Head of Strategy, Partnerships & Operations

Head of Strategy, Partnerships & Operations

Newcastle NSW, Australia

Full Time - Fixed Term

1 Position

Closes in 24 days

Job no: HRC0023077

Category: Professional, HEW 10

• Strategic leadership role focused on regional growth, equity, and impact
• Full time 2-year fixed term opportunity at Newcastle City Campus, with potential to extend
• 17% super, generous annual, personal, and life leave, wellbeing programs, health and fitness discounts

Be challenged and imagine with us

As Head of Strategy, Partnerships & Operations you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of some of Australia’s fastest‑growing and most complex regions through the work of the Institute for Regional Futures (IRF), a flagship institute of the University of Newcastle.

Working closely with the Executive Director, you will lead IRF’s strategic growth and operational maturity, supporting research that tackles regional transition from a human perspective – including jobs, liveability, social cohesion, service equity, and community trust – with a particular focus on regions such as the Upper Hunter and Central Coast.

You will lead a small, highly engaged team of 3 – 4 professionals and have the opportunity to grow its capability and scale to 8 – 10 as IRF expands.

In this role you will:

• Lead the strategic and financial growth of IRF, scaling revenue through competitive grants, commissioned research, commercial contracts, and long-term partnerships.
• Provide oversight of IRF’s operations, workforce, budget, and research infrastructure, ensuring excellence in delivery, governance, and sustainability.
• Build IRF's distinctive analytical and data infrastructure including longitudinal surveys, spatial analysis, modelling and trial-based evaluation capabilities that serve both research excellence and commercial clients.
• Represent IRF and the University at a senior level with government, industry, community, and academic stakeholders.

This 2-year fixed term position is full time, with potential to extend, and will be located at the Newcastle City Campus (Awabakal land).

How will you inspire us?

You will have:

• Demonstrated senior leadership experience with accountability for significant budgets, complex operations, and the delivery of strategic growth objectives.
• A strong track record in securing external funding and managing research, consultancy, and commercial contracts with government, industry, and philanthropic partners.
• Proven ability to or demonstrated experience in commissioning and quality-assuring research for policy/commercial use, with a strong understanding of how academic research is translated into clear, credible, and practical outputs.
• Experience designing or managing research trials, program evaluations, or evidence-to-policy translation initiatives.
• Exceptional influencing, communication, and relationship-building capabilities, underpinned by analytical rigour, sound judgement, and a collaborative, outcomes-focused leadership style.

What we offer

The remuneration for this position is Higher Education Worker Level 10 + 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 may 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 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 Laura Eadie, Executive Director, Institute for Regional Futures via email at laura.eadie@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: Sunday 17 May 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.