Digital Governance Specialist

• More than a documentation role. You will help make governance practical
• Gain broad exposure to initiatives and teams across Digital Technology Solutions
• Opportunity to develop knowledge across IT operational risk, service continuity, audit, compliance and policy

Be Challenged and Imagine with us

Are you highly organised, detail-focused and interested in how strong governance, risk and compliance practices support a complex digital environment?

The University of Newcastle is seeking a Digital Governance Specialist to join Digital Technology Solutions (DTS). This is an exciting opportunity to build your career in digital governance while gaining exposure to a broad range of initiatives across risk management, service continuity, audit, compliance, policy and process improvement.

The Role

As our Digital Governance Specialist, you will play an important role in supporting and strengthening the governance practices that underpin Digital Technology Solutions.

Working across a diverse range of teams and initiatives, you will help ensure our governance frameworks, policies, standards and processes are practical, current and consistently applied. You will support IT operational risk management, coordinate service continuity activities, facilitate internal and external audits, and help translate policy and compliance requirements into practical guidance for teams.

This is a broad and varied role offering exposure across DTS and the wider University. It is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to step into or further develop their career in governance, risk and compliance within a large and complex organisation.

In this role, you will:

• Support the operation and continuous improvement of the DTS digital governance framework
• Coordinate and support IT operational risk management activities, including risk reviews, treatment actions and evidence management
• Help facilitate service continuity activities, including maintaining continuity documentation, coordinating reviews and supporting capability uplift initiatives
• Coordinate internal and external audit activities, working with auditors and stakeholders to gather evidence, track actions and monitor remediation
• Support the development, review and implementation of digital policies, standards, procedures and practical guidance
• Translate policy, compliance and governance requirements into clear and practical processes for teams
• Maintain governance artefacts, registers, templates and improvement actions to ensure they remain current and fit for purpose
• Act as custodian of the Project Management Framework, supporting the maintenance of standards, templates and processes
• Prepare governance, risk, compliance and audit reporting, highlighting trends, gaps, exceptions and improvement opportunities
• Build effective relationships with stakeholders across DTS and the University to support consistent adoption of governance practices
• Coordinate multiple governance and improvement initiatives while maintaining strong attention to detail and follow-through

About you

You are a highly organised and detail-oriented professional who enjoys bringing structure to complex information. You can interpret policies, standards and requirements and communicate them in a way that is clear, practical and meaningful to different audiences.

You may already have experience in governance, policy, risk, compliance, audit, project coordination or operational improvement, or you may be looking for an opportunity to build on your existing skills and move into a governance-focused career.

If you are someone who enjoys solving problems, bringing structure to complexity and helping people turn requirements into practical action, this could be the opportunity for you.

This continuing role is full time at a HEW 7 Higher Education Worker Level and is located at Callaghan Campus

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 and our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, the University of Newcastle’s Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2030 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. 

For more information click here – Our University. 

What we offer

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: 

• A remuneration of $103,641- $116596 + superannuation and excellent employment conditions in line with University of Newcastle professional staff conditions.
• Flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy
• 35 hour week
• 17% super and salary packaging
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal leave and parental leave, annual leave loading and additional purchased leave scheme
• Discounts in private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more
• Wellbeing programs

Your next steps 

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role. 

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy before commencing 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 job description demonstrating your qualifications and experience with examples.

To ensure that your application receives full consideration, it's important to structure and address the selection criteria outlined in the application process. This helps us better understand your experience and suitability for the role. We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to reviewing your application.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document.

Your Cover Letter and Response to the Essential Criteria should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2,000 words).

Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. 

For specific position enquiries, please contact name, Anthony Gorzalka, Head of Digital Governance (02) 4055 3483 number email  Anthony.Gorzalka@newcastle.edu.au

Having Difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au

Closing date: Tuesday 15th September 2026 @ 11:59pm AEST

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. 

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you

We are committed to a fair, inclusive, and barrier-free recruitment process. If you require an alternative way to access the Position Description or submit your application, please contact employment@newcastle.edu.au.

Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the assessment and interview process to support all applicants to participate fully.

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and social inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and strongly encourage women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply.

#LI-KG1