Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs

As the Corporate Affairs Senior Manager lead the Universitys approach to issues management reputation protection and stakeholder engagement across media digital and corporate channels. Working closely with senior leaders and reporting to the Director of Communications and Engagement you will provide strategic advice on complex and sensitive matters coordinate responses to emerging issues and drive proactive reputation management initiatives that earn trust. Operating with a high degree of autonomy you will be the Universitys expert on corporate affairs helping to build organisational readiness and ensure the University responds to challenges in a timely transparent ethical and effective way.

This ongoing position is full time and will be located at the Callaghan Campus (Awabakal and Worimi land).

This role is for you if you have:

• Significant experience in corporate affairs issues management media relations or strategic communications within a large and complex organisation.
• A proven track record managing high-profile sensitive and reputationally-significant issues including providing strategic advice to senior leaders and executives.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgement and make decisions under pressure to identify and mitigate reputational risk.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to influence build trusted relationships and work collaboratively across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Extensive experience managing traditional and digital mediaand stakeholder relationships to protect and enhance organisational reputation.
• Strong strategic thinking problem-solving and leadership capabilities with the ability to navigate complex environments and competing priorities.
• Relevant postgraduate qualifications in corporate affairs communications journalism public relations or a related discipline or an equivalent combination of education and significant professional experience.
• A commitment to fostering a safe inclusive and respectful workplace culture.

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.

The Communications and Engagement Unit forms part of the Engagement and Equity Division at the University of Newcastle. Under the guidance of the Universitys Looking Ahead Strategic Plan Communications and Engagement lead on the Universitys paid owned and earned strategies focused on building brand and protecting reputation. This includes staff communication contentious and crisis communications community partnerships social media and media engagement events and brand management.

The remuneration for this position is Higher Education Worker Level 9 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.

Important information before you apply:

• If viewing this on a job board other than the Universitys please click Apply (or equivalent) to reach the Universitys 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 in the position description (we recommend addressing each selection criterion requirement with a one to two paragraph response).

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

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 .

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.

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 Universitys 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 its about living our values. Together we can ensure our University remains a place where respect safety and inclusion are non-negotiable.

For specific position enquiries please contact Caitlin Stipack Executive Support Officer Communications and Engagement on

Having technical difficulties Please reach out to us: Please note we do not accept email applications.

Closing date:Thursday 23 July 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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