Program Manager

• Contribute to strategic initiatives in a complex and evolving environment
• Work closely with senior executives, governance committees, and stakeholders across the University
• Opportunity to make a significant impact

Be Challenged and Imagine with us

Are you an experienced program or project leader who enjoys navigating complexity, bringing people together and turning strategic priorities into meaningful outcomes?

The University of Newcastle is seeking an experienced Program Manager to provide strategic leadership across a diverse portfolio of projects and initiatives, while leading the governance and oversight of a multimillion-dollar restricted funding portfolio.

This is a high-impact role that sits at the intersection of strategy, project delivery, governance and student outcomes. You will work closely with senior leaders, academic sponsors, Finance, and internal stakeholders to ensure major initiatives are well planned, effectively governed and delivered with purpose.

You will also play a key role in overseeing a multi-million dollar restricted funding portfolio, ensuring funding decisions and allocations are aligned with legislative requirements, University priorities and the needs of students.

The Opportunity

• Provide strategic leadership across a diverse portfolio of University projects and initiatives, from planning through to delivery.
• Lead project governance, including objectives, milestones, risks, benefits, reporting and change management.
• Partner with academic sponsors, senior executives and stakeholders across the University to drive alignment, collaboration and successful outcomes.
• Develop and implement effective consultation and communication strategies, building strong relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Identify and resolve complex issues, providing high-quality advice and driving matters through to informed decision making.
• Prepare and present high-level reports, briefing papers, submissions and recommendations for senior executives, committees, University Council and external stakeholders.
• Provide functional leadership, coaching and mentoring to HEW 6 and HEW 7 project staff, building project management capability across the team.
• Establish and continuously improve project management frameworks, methodologies, tools and governance practices.
• Lead the University's restricted funding cycle, overseeing allocations, reporting, assurance, evaluation and governance requirements in line with legislative and University requirements.
• Oversee restricted funding governance and related projects, identifying opportunities to strengthen risk management, reporting, assurance and continuous improvement.

About you

You are an experienced program or project management professional who is comfortable operating at a strategic level while maintaining a strong understanding of what is required to deliver projects successfully.

You thrive in complex environments where there are multiple stakeholders, competing priorities and sometimes ambiguous problems to solve. You can see the bigger picture while maintaining the attention to detail needed to ensure governance, financial and reporting requirements are met.

Experience in higher education, government, public sector or another complex and highly governed environment will be highly regarded.

This continuing role is full time at a HEW 8 Higher Education Worker Level 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 2030 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 $116,596- $136030 + superannuation and 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

Your next steps 

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role. 

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy before commencing your application. 

Your application must include: 

• Your resume
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity
•  A statement addressing the Essential Criteria listed in the job description demonstrating your qualifications and experience with examples.

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.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document.

Your Cover Letter and Response to the Essential Criteria should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2,000 words).

Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. 

For specific position enquiries, please contact Eleanor Edwards, Executive Officer (02) 40550215 or via email  Eleanor.Edwards@newcastle.edu.au

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

Closing date: Wednesday 9^th September 2026 @ 11:59pm AEST

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 employment@newcastle.edu.au.

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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