Senior Manager Education and Innovation

• Influence at the highest level partner directly with senior leaders and shape education strategy
• High impact visible work drive initiatives that improve student outcomes at scale
• Broad career defining exposure work across strategy policy operations and innovation
• Full-time Fixed Term until December 2027

The University of Newcastle is a global leader committed to equity excellence and creating a better future for our regions and the world. We are seeking a high-performing strategic leader to join the College of Human and Social Futures as Senior Manager Education & Innovation.

This is a key leadership opportunity providing high-level strategic advice executive support and operational oversight across the Colleges Education and Innovation portfolio.

• Direct access to senior leadership act as a trusted advisor to the Pro Vice-Chancellor and key decision-makers
• Real influence shape education strategy priorities and innovation at scale
• High-impact work deliver initiatives that directly improve student outcomes and experience
• Breadth and visibility work across strategy policy operations and innovation in a highly visible portfolio
• A collaborative purpose-led culture

Reporting to the College General Manager you will play a central role in driving the Colleges education and innovation agenda. You will:

• Provide trusted strategic advice to the Pro Vice-Chancellor Deputy Head of College and senior leaders on education strategy policy and emerging issues
• Lead the delivery of high-quality teaching and learning proposals reports submissions and associated portfolio documentation
• Drive the development and implementation of education strategy and performance planning
• and manage a multidisciplinary Education and Innovation Team across strategy operations and professional experience functions
• Oversee complex projects and strategic initiatives that enhance educational outcomes and innovation
• Build strong relationships and partnerships across the University with key academic and senior stakeholders
• Navigate complex and sensitive issues ensuring effective low-risk outcomes

Youre a commercially minded strategic operator who thrives in fast-paced complex environments and enjoys working close to decision-makers.

You bring:

• Proven experience advising senior leaders and shaping strategic direction
• Strong capability in strategy transformation or policy environments
• The ability to cut through complexity and deliver clear actionable outcomes
• Exceptional communication skills including executive-level writing
• A track record of leading teams programs or organisational change
• Confidence building relationships and influencing at senior levels

You dont need to come from a university environment.

Were looking for a leader with capability perspective and impact.

We welcome candidates from:

• Public sector strategy and policy environments
• Education training or skills-focused organisations (including VET/TAFE)
• Health large-scale service delivery or complex operational environments
• Consulting advisory or transformation roles
• Corporate learning edtech or innovation environments
• Research think tanks or adjacent education ecosystems

This is a full-time fixed-term role until December 2027.

Up to $170522 package including superannuation (per annum)

If viewing this on a job board other than the Universitys please click Apply to reach the Universitys website where copies of the Position Descriptions can be accessed. Please download the relevant 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 attached Position Description

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.

Sunday 23rd August 2026 at 11:59pm AEST

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you

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.

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal Darkinjung Birpai Worimi Wonnarua and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.

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