Associate Director - Estate Strategy & Planning

Job no: HRC0008483

Category: HEW 10+

Position: Full Time Fixed Term 5 Years

Location: Newcastle (Callaghan) Campus

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, the University of Newcastle’s Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2020-2025 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities.

About the Unit

Infrastructure and Facilities Services (IFS) is responsible for the planning, development and operation of the University’s physical infrastructure and estate. This includes both operational services delivery and the management and upkeep of facilities to support the strategic objectives of the University to meet the needs of students, staff and the University community.

IFS delivers comprehensive facilities management to support the teaching and research goals of the University. With a team of over 60 staff, IFS provides a diverse range of services.

Be challenged and imagine with us

The Associate Director – Estate Strategy & Planning is a senior role in the IFS management team, supporting the Director IFS. In this role, you will focus on strategic and detailed planning of the University’s built environment, which includes:

• formation, oversight and management of campus master planning
• leading strategic planning, visioning and business case formulation for our physical campuses and assets
• driving improved performance and efficiency of the University's estate, including property rationalisation and optimisation
• development of property briefs and stakeholder requirements 
• ownership of space allocation policies and design standards

This is a hands-on role that requires a candidate who can manage leadership of strategic estate planning, as well as involving themselves in more detailed aspects of individual areas to negotiate ideal outcomes. This is an ideal position for someone with a background in Higher Education and/or large complex environments.

This 5 Year Fixed Term position is full time and will be located at the Callaghan Campus (Awabakal and Worimi land) with travel to the University’s campuses on the Central Coast, and Newcastle City, plus regional campuses in Tamworth, Taree, Port Macquarie and Sydney. 

How will you inspire us?

The successful applicant will have:

• Postgraduate qualifications and proven expertise in the management of strategy development, project planning and delivery management services in a large complex organisation, with an understanding of key technical service deliverables.
• Demonstrated extensive project planning experience, business case formulation, encompassing strategic, conceptual and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to set strategic direction and use sound judgement to make critical decisions.
• Proven capacity to understand and interpret industry trends in project planning and delivery and their impact on the core business of the University.
• Proven ability to manage the delivery of major capital programs and projects across a complex portfolio of buildings and campuses.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and deliver exceptional customer service.
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills and demonstrated capacity to represent the University externally.
• Highly developed leadership and management skills with the ability to build effective high performance teams and engage in difficult conversations with staff in accordance with organisational policies.

For the full list of essential and desirable selection criteria, please review the Position Description.

What we offer

A highly attractive remuneration package is on offer and a range of flexible salary packaging options is also available.

For information on our employee benefits (such as flexible working, discounts in private health insurance and gym memberships and salary packaging) please visit here.  

Move to Newcastle

A move to Newcastle offers you the choice to live in the city, by the sea or near bushland - the region offers a wonderful place for a family to grow and the opportunity to strike a work/life balance.

Visit the City of Newcastle site to imagine your future.

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 University's please click ‘Apply’ to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy before commencing your application.

Your application must include:

• Your resume
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity
• A point-by-point response addressing each of the Essential Criteria listed in the position description

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document.

Your Cover Letter and Response to the Essential Criteria should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2,000 words).

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

Due to the nature of this role, the University may require the preferred candidate to undertake further pre-employment checks.

For specific position enquiries, please contact Kevin McCarthy, Director Infrastructure and Facilities Services on 0458841098 or via email kevin.mccarthy@newcastle.edu.au

Having Difficulties? If you are having technical trouble with a job application you can find help here. For further assistance you can email employment@newcastle.edu.au  

Closing date: Tuesday, 29th October at 11.59pm AEDT

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, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.

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