Strategic Coordinator, HDR Recruitment

Be challenged and imagine with us

As Strategic Coordinator, HDR Recruitment, you will lead the expansion and impact of higher degree by research (HDR) enrolments through innovative, data-driven recruitment strategies across domestic and international markets.

This is a high-growth portfolio where you will shape new opportunities, strengthen global partnerships, and champion initiatives that build the University’s presence in priority research areas.

In this role you will:

• Design and deliver evidence-based recruitment strategies to grow HDR enrolments, enhance scholarship utilisation, and expand both domestic demand and international pipelines, including externally funded pathways.
• Analyse market intelligence, funding landscapes, and competitor activity to produce insightful reporting, forecasting, and strategic recommendations for senior leadership.
• Build and strengthen partnerships with Colleges, research leaders, and external sponsors, proactively identifying new sponsorship and funding opportunities to support candidate growth.
• Lead coordinated domestic and international recruitment initiatives, including targeted campaigns to attract high-quality, externally funded HDR candidates, ensuring alignment with regulatory and financial frameworks.

This 2-year fixed term position is full time and will be located at the Callaghan Campus (Awabakal land).

How will you inspire us?

You will have:

• Proven experience in HDR recruitment, including attracting international candidates and working with overseas sponsorship and funding models.
• Strong analytical capability, with the ability to interpret complex data, assess markets, and translate insights into effective, scalable strategies.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to influence, collaborate across functions, and drive new initiatives in a high-growth environment.
• The ability to travel both domestically and internationally as required.

What we offer

The remuneration for this position is Higher Education Worker Level 8 + 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 is a global leader distinguished by its commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and to create a better future for them and the globe. Underpinned by this vision and our values of excellence, equity, engagement, and sustainability, the University of Newcastle's Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2025-2030 outlines the University's commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities.

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 listed in the attached Position Description.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document. This document should not exceed 4 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.

Our assessment process

Typically candidates 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 as appropriate to the role

Our University is 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 the National 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 University’s 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 compliance – it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.

Contact Us

For specific position enquiries, please contact Dr Alek Voninski, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global) at PVCglobal@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 20 July 2026 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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