Indigenous Student Advancement Officer

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.

Candidates who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torries Strait Islander will be required to demonstrate their heritage by way of providing Confirmation of Aboriginality in line with University procedure. 

Be challenged and imagine with us

As an Indigenous Student Advancement Officer, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the success, engagement, and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across all stages of their university journey. Working as part of Wollotuka’s Student Advancement team, you will deliver proactive, student-centred support and contribute to initiatives that enhance the overall student experience.

In this role, you will:

• Deliver high-quality, culturally appropriate support and advice to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across their academic journey.
• Act as a key point of contact, providing proactive case management to support student success and wellbeing.
• Monitor student progression, identifying those at risk and coordinating appropriate academic and tutorial support.
• Contribute to student success and retention initiatives, including events, mentoring programs, and cultural activities.
• Collaborate with internal teams and community partners to support engagement, outreach, and student opportunities.
• Provide guidance to prospective students on study pathways, admissions, and enrolment processes.
• Support key administrative processes across the student lifecycle with accuracy and care.

This continuing position is full time and will be located at the Central Coast (Gosford) Campus.

How will you inspire us?

You will have:

• A strong commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student success and cultural safety.
• Proven ability to deliver high-quality, student-focused support in a complex environment.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with students, community, and stakeholders.
• A collaborative, proactive approach, with initiative, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience engaging with community and/or industry to achieve positive outcomes for Indigenous students.
• The ability to implement the values and objectives of the Wollotuka Cultural Standards throughout all aspects of work.

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 93,929 to $103,641 p.a + superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience
• 17% super and salary packaging
• A supportive workplace with a strong commitment to inclusion, equity, and cultural safety
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff leave
• 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.
• Candidates who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torries Strait Islander will be required to demonstrate their heritage by way of providing Confirmation of Aboriginality in line with University procedure.

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 (these may differ slightly from the Position Description, please only respond to the below in your application).

1. Aboriginality is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under Section 14 of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977
2. A degree and subsequent experience in a relevant field: or extensive experience and specialist expertise or broad knowledge in an administrative field; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and or education/training
3. Demonstrated ability to engage respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, grounded in an understanding of cultural protocols, histories, strengths, and diverse community contexts.
4. Demonstrated experience or understanding of the key factors that contribute to student success, along with the capability to recognise and apply effective strategies that improve student outcomes.
5. Demonstrated outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships and work collaboratively across disciplines and organisational areas to lead or contribute to School, Division, and University wide initiatives.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document. This document should not exceed 3 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 Kristy Faulkner, Indigenous Student Recruitment Coordinator on (02) 4055 1077 or via email at kristy.faulkner@newcastle.edu.au
• For questions regarding Aboriginality as a genuine occupational qualification for this role, or providing Confirmation of Aboriginality, please reach out to Simone Jordan, Indigenous Employment Partner on (02) 4055 0897 or via email at simone.jordan@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: Wednesday, 8 July 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.

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