Alumni Engagement Coordinator (Indigenous Programs and Lifelong Learning)

• Identified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Position
• Full-time Continuing | Based between City and Callaghan Campuses

Be Challenged and Imagine with us

This is an opportunity to shape something meaningful.

Working across the University's Alumni and Advancement team and the Wollotuka Institute, you'll play a key role in building lasting relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates, creating opportunities for connection, mentoring, professional growth and lifelong learning.

The University of Newcastle is home to one of Australia's largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student communities, and we're proud to soon celebrate the graduation of our 200th Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical doctor. As our community of graduates continues to grow, so too does our commitment to ensuring they remain connected, supported and celebrated throughout their careers.

In this newly created role, you'll help shape Indigenous alumni programs that bring community together, strengthen networks, celebrate achievement and create opportunities for graduates to give back to current students and future generations.

If you're passionate about community, connection and creating opportunities for your mob, we'd love to hear from you.

The Role

Working closely with the Wollotuka Institute while being part of the Alumni Engagement team, you'll:

• Design and deliver culturally informed and culturally led alumni engagement initiatives for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates.
• Build strong relationships with alumni, students, community members and University stakeholders to create meaningful engagement opportunities.
• Coordinate mentoring programs that connect graduates with current students and fellow alumni.
• Develop lifelong learning initiatives that encourage alumni to continue their professional and personal development throughout their careers.
• Coordinate events, networking opportunities and engagement activities that strengthen a sense of belonging and community.
• Develop engaging communications and digital content that celebrates alumni achievements and promotes opportunities to reconnect with the University.
• Monitor program outcomes and use insights to continuously improve engagement initiatives.

About you

You're someone who enjoys bringing people together and creating spaces where relationships and communities can thrive. You understand the importance of cultural connection and are passionate about supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to achieve their aspirations throughout every stage of their career.

You'll also bring:

• Experience building and maintaining strong relationships with diverse stakeholders and communities.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage respectfully and authentically across a broad range of audiences.
• Strong project coordination and organisational skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Experience coordinating programs, events, mentoring initiatives or community engagement activities.
• An interest in lifelong learning, professional development or education programs.
• The ability to work collaboratively across multiple teams while building trusted relationships.

Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, alumni engagement, education, community development or professional learning programs will be highly regarded.

This is an Identified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Position

As part of the University's commitment to increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment, this is an Identified position.

Applicants must be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. Being an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational qualification authorised under Section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW). The University also holds an exemption under Section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) in relation to its targeted recruitment programs.

Applicants will be required to demonstrate their Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage in addition to addressing the selection criteria.

At the University of Newcastle, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are empowered to thrive, contribute and lead.

This continuing role is full time at a HEW6 Higher Education Worker Level and will work between City and Callaghan Campuses.

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: 

• An annual remuneration of $93929 - $103641+ 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 alumni@newcastle.edu.au. For enquiries regarding confirmation of Aboriginality requirements please contact Simone Jordan Indigenous Employment Partner 02 40550897.

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

Closing date: Sunday 30th August 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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