Widening Participation Administrative Assistant

The Role

As the Widening Participation Administrative Assistant, you'll play an important role in supporting the delivery of outreach and pathway programs that help students explore and access higher education opportunities. You will provide high-quality administrative, data management and customer service support to ensure the effective operation of widening participation initiatives.

This is an opportunity to contribute to programs that make a meaningful difference to prospective students while undertaking the administration, communication and coordination activities that underpin successful program delivery. Working as part of a collaborative team, you'll maintain accurate records, coordinate program logistics and build positive relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.

In this role you will:

• Provide administrative support for widening participation and student pathway programs.
• Respond to enquiries from students, families, schools and University stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate records and data across University systems and databases.
• Coordinate program communications, documentation and participant information.
• Assist with the delivery of outreach activities, workshops and events.
• Prepare reports and support program tracking and compliance requirements.
• Contribute to the improvement of administrative processes and record management practices.

This 12-month fixed-term position is full time and will be located at the Callaghan Campus (Awabakal land). 

How will you inspire us?

We're looking for a highly organised and detail-oriented administrator with strong communication skills and a customer-focused approach. You will be confident working with data and established systems, able to manage competing priorities, and committed to delivering accurate and responsive support to students, families and stakeholders. Experience using Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, along with strong written communication skills and the ability to tailor communications to a range of audiences, will be highly regarded.

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 are our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability.

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:

• The remuneration for this position is Higher Education Worker Level 4 ($77,098 to $83,806) + 17% superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience. 
• 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 on the position description.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document. This document should not exceed 3 pages.

Please note: This position is known internally as the Widening Participation Data Administrator.

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 Selina Darney, Manager Widening Participation Pathways on selina.darney@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: Monday, 23 November 2026 at 11.59pm AEDT

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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