The Dilin Duwa Centre for Indigenous Business Leadership is growing, and we are seeking passionate and experienced Indigenous professionals to join the expanding team.
Only Indigenous Australians are eligible to apply for these roles, as they are exempt under the Special Measure Provision, Section 12 (1) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2011 (Vic).
'Indigenous' here means a person of Aboriginal and /or Torres Strait Islander descent.
We are seeking talented and dedicated individuals to fill three key roles at the Dilin Duwa Centre.
Each of these positions offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that empowers Indigenous businesses and communities. Explore the details below and refer to the Position Descriptions for more information on responsibilities and requirements.
Centre Director
Full-time
SM1 - negotiable plus 17% super
Position Description: Centre Director_PD
About the Role
The Centre Director will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Dilin Duwa Centre. Leading three core service areas—Academy, Enterprise, and Ecosystem—the Director will cultivate and manage key partnerships, ensuring the Centre’s financial sustainability and long-term impact. This role requires a dynamic leader who can navigate complex stakeholder relationships, drive revenue growth, and oversee governance and resource management. As a key representative of the Centre, the Director will elevate its profile across academia, industry, and government, championing Indigenous economic independence and business leadership.
Who We’re Looking For
You are a visionary and influential leader, adept at building strong, strategic relationships across diverse sectors and engaging effectively with Indigenous communities, academic institutions, government bodies, and industry partners. With exceptional communication and negotiation skills, you will inspire confidence, drive collaboration, and champion the Centre’s mission with authenticity and integrity. Your ability to think strategically while managing complex operational demands will enable you to navigate challenges with sound judgement, innovation, and resilience. A natural collaborator, you will cultivate a high-performance, values-driven culture, empowering teams and fostering an environment of shared success.
Essential Criteria
- A postgraduate qualification (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, alongside extensive leadership and management experience within higher education or a similar environment.
- Expertise in strategic planning, governance, and financial management, with a proven ability to oversee budgets, workforce performance, and operational efficiency.
- A deep understanding of the Indigenous business ecosystem, with experience supporting and advancing Indigenous-led enterprises and initiatives.
- Specialisation in stakeholder engagement and advocacy, with the ability to represent the Centre at high-profile events, build influential partnerships, and communicate effectively across diverse audiences.
Indigenous Sector Outreach Manager
Full-time; Fixed term (2 years)
UOM 7 - $106,432 – $115,211 p.a. plus 17% super
Position Description: Indigenous Sector Outreach Manager_PD
About the Role
The Indigenous Sector Outreach Manager, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing the visibility and impact of the Dilin Duwa Centre for Indigenous Business Leadership. Reporting to the Executive Officer, you will develop and implement outreach strategies that promote the Centre’s research, programmes, and engagement activities. You will serve as the key liaison between internal teams and external partners, ensuring clear communication, seamless coordination, and high-quality marketing outputs. With a strong focus on stakeholder engagement, brand awareness, and strategic marketing, you will drive initiatives that strengthen connections with Indigenous businesses, leaders, and communities. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the Centre’s public profile, influence decision-making, and contribute to its mission of advancing Indigenous business leadership.
Who We’re Looking For
You will be a proactive and highly organised professional with outstanding communication and relationship management skills. Adept at engaging with diverse stakeholders, you will foster meaningful connections between the Centre, Indigenous businesses, and partner organisations. Your ability to navigate complex projects, coordinate multiple priorities, and maintain high standards of quality will be crucial to your success. A collaborative team player, you will demonstrate initiative, problem-solving skills, and a keen eye for detail in delivering impactful outreach and marketing initiatives.
Essential Criteria
- A relevant Bachelor’s degree and at least four years of subsequent experience, or equivalent expertise in marketing, public relations, journalism, or a related field.
- Proven experience managing marketing campaigns, including digital marketing, and working with internal and external partners to deliver effective outreach strategies.
- Strong project management skills, including the ability to coordinate approvals, track deliverables, and ensure timely execution of marketing initiatives.
- Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to assess market opportunities and enhance customer engagement through data-driven insights.
Community Engagement Manager
Full-time; Fixed term (2 years)
UOM 7 - $106,432 – $115,211 p.a. plus 17% super
Position Description: Community Engagement Manager_PD
About the Role
The Community Engagement Manager plays a pivotal role in advancing the Centre’s mission by leading community-focused events and initiatives. Reporting to the Centre Director, this role is responsible for delivering engagement programs, managing resources, fostering partnerships, and enhancing the Centre’s visibility through strategic communications. With a strong focus on collaboration and stakeholder engagement, the Community Engagement Manager will oversee programs such as the Regional Business Series, proactively build community networks, and drive initiatives that support Indigenous business leadership and economic independence.
Who We’re Looking For
You are a proactive and culturally competent professional with strong experience in community engagement, relationship management, and program delivery. You thrive in dynamic environments, have excellent communication skills, and are committed to supporting Indigenous business leadership.
Essential Criteria
- A degree and/or substantial relevant experience in a complex service-oriented environment (e.g., legal, tertiary, or government sector).
- Strong communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strategic community relationships and partnerships.
- Experience working in or with community organisations, with an understanding of their policy and operational context.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Experience engaging with culturally diverse communities, with cultural sensitivity and awareness.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise effectively across all levels of an organisation.
- Understanding of budgeting processes in complex organisations.
Your New Team - The Dilin Duwa Centre for Indigenous Business Leadership
The Dilin Duwa Centre for Indigenous Business Leadership is a dynamic and Indigenous-led hub for business education, research, and on-Country initiatives. The Centre was built on the foundations of the renowned MURRA Indigenous Business Masterclass, which has empowered over 250 Indigenous business leaders now driving change across the country. Dilin Duwa was created in response to MURRA alumni who envisioned a dedicated space for Indigenous business leadership—one that champions sovereignty, fosters knowledge-sharing, and strengthens Indigenous economic independence.
Dilin Duwa is more than just a research and education centre—it is a place where Indigenous business leaders, researchers, and educators come together to shape the future of business in Australia. The Centre challenges traditional business education by ensuring Indigenous voices, experiences, and expertise are embedded in learning and practice. Through its Programs, Research, and Engagement streams, Dilin Duwa supports Indigenous entrepreneurs, enhances business capability, and builds culturally grounded networks that drive meaningful change.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. For further information, including Murmuk Djerring our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring
Cultural leave: Indigenous staff members are entitled to up to five days non-cumulative paid leave per calendar year for the purpose of attending NAIDOC, community, cultural and ceremonial activities.
University policies: Indigenous staff are supported by the Indigenous Employment Plan, with the commitment to improving the employment, retention and career progression outcomes for Indigenous staff members.
Indigenous Staff Network: Employees who have identified themselves as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander will have access to the Indigenous Staff Network (ISN).
Join Us!
If you feel a role is right for you, please express your interest with the following documents:
- Resume
- Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
Please ensure that you apply through the Apply Now button at the bottom of this advertisement. However, if you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Petra Newton via email at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au, ensuring that you include the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address. If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.
Express your interest by Sunday 30th March at 11:55 PM Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) / Melbourne time zone.
Suitable applicants will be added to our talent pool and contacted directly in the weeks following the closing date.
