Address- Identified position reporting to the Senior Manager, Culture & Community
- Located at Camperdown/Darlington Campus
- Fixed-Term 2 year position HE07 $104,633 - $113, 992 + 17% Superannuation
About the opportunity
The cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are living and dynamic and central to the landscape, identity and character of our nation and the University of Sydney. This identity and character must be a stronger and a more vibrant part of our University and of our practice as members of this institution. The University's One Sydney, Many People (pdf, 8.7mb) strategy expresses our whole-of-University commitment to celebrate and respect the increasing voice and the influence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, culture, knowledge, and people on our campuses. It outlines how we will contribute to the social and physical environment that makes our University unique, and contribute to the key goal of achieving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and student population parity by 2030.
The Senior Project Officer, Culture & Community will provide project and operational support the Senior Manager, Culture & Community to achieve the University’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, engagement, and research objectives by providing University-wide leadership of strategic efforts to expand and enhance levels of interpersonal and institutional trust and engagement between the local and wider Aboriginal community and its leadership, civil society, government and industry and the University community.
You will be joining a highly collaborative and supportive team and providing impactful project work to support the Gadigal centre and wider DVC Indigenous Strategy & Services portfolio. If you have a strong project management skill-set with excellent organisational and time management skills and love the idea of a diverse and fulfilling role, this could be the next career move for you!
Your key responsibilities will be to:
- work collaboratively with the Senior Manager, Community & Culture and other colleagues within the Gadigal Centre and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous Strategy and Services (DVC-ISS) portfolio
- develop and contribute to project plans, overseeing the implementation of tasks and activities to ensure they align with the overarching project objectives and timeframes
- develop and maintain productive relationships with the local and wider Aboriginal community and its leadership, civil society, government and industry and the University community
- support the Senior Manager in various projects including the Circle of Elders, Gadigal Scholarship Program and Confirmation of Identity Policy Review
- a point of contact for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students for non-academic support, cultural mentorship, and advice
- build productive relationships with Sydney Future Students including with organisations who are part of the University’s student outreach and recruitment programs and as required, you will actively support these activities to ensure success
- contribute to reporting on a regular basis for internal governance and external agencies and undertake routine reviews of all key activities
About you
- identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- experience working in higher education or similar industry/government experience in Indigenous affairs (desirable)
- experience in project management and project coordination
- demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- demonstrated knowledge of the various Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisation in the local regions
- well-developed communication and interpersonal skills including the capacity to build relationships and an inter-disciplinary way of working
- excellent time and workload management skills with demonstrated ability to prioritise effectively, manage multiple tasks, budgets and meet deadlines.
About us
The respect and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, languages and knowledge systems in curricula is a key element of the One Sydney, Many People Strategy, which articulates the University’s commitment to a stronger and more accountable partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Developed through an extensive co-design process, the Strategy underlines the importance of embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, languages and knowledge systems in University practice, particularly through the Indigenisation of curricula. This will enhance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ engagement, participation and leadership in teaching, learning and research. This process is designed to embed a strengths-based approach that will be achieved through a combination of cross-University collaboration and local implementation plans.
The University of Sydney YURA Network, formally the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff Network promotes sharing of experiences, networking and professional support for career development and mentoring. It is supported by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Plan 2022-2024 that aims to increase employment and development opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
This position is exclusively designated for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals under the provisions of Section 126 of the Anti Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW). It entails active engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge holders, adherence to cultural protocols, and adept navigation of cross-cultural interactions. These aspects are integral to the role and duly acknowledged by the University, recognising the role's significant contributions to Indigenous and Education strategies.
The University recognises that the cultural load undertaken by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff on behalf of the University culturally enriches the institution. It also advances the University’s commitment to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and communities. Engagement with cultural duties, engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditional knowledge holders and navigating cross-cultural interactions are recognised as crucial elements of this role and will be allocated appropriate time in workloads, including work plans, and will be considered in criteria for promotion.
To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.
Sponsorship / work rights for Australia
Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. For a continuing position, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.
Pre-employment checks
Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.
This position is designated as involving child-related work. To undertake or remain in this position, you are required to apply for and obtain a Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.
EEO statement
At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
How to apply
Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.
For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.
For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Nicole Cunningham, Recruitment Operations, on 0449973*** or by email to
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Applications Close
Friday 07 June 2024 11:59 PM
