Senior Respectful University Manager

Be challenged and imagine with us

Do you have a proven track record leading complex strategic initiatives and influencing cultural change across large organisations? The University of Newcastle is seeking a Senior Respectful University Manager to lead our Respectful University program and drive a whole-of-university approach to safety, respect and inclusion.

Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Engagement and Equity), you will provide expert leadership across prevention, response, governance and compliance initiatives relating to gender-based violence prevention and response. Working collaboratively with senior leaders, staff, students and external stakeholders, you will shape strategy, drive continuous improvement and ensure the University meets its regulatory obligations while fostering a culture of respect and belonging.

If you are an influential and values-driven leader who thrives in complex environments and is motivated by creating positive institutional change, we welcome your application.

In this role you will:

• Lead the University's Respectful University strategy and program of work.
• Drive prevention, education and culture change initiatives across staff and student communities.
• Lead implementation of the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence.
• Provide high-level strategic advice to senior leaders, committees and governance groups.
• Develop and oversee policies, frameworks and action plans that support compliance and best practice.
• Establish governance, risk management and assurance processes to support institutional accountability.
• Monitor, analyse and report on key performance indicators, compliance obligations and emerging risks.
• Build collaborative partnerships across Colleges, Divisions and external organisations.
• Represent the University in sector forums, government engagement activities and professional networks.
• Lead, develop and mentor a high-performing team focused on achieving meaningful organisational outcomes. 

This is a full-time, continuing position and will be located at the Callaghan Campus (Awabakal and Worimi land). 

How will you inspire us?

You will:

• Bring extensive expertise in gender-based violence prevention, response and trauma-informed practice.
• Demonstrate exceptional strategic thinking and the ability to influence organisational change.
• Build trusted relationships and work collaboratively across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Translate complex legislative and regulatory requirements into practical and effective solutions.
• Show sound judgement when managing sensitive and complex issues.
• Communicate with confidence, credibility and empathy across all levels of an organisation.
• Use evidence, data and insights to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrate a commitment to equity, inclusion and fostering respectful communities.
• Lead with authenticity, integrity and courage.
• Inspire others through a collaborative, values-driven and people-centred leadership approach.

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 9 ($140,791-$150,846) +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 and extensive relevant experience; or extensive management experience and proven leadership expertise; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in gender-based violence prevention and response, social work, public health, health promotion, education, organisational development, community engagement, culture change, equity and inclusion, or a related field.
2. Demonstrated senior-level experience leading strategic initiatives, governance and regulatory functions in a complex organisation.
3. In depth knowledge of gender based violence prevention and response and trauma informed practice.

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 employment@newcastle.edu.au.

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 Mel Crain, Executive Officer on email mel.crain@newcastle.edu.au

Having technical difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au Please note, we do not accept email applications.

Closing date: Friday, 18 September 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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