability, organisational effectiveness and employee experience across the University. As Project Specialist, you will work closely with colleagues across HRS including Talent Acquisition, Learning and Development, HR Advisory, Business Partnering, Health and Safety, Wellbeing and HR Systems, while partnering broadly with leaders and staff across the University to deliver strategic outcomes.

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 from $107268 p.a. + 17% superannuation
• Flexible working arrangements in line with the University's Flexible Work Policy
• Salary packaging opportunities
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal leave and parental leave provisions
• Annual leave loading and purchased leave options
• Discounts on health insurance, fitness memberships, software, travel and more
• Access to a range of wellbeing initiatives and support programs

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 is 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.