Coordinator, Equity Pathways and Integrated Partnerships

• Full-time, fixed-term position from 2 February 2027 until 31 December 2027, based at Callaghan Campus 

Be Challenged and Imagine with us

Would you like to play a key role in creating more equitable and connected pathways between VET and higher education? We are looking for an experienced coordinator who can bring people together, translate strategy into action and help more students successfully navigate their education journey.

The University of Newcastle is seeking a Coordinator, Equity Pathways and Integrated Partnerships to help turn its commitment to educational equity into meaningful action. In this role, you will coordinate evidence-informed initiatives that improve access, participation, progression and transition outcomes, with a particular focus on students from low socioeconomic status backgrounds and First Nations students.

Working at the intersection of VET and higher education, you will help shape more connected and accessible pathways for students. You will coordinate VET–higher education integration, credit and articulation activities, student transition initiatives and regional engagement, while supporting the governance and compliance arrangements that enable these initiatives to succeed.

You will bring people and ideas together across University Colleges, Schools and professional service areas, and work collaboratively with TAFE NSW, other VET providers, government and regional partners to translate shared priorities into practical and measurable outcomes for students and communities. 

The role

You’ll play a key role in advancing the University’s equity objectives, shaping evidence-informed VET–higher education pathways and initiatives that create meaningful, measurable improvements in access, participation and outcomes for low-SES and First Nations students.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Coordinating equity pathway, participation, progression and student transition initiatives that support low-SES and First Nations students and align with University priorities.
• Building and maintaining effective partnerships with TAFE NSW, VET providers, Colleges, Schools and University stakeholders to improve pathway accessibility and student outcomes.
• Coordinating the implementation of VET-to-higher education pathways, including articulation, block credit and dual-admission arrangements.
• Developing and monitoring project plans, timelines, milestones, risks and deliverables, ensuring activities are coordinated and completed within agreed timeframes.
• Preparing reports, briefings, presentations and governance documentation, and maintain accurate records of pathway agreements, activities and outcomes.
• Collecting and analysing participation data, stakeholder feedback and evaluation findings to assess effectiveness, identify barriers and recommend improvements.
• Supporting compliance requirements, University policies and reporting obligations, ensuring activities demonstrate clear benefits for eligible student cohorts.
• Liaising with internal and external stakeholders to resolve issues, progress agreed actions and continuously improve pathway delivery, student engagement and transition outcomes.

About You

You are a proactive and highly organised professional with experience leading projects, building productive stakeholder relationships and translating strategic priorities into practical initiatives. You bring strong communication, analytical and problem-solving skills, along with the judgement to manage complexity, balance competing priorities and drive continuous improvement.

You will also bring:

• Experience leading and coordinating projects in a complex organisational environment.
• Knowledge of tertiary pathways, articulation and credit arrangements.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience collecting and analysing data to support evaluation and continuous improvement.
• A collaborative, solutions-focused approach and commitment to educational equity.

Experience in equity initiatives, VET-to-higher education pathways or Needs-Based Funding would be highly regarded but we’re equally interested in candidates who can bring relevant skills and experience from other complex environments.

This fixed term role is full time at a HEW 7 Higher Education Worker Level from 2 February 2027 until 31 December 2027 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 $107268 - $120677 p.a. + superannuation commensurate with skills and experience
• 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 Anna Besser, Manager, Tertiary Pathways and Integrated Partnerships (02) 4921 7240 or email Anna.Besser@newcastle.edu.au

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

Closing date: Thursday 12th November 2026 @ 11.59pm AEDST

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.

#LI-KG1