Planning and Performance Specialist

• Work across a diverse portfolio of planning, reporting and improvement activities
• Make a meaningful contribution to our strategic direction
• Contribute to work that matters while building your career

Be Challenged and Imagine with us

What if your work could help shape the direction of an entire university?

As a Planning and Performance Specialist, you’ll play a key role in turning the University’s Looking Ahead 2030 Strategic Plan into action. Working across the organisation, you’ll help leaders understand progress, navigate priorities and make informed decisions that support the University’s strategic objectives.

This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of strategic planning, performance, governance and continuous improvement—bringing together people, information and practical approaches to help the University achieve its goals.

The Role

Joining the Strategy, Planning and Performance Unit, you’ll work closely with senior managers and stakeholders across Colleges, Divisions and business units to support the implementation, monitoring and reporting of the University’s strategic direction.

You’ll contribute to the development of strategic and corporate plans, performance indicators and reporting processes, helping ensure the University has a clear view of progress and the information it needs to make effective decisions.

A key part of the role will be developing and improving the frameworks, tools and guidance that support planning, program management and performance monitoring. You’ll also prepare reports, briefing materials and analysis for senior stakeholders, translating complex information into clear, meaningful insights.

This is a role where your ability to connect the dots, build relationships and turn information into action will make a real difference.

About you

We’re looking for someone who can bring structure, clarity and insight to complex work. You’ll be comfortable working with senior stakeholders, managing competing priorities and adapting when circumstances change.

You’ll be someone who enjoys working through ambiguity, finding practical solutions and helping others understand what matters. You will have great interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong working relationships across functional areas. You’ll also appreciate that priorities can change, and be comfortable bringing flexibility, judgement and a positive approach to your work.

This continuing role is full time at a HEW 7 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 create 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 $107,268 - $120,677p.a. + 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 Jenny Walker, Manager, Planning and Performance (02) 4921 5968 number email  Jenny.T.Walker@newcastle.edu.au

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

Closing date: Sunday 27th September 2026

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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