Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs

Be challenged and imagine with us

As the Corporate Affairs Senior Manager, lead the University's approach to issues management, reputation protection and stakeholder engagement across media, digital and corporate channels. Working closely with senior leaders, and reporting to the Director of Communications and Engagement, you will provide strategic advice on complex and sensitive matters, coordinate responses to emerging issues, and drive proactive reputation management initiatives that earn trust. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, you will be the University's expert on corporate affairs, helping to build organisational readiness and ensure the University responds to challenges in a timely, transparent, ethical and effective way.

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

How will you inspire us?

This role is for you if you have:

• Significant experience in corporate affairs, issues management, media relations or strategic communications within a large and complex organisation.
• A proven track record managing high-profile, sensitive and reputationally-significant issues, including providing strategic advice to senior leaders and executives.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgement and make decisions under pressure to identify and mitigate reputational risk.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence, build trusted relationships and work collaboratively across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Extensive experience managing traditional and digital mediaand stakeholder relationships to protect and enhance organisational reputation.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving and leadership capabilities, with the ability to navigate complex environments and competing priorities.
• Relevant postgraduate qualifications in corporate affairs, communications, journalism, public relations or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and significant professional experience.
• A commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace culture.

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.

About the Unit

The Communications and Engagement Unit forms part of the Engagement and Equity Division at the University of Newcastle. Under the guidance of the University’s Looking Ahead Strategic Plan, Communications and Engagement lead on the University’s paid, owned and earned strategies focused on building brand and protecting reputation. This includes staff communication, contentious and crisis communications, community partnerships, social media and media engagement, events, and brand management.

What we offer

The remuneration for this position is Higher Education Worker Level 9 + 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.

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 must include:

• Your resume.
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity.
• A statement addressing each of the essential criteria listed in the position description (we recommend addressing each selection criterion requirement with a one to two paragraph response).

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.

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 Caitlin Stipack, Executive Support Officer, Communications and Engagement on Caitlyn.Stipack@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, 23 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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