Administrative Support Officer

This is an identified position and applicants must be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. Being an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational qualification as authorised under Section 14(D) of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act, 1977 NSW.

Be challenged and imagine with us

The Wollotuka Institute is a vibrant and welcoming space that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students throughout their university journey. Committed to fostering innovation, collaboration, and cultural connection, Wollotuka is a home away from home – where students feel supported, empowered, and ready to make an impact in their communities and beyond.

As Administrative Support Officer, you will play a key role in maintaining the smooth operations of Wollotuka, providing essential administrative and pastoral support to students, staff, and visitors. As the first point of contact, you will help create a warm and inclusive environment while ensuring the efficient daily functioning of the Institute.

In this role you will:

• Oversee reception, manage phone inquiries, and warmly welcome students, staff, community stakeholders and visitors.
• Provide pastoral care and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, ensuring they feel supported throughout their studies.
• Assist with committee servicing, event coordination, and general operations of the Institute.
• Stay informed about key events and activities to provide timely and effective administrative support.
• Help maintain accurate records and contribute to improving office processes to enhance efficiency and coordination across teams.

This continuing position is full time and will be located at our Callaghan Campus on Awabakal Country.

How will you inspire us?

You will have:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage confidently with students, Elders, community members, and stakeholders.
• A proactive approach, taking initiative and managing tasks independently to support the Institute’s daily operations.
• A commitment to exceptional customer service and a passion for creating a welcoming, culturally safe space for students and visitors.

What we offer

The remuneration for this position is from $80,972 to $93,929 plus 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 requires confirmation of Aboriginality.

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. Aboriginality is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under Section 14 of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Evidence and supply of a Confirmation of Aboriginality document is a requirement of this role.
2. Completion of a degree without subsequent relevant work experience; or completion of an associate diploma and at least 2 years subsequent relevant work experience; or an equivalent combination of professional administrative experience and/or education/training.
3. Demonstrated experience in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and a knowledge and understanding of the contributions, successes and challenges relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
4. Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to participate in a team environment demonstrating clear communication and mutual respect. 
5. Demonstrated high level of customer service and administrative skills including the ability to prioritise multiple tasks, meet deadlines and maintain attention to detail.
6. Highly developed computer skills including use of the Microsoft Office suite and experience in using corporate systems such as financial administration and corporate software / databases.

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 Jessica Deburr, Performance, Policy and Operations Manager via email at jessica.deburr@newcastle.edu.au
• If you have any questions about Aboriginality as a genuine requirement for this role, including the types of accepted documentation, please contact Simone Jordan, Indigenous Employment Partner on (02) 4055 0897 or via email at simone.jordan@newcastle.edu.au
• Having technical difficulties? Please reach out to us at employment@newcastle.edu.au Please note, we do not accept email applications.

Closing date: Monday 31 March 2025 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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