Professional Experience Support Officer

• Contribute to students' career readiness and educational success
• A role that combines student engagement, administration, and industry collaboration
• Support meaningful, real-world learning experiences.

 The Role

As the Professional Experience Support Officer, you will play an integral role in coordinating student Career-ready Placement activities that align with academic program requirements. Working closely with academic leads, placement organisations, and students, you'll ensure smooth planning, scheduling, and administration of placements across a variety of disciplines.

 More specifically you will: 

• Plan and schedule student placements in collaboration with academic leads, adhering to curriculum and placement calendars.
• Process placement requests, manage associated data in SONIA (placement portal), and maintain accurate placement records.
• Liaise with placement providers and partners to allocate students, resolve allocation issues, and escalate complex matters when necessary.
• Coordinate pre- and post-placement communication with service providers/industry partners.
• Contribute to the development of effective administrative processes and support systems for Career-ready Placements.
• Respond to student and placement organisations enquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Collaborate with team members to review and improve placement operations and resolve day-to-day issues.

Your attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities will help deliver high-quality placement experiences that prepare students for their professional careers.

This full-time position is a fixed term role until January 2027 at a HEW 5 Higher Education Level 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 outlines the University's commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. 

For more information click here – Our Uni. 

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: 

• The remuneration for this position is from $80,972 - $ 93929 p.a. + superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience OR
• Flexible working arrangements (in line with the University's Flexible Work Policy
• 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 Kate Caves, Professional Experience Team Leader on or via email at

Having Difficulties? Please reach out to us:

Closing date: Wednesday 3rd December 11:59pm AEST

We look forward to working with you

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