Director, Nikeri Institute

• Based at our Geelong, Waurn Ponds Campus + hybrid work arrangements
• Full-time and continuing
• Level D $159,181 - $175,088 or Level E $204,256 + 17% Superannuation (pro rata, part time)

Why work with us?
At Deakin you will have access to benefits such as a variety of leave options including generous parental leave and the ability to purchase additional leave; flexible working arrangements to help manage your work-life balance; ongoing learning and development opportunities to grow your career; an inclusive and supportive culture and environment to work in, both online and on campus.
Who are we?
The National Indigenous Knowledges Education Research Innovation (NIKERI) Institute has a proud 35-year history of supporting over 1000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People through community-based education programs. Read more about the Institute at https://www.deakin.edu.au/indigenous-students/study/nikeri-institute
Deakin campuses sit on Wadawurrung, Wurundjeri, and Eastern Maar Countries, and the University acknowledges, values and deeply respects its connection with the Traditional Custodians and Elders past and present of these lands and waterways. Deakin is the most popular university destination in Victoria for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and has a rich history of supporting the ambitions of First Nations students, including through the NIKERI Institute (formerly the Institute of Koorie Education).
As the Director, NIKERI Institute, you will:

• Lead the planning, and drive the quality and performance of teaching, research and associated academic activities of the NIKERI Institute. You will provide outstanding academic and administrative leadership by promoting the Institute's teaching and learning programs and forging strong stakeholder relationships with the University Faculties, Indigenous communities and professional groups nationally, government and non-government and community organisations, industry and the wider community
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of skilled academic and professional staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment. Provide guidance and support to team members in delivering strategic initiatives, ensuring their growth and development
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives that align with Deakin's, and the Institute's, goals and future needs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify teaching and learning, and research, opportunities
• Partner with community, Faculty, and University key stakeholders on projects to develop and enhance NIKERI's national footprint inclusive of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and our unique cultural Knowledges
• Oversee the planning, delivery and analysis of teaching, learning, and research initiatives to drive student and staff success, retention, and satisfaction
• Act as a representative of the Institute, providing input and insights into executive-level discussions and decisions

To be successful, you'll typically have:

• PhD in a relevant discipline
• Deep understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols, respect and communication
• Evidence of original, innovative and distinguished contribution to scholarship and teaching, research and research supervision
• Excellence in engagement with research, community, industry and government to enhance the national and international standing of the discipline
• Demonstrated success and passion for leading teaching, research and administration

Here's how to apply:
Please submit your updated resume, a short cover letter and responses to the Key Selection Criteria.
For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Jessamy Gleeson (Associate Professor, Indigenous Knowledges and Acting Director) via
For a copy of the position description, please see below:
Applications for this position close on Friday, 22 March 2024.
Please note eligible applicants are only persons:

• of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent; and
• who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

Are You Ready?
Deakin is a Victorian university with a global impact. We are an agile, dynamic, and innovative university committed to making a positive impact through our excellence in education, research and innovation and the contributions we make to the wider community.
We understand that our reputation has been built on the dedication and expertise of our staff and we offer a dynamic and diverse working environment with opportunities to grow and develop careers. We believe that a progressive, thriving culture will ensure that people choose to come, and stay at Deakin and contribute to our ongoing success.
We value diversity and aim to build an inclusive environment that champions, embraces and respects differences. We support and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all abilities, cultures, sexual orientation, and genders.
In line with special measure provisions in Section 12 of the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act (2010), the University will only be accepting applications for this position from people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.