Senior Manager, Special Collections and Archives

Be Challenged and Imagine With Us

As the Senior Manager Special Collections and Archives you will lead the responsible care governance and professional practice shaping how the University Librarys archives rare books and special collections are cared for accessed and understood. Working closely with the Associate Director Collections & Experience you will lead the Special Collections and Archives team to deliver their work in line with the strategic direction of the University Library providing authoritative leadership in collection management governance ethical practice and professional judgement.

The University Library is evolving how its distinctive collections are experienced engaged with and embedded in teaching and research. This role will play a key part in guiding that evolution working with colleagues to explore new and imaginative ways of connecting students researchers and communities with archives rare books and special collections and sharing their value more widely across the University. Its an exciting time to join the Collections & Experience portfolio and help shape how these collections are understood used and celebrated.

This is a role for a thoughtful and confident leader who enjoys navigating complexity. Youll balance access and engagement with longterm care work with academics and partners to integrate collections into curriculum and research and contribute senior curatorial expertise to selected exhibitions and public programs within the Librarys broader programming framework. Your leadership will strengthen professional practice build capability and ensure the Librarys distinctive collections remain relevant trusted and impactful.

Whatyoulldo

• Lead and support a highperforming team fostering collaboration confidence and continuous improvement.
• Guide the lifecycle of special collections and archives ensuring ethical care access preservation and governance.
• Contribute to planning and resource management supporting budgets priorities and sustainable use of resources.
• Use insight and evidence to inform decisions and communicate the value and impact of collections.
• Work closely with academics and stakeholders to strengthen access resolve issues and support teaching and research.

This is a continuing fulltime position based at our Callaghan Campus on Awabakal land.

About ourUniversity

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader with a reputation for excellence in education and research. Ranking in the top 1% of global universities and among the top 40 for impact 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 outlines the Universitys commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. Our Looking Head 2030 Strategic Plan outlines the Universitys commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities.

Whatson offer

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries discovering new ways of thinking and cementing its 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 $136030 to $145745 (Higher Education Worker Level 9) plus 17% superannuation and excellent employment conditions in line with University of Newcastle professional staff conditions.
• Flexible working arrangements (in line with the UniversitysFlexible 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

Click the Apply button to be redirected to the advert on our University of Newcastle jobs page where you will find a guide on how to apply and gain access to the job description

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 beforecommencingyour application.

Your application should include:

• YourResume(maximum. 4 pages)
• A one-pagecover letteroutlining your motivation and experience to apply for this opportunity.
• A response to each of the two following questions (maximum 2 pages):

1. Describe your experience leading professional teams within a special collections archives cultural heritage or similarly complex service environment.
2. Provide an example of how you have led a significant initiative decision or change relating to collections access or engagement.

For the full list of the selection criteria and role responsibilities please download the Position Description (available in the Related Documents section below).

Our assessment process

Typicallycandidates 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 asappropriate tothe role

OurUniversityis 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 theNational 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 complianceitsabout living our values. Together we can ensure ourUniversityremainsa place where respect safety and inclusion are non-negotiable.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process to support your application please let us know. This information will help us understand how best to support you and ensurean equitableand inclusive recruitment process.

Please be assured that anything you share will be treated respectfully and appropriately. Our goal is to provide the best environment for every candidate todemonstratetheir suitable skills and experience.

Contact Us

For specific position enquiries please contactBeth White Associate Director Collections and Experience

Please reach out toif you are experiencing any difficulties or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments.

Applications Close:Sunday 24 May 2026 at 11:59PMAEST

We are excited to beLooking Aheadwith you

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

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