Senior Organisational Development Specialist

• Bring your exceptional OD experience to a role where you can be part of shaping our institutions future
• Be instrumental in delivering contemporary people-focused initiatives aligned with our strategic objectives
• Build a people-centred culture of curiosity collaboration and innovation

Are you a passionate OD professional who likes to be at the forefront of driving organisational growth and fostering a high-performance culture We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Organisational Development Specialist to join our dynamic high performing People Experience team where you will play a pivotal role in designing and delivering impactful programs projects and initiatives that build a people focused experience of moments that matter. You will thrive on variety in your work and will show exceptional problem-solving ability by finding solution-oriented approaches to a range of talent management and organisational development challenges. As an exceptional communicator and influencer with the ability to balance responsive priorities and long-term strategies your impact in this role will be significant.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is adept at collaborating with other specialists within and outside the team and working with diverse stakeholders to deliver people-centred approaches to organisational development and talent management initiatives.
• Has experience across all aspects of OD such as leadership development mentoring and coaching reward and recognition talent development and retention and staff engagement.
• Can work to tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment using data and analytics to make evidence-based recommendations and decisions.
• Undertakes research benchmarking and analysis to design develop implement and review programs to meet strategic objectives.
• Prioritises their commitment to best practice establishing and maintaining external professional networks and to building the capability of those around them.

This ongoing position is full time at a Higher Education Worker (HEW) 8 Level and will be based at Callaghan Campus (Awabakal land).

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 community and the world. Underpinned by this vision and our values of excellence equity engagement and sustainability the University of Newcastles Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2030 outlines the Universitys commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities.

To learn more about our University click here Our Uni.

About the Unit

This role sits within the Human Resource Services (HRS) unit within the Resources Division. Our focus is on delivering a broad range of people services strategies and projects across all areas of the University. As a member of the progressive People Experience team within HRS you will have the opportunity to engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders and lead the design and delivery of programs projects and initiatives that have broad reach and impact for our entire University community.

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 isfrom$116596 - $136030 and is commensurate with skills and experience
• Flexible working arrangements in line with the Universitys Flexible Work Policy
• 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 Universitys please click Apply to reach the Universitys website where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy before commencing your application.

If you are a highly experienced Organisational Development Specialist looking to make a lasting impact in a forward-thinking institution we invite you to apply. Join us in shaping the future of our university and advancing our commitment to excellence.

Your application must include:

• Your resume
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity (maximum 500 words)
• A response to each of the following questions (maximum 500 words each):

1. Please tell us about a time when you designed and delivered a strategic OD framework in response to an organisational need. How did you balance the use of data and insights experimenting with new ideas and thinking creatively to deliver this.
2. Please describe a time when you had to manage conflicting priorities and interests among multiple stakeholders to achieve a common objective. Tell us how you managed this process the challenges you faced and the outcome you achieved.
3. Please outline how you have used change management principles (such as Prosci or other frameworks) to embed an OD initiative. How did you approach this and who did you engage with to support the successful delivery of the initiative.

Please upload your cover letter and response to the targeted questions as one PDF document.

Your cover letter and response to the targeted questions should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2000 words).

For specific position enquiries please contact Carlie McQuillan Senior Manager People Experience

Having difficulties Please reach out to us:

Closing date:Tuesday 5th May @ 11:59pm AEST

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 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 complianceits 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 beLooking Aheadwith you!