Operations Coordinator, Startup Programs

Be challenged and imagine with us

As the Operations Coordinator, you’ll play a central role in supporting the University’s Integrated Innovation Network (I2N), connecting entrepreneurs, students, and researchers to programs and resources that bring ideas to life.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a positive impact in our region by helping innovators create real value.

In this role, you will:

• Coordinate day-to-day activities for accelerator and incubator programs, supporting entrepreneurship and skill development.
• Manage the Venture Mentoring Service (VMS), facilitating mentor-mentee connections and schedules.
• Plan and organise events and workshops that engage our coworking community, fostering a network of innovators.
• Support the implementation and maintenance of procedures and processes including health and safety, onboarding of staff, and other general office requirements.

This 12-month fixed term position is full time and will be located at the Honeysuckle Campus.

How will you inspire us?

This role is perfect for someone excited to explore research commercialisation or gain deeper insights into the startup ecosystem of our region.

You will have:

• Strong administrative and project management skills, including proficiency with a variety of technologies.
• Knowledge of startup ecosystems, with a passion for supporting founders developing innovative solutions.
• Stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to interface confidently in a forward-facing role.
• Experience planning events and workshops is highly regarded.

If you’re highly organised, thrive in coordinating activities, and are driven by the idea of helping people create impactful solutions, we encourage you to apply.

What we offer

The remuneration for this position is from $90,316 to $99,655 + 17% superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience. 

We offer a range of benefits and employment conditions that help you balance your commitments, stay healthy, and work effectively. For information on our employee benefits (such as leave, flexible working, discounts in private health insurance and gym memberships, and salary packaging) please visit here.  

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.
• 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 below. Note that these may differ slightly from those in the Position Description—only respond to the criteria listed here in your application.

1. Relevant tertiary qualifications (engineering, design, entrepreneurship) with at least 2 years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
2. Demonstrated experience supporting end-to-end project delivery, including stakeholder engagement, budget management, risk assessment, and achieving project objectives within set timelines.
3. Proven time management and multitasking abilities, with experience prioritising competing demands, implementing project control systems, and meeting critical deadlines consistently.
4. Ability to develop and maintain project tracking systems, analyse data, and produce clear, actionable reports to communicate project status, risks, and performance metrics.

While not essential, the following criteria are desirable. You may choose to address one or more of these in your application if they apply to you:

1. Experience designing and delivering events, workshops, pre-accelerators, or accelerators, and working with diverse groups in educational program delivery.
2. Strong presentation, facilitation, and workshop delivery skills for engaging program participants and managing discussions and activities.
3. Understanding of current best practices in Lean Startup methodologies, as well as knowledge of the startup ecosystem, including key players and roles.

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 Richard Berry, Manager, Startup Programs on (02) 4913 8601 or via email at richard.c.berry@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: Thursday 21 November 2024 at 11.59pm AEDT

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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