Regional Connector

Role overview

The University of New England’s SMART Region Incubator is hiring a Regional Connector to work from NOVA in the Armidale CBD. This position is centred on supporting businesses across New England Northwest, with particular attention to Armidale and nearby communities. The role focuses on helping entrepreneurs build capability through structured programs, event delivery, and strong links with mentors and other key stakeholders. It also carries responsibility for the day-to-day running of NOVA and for coordinating events that help emerging and established businesses progress and grow.

Employment details

• Fixed term appointment until 5 July 2027.
• Full-time position based in Armidale, New South Wales.
• Annual salary range of $103,761 to $116,176 at HEO7 level, plus 17% superannuation.
• Salary packaging options are available.
• Leave includes 5 weeks of annual leave plus a Christmas shutdown period, along with parental, cultural, gender affirmation, and domestic violence leave provisions.

What you will do

• Support regional entrepreneurs and businesses through targeted engagement and practical assistance.
• Design, coordinate, and deliver programs that build business capability.
• Plan and facilitate events that connect entrepreneurs with mentors, stakeholders, and opportunities.
• Oversee the daily operation of NOVA and ensure it supports the needs of the regional innovation community.
• Maintain budgets, records, and reports with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Represent the incubator confidently when engaging with government, industry, and community stakeholders.

About you

You will be someone who naturally builds connections, enjoys helping local businesses succeed, and is motivated by community impact. You should be able to work both autonomously and as part of a team, bringing people together to achieve practical outcomes. The role suits someone who is well organised, communicates clearly, and is comfortable balancing program promotion, reporting, and stakeholder engagement while keeping the bigger picture in mind.

About the department

The SMART Region Incubator is a university-led regional incubator that supports innovation across the New England/Northwest region. It works to strengthen commercialisation, accelerate businesses, and provide start-up and scale-up support across regional communities. Through hubs in the New England Northwest and partnerships beyond the region, it contributes to innovation in agriculture, health, energy, environment, and creative industries, with a focus on measurable commercial and economic outcomes.

Additional information

• Armidale offers a mix of regional city living and rural lifestyle, with cafes, restaurants, shops, schools, sporting facilities, mountain gorges, waterfalls, national parks, and distinct seasonal weather.
• Relocation assistance may be available.
• The university provides access to modern on-campus sporting and athletic facilities through Sport UNE.
• Employees have access to an Employee Assistance Program and wellbeing support.
• The workplace is described as diverse and supportive, with initiatives including the UNE Ally Network, Equity Committee, and Queer Space.

Application information

• Closing date: Midnight Sunday 28 June 2026.
• Reference number: 225259.
• Applicants must hold valid Australian work rights for the full duration of the appointment.
• Applications should include a cover letter, responses to the selection criteria, and a current CV.
• The successful applicant must complete pre-employment checks before starting.
• A National Police Check will be required before an offer is made.
• Applicants with criminal records are not automatically excluded unless a legal requirement applies.
• Support or alternative application formats can be requested through Talent Acquisition.
• People with disability may contact the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Team for a confidential discussion about working at UNE.

Equity and inclusion

UNE states that it values diversity and inclusion, and it encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with lived experience of mental health or disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTIQIA+ candidates. The organisation also notes its commitment to helping staff thrive in an inclusive environment where different cultures and identities are respected.