Indigenous Student Advancement Officer

• Contribute to the success and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
• Opportunity to develop and implement meaningful initiatives that positively impact student experiences.
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Identified role

 Join our passionate and collaborative team dedicated to supporting Indigenous higher education and student success. We are committed to creating a positive and inclusive environment that helps our students thrive academically and personally.

Be challenged and imagine with us

As an Indigenous Student Advancement Officer, you will play a crucial role in supporting the academic success and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. This customer-focused position involves providing proactive advice, exceptional service, and tailored support to students, ensuring they have the resources and assistance they need to succeed in their programs and courses. You will be required to:

• Provide high-quality, proactive advice and exceptional student/client-centred service to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students regarding their programs and courses.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at Callaghan campus, offering comprehensive case management for their personal and academic needs.
• Identify academic gaps and facilitate appropriate tutorial support to address these needs.
• Proactively monitor the academic progression of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, assisting in identifying those 'at risk' and providing necessary support through regular contact.
• Develop and implement initiatives such as events, mentoring groups, and cultural experiences to promote a positive student experience.
• Identify opportunities for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and support student placements to enhance practical learning experiences. 

This continuing position is full time at a HEW 6 Higher Education Level located at Callaghan Campus.

This is an identified position and applicants must be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. Being an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational qualification as authorised under Section 14(D) of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act, 1977 NSW.

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 2020-2025 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. 

For more information click here – Our Uni. 

About the Unit  

The Wollotuka Institute of Indigenous Engagement and Advancement supports innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration to facilitate the achievement of quality outcomes that prioritises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and in particular, prepares these graduates to make a difference and create impact within the University, in our communities and across the globe.

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 $90,316 - $99,655 p.a. + superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience
• 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 below

1. Demonstrated experience in communicating effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and knowledge and understanding of the successes and issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
2. Demonstrated experience or understanding of success factors to achieve a “student/client centred” model.
3. Demonstrated experience in the implementation and evaluation of Indigenous student or community programs or similar in a large/complex organisation.
4. Demonstrated organisational skills and the ability to meet competing deadlines with a demonstrated ability to be proactive and apply initiative.
5. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills including the capacity to build relationships and an inter-disciplinary way of working.
6. Ability to generate a strong sense of team spirit, co-operation, and collaboration within and across teams. 
7. Ability to work collaboratively and bring together people from different areas to participate in School/Division or University wide initiatives. 
8. Supporting documentation

In our commitment to providing opportunities to culturally connected members of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, we will kindly request that successful applicants provide a letter. This letter does not need to be provided with your initial application but you should have this information available on request so you may be progressed. This letter should be signed by an executive of an incorporated Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander organisation, who has the authority to administer confirmation of Aboriginality and/or Torres Strait Islander status. The letter should confirm that applicants are accepted as such by the community in which they live or have lived, and it should be on the organisation’s letterhead. This documentation helps us ensure that our opportunities are reaching the intended community members.

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 note that the nature of this position will require the successful applicant to complete a Working with Children Check and a National Police Check.

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).

For specific position enquiries, please contact Codie Neal, Student Advancement Manager on r via email Codie.Neal1@newcastle.edu.au

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

Closing date: Sunday 28th July 2024 at 11.59pm AEST

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you