Thurru Indigenous Health Unit Coordinator

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

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Additional university holidays

Annual leave loading

Personal, life and parental leave

Purchased leave

Indigenous staff leave

Job summary

The University of Newcastle invites applications for the Coordinator, Thurru Indigenous Health Unit. You will lead day-to-day operations, support Indigenous health education, research and community engagement, and work closely with the Director and academic staff to advance student success and research impact.

You will manage projects, foster partnerships, mentor staff, and contribute to strategic initiatives that strengthen Indigenous health education and workforce development across campuses.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate day-to-day operations, events, programs and key initiatives of the Thurru Indigenous Health Unit.
• Supervise and support the Administrative Assistant, providing day-to-day guidance and workload coordination.
• Coordinate and participate in meetings, working groups, events and community engagement activities with stakeholders across community, government, health, research and industry sectors.
• Coordinate and manage multiple projects and initiatives across the Unit, ensuring milestones, timelines, budgets, risks and deliverables are aligned with priorities.
• Support strategic initiatives and partnerships that strengthen Indigenous health education, workforce development, student support and community engagement.
• Contribute to writing research and funding proposals to support strategic initiatives.

Job description

As part of the University's commitment to increasing Indigenous employment within its workforce, this role is a targeted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander position. The University holds an exemption under Section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) in relation to its targeted recruiting programs. Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous candidates can apply, however priority will be given to those who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander in their application and successfully meet the selection criteria.

The Role

As the Coordinator, Thurru Indigenous Health Unit, you will lead the day-to-day operations and coordination of the Unit, supporting Indigenous health education, research and community engagement activities across the College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing. Working closely with the Director and academic staff, you will provide high-level operational and project management support, foster strong relationships with community and industry partners, and contribute to strategic initiatives that enhance Indigenous student success, research outcomes and community impact.

As part of a dedicated professional team, you will play a key role in supporting engagement with Indigenous medical and health students and advancing the goals of the Unit and College The Unit continues to provide national leadership in community-responsive Indigenous health education through the development of an empowered and capable Indigenous health workforce.

In this role you will:

• Coordinate the day-to-day operations, events, programs and key initiatives of the Thurru Indigenous Health Unit.
• Supervise and support the Administrative Assistant, providing day-to-day guidance and coordination of workload.
• Coordinate and participate in meetings, working groups, events and community engagement activities while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships across community, government, health, research and industry sectors.
• Coordinate and manage multiple projects and initiatives across the Unit, ensuring milestones, timelines, budgets, risks and deliverables are effectively managed and aligned with strategic priorities.
• Support strategic initiatives and partnerships that strengthen Indigenous health education, workforce development, student support and community engagement.
• Contribute to writing research and funding proposals to support strategic initiatives.

This 12-monthfixed-term position is available at 0.8 FTE to 1.0 FTE (4-5 days per week) and is located at the Callaghan Campus (Awabakal Land) and may require travel to other campuses and locations as required.

How will you inspire us?

You will have:

• Experience working with Indigenous organisations and communities, or other equity groups.
• Proven ability to mentor, supervise and support direct reports.
• Demonstrated experience managing competing priorities, leading teams to achieve outcomes, and applying strong organisational and time management skills.

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.

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 for this position is Higher Education Worker Level 6 ($97,217 to $107,268) + 17% superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience.
• A supportive workplace with a strong commitment to inclusion, equity, and cultural safety.
• Additional University Holiday days, annual leave loading, generous personal, life and parental leave, an additional purchased leave scheme, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff leave.
• Discounts on private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more, along with a range of support and wellbeing programs.

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 Zoe Pegler, Thurru Indigenous Health Unit Coordinator at [e-mail]
• For questions regarding Aboriginality as a genuine occupational qualification for this role, or providing Confirmation of Aboriginality, please reach out to Simone Jordan, Indigenous Employment Partner at [phone] or at [e-mail]
• Having technical difficulties? Please reach out to us: [e-mail]

Closing date: Thursday, 12 November 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.

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, 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.

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

Candidates who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torries Strait Islander will be required to demonstrate their heritage by way of providing Confirmation of Aboriginality in line with University procedure.

1. Demonstrated experience in an administrative leadership or coordination role in a dynamic and fast paced professional environment.
2. Strong organisational skills including the ability to organise workflows to meet competing demands accurately and on-time and adaptability to a range of workplace expectations and responsibilities.
3. Sound written and interpersonal and communication skills as well as the ability to perform duties in a professional, respectful and culturally sensitive manner.
4. Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous organisations and communities, or other equity groups.