Government and Community Relations Officer

Be challenged and imagine with us

As Government and Community Relations Officer, you will play a key role in supporting the Head of Government Relations and the Marketing and Communications team to strengthen the University’s relationships across government and the community. Working across a blended portfolio, you’ll contribute to stakeholder engagement and communications, policy, advocacy, and events that advance the University’s civic and community engagement agenda.

As a newly created position, this role offers the chance to shape its direction and make a meaningful impact.

In this job you will:

• Prepare high-quality briefing materials, policy submissions, and stakeholder communications to support advocacy and engagement activities.
• Plan and deliver strategic community engagement initiatives and resources, including developing systems and internal communications to better support stakeholder engagement.
• Provide advice and support to ensure alignment between the University’s objectives and broader government and community priorities.
• Build and manage strong relationships with, community and government stakeholders, and internal partners.

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

How will you inspire us?

You will have:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage confidently and diplomatically with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in communications, government, policy development, or community engagement, or experience that could translate to this role.
• Excellent writing skills and the ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling materials for diverse audiences.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills.
• The ability to collaborate across teams, take direction from multiple areas, and manage competing priorities with professionalism.

What we offer

The remuneration for this position is from $116,596 to $136,030 + 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.

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.

Your next steps

Important information before you apply:

• If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ (or equivalent) to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy from the Related Documents section before commencing your application.
• Due to the nature of this role, the University will require the preferred candidate to undertake further pre-employment checks.
• Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit.

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 below (these may differ slightly from the Position Description, please only respond to the below in your application).

1. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Exceptional writing and research skills, with demonstrated experience in preparing a high volume of strategic communications, including briefing documents, policy summaries, letters, talking points, and strategic reports. Ability to tailor communication for diverse audiences and exercise sound judgment in managing sensitive matters.
3. High-level project management and organisational skills, including the ability to plan and deliver projects, improve systems, manage competing priorities, work effectively under pressure, and resolve complex problems.
4. Demonstrated ability to handle a diverse range of complex and contentious issues with efficiency and strategic foresight.
5. Strong understanding of the Australian higher education sector, including policy frameworks, key challenges, and emerging trends impacting universities and government engagement, or an ability to quickly develop an understanding of the sector.

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 employment@newcastle.edu.au.

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.

Contact Us

For specific position enquiries, please contact Fiona Bastian, Head of Government Relations on (02) 4921 7869 or via email at fiona.bastian@newcastle.edu.au

Having technical difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au Please note, we do not accept email applications.

Closing date: Monday 28 April 2025 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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