Position Number: 0066014
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full Time; Continuing
Department: Office of the Provost
Salary: Senior Manager salary package with up to 17% super
Only Indigenous Australians are eligible to apply as this position is exempt under the Special Measure Provision, Section 12 (1) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2011 (Vic).
The University of Melbourne would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the lands upon which our campuses are situated, the Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung Peoples, the Yorta Yorta Nation, the Dja Dja Wurrung People. We acknowledge that the land on which we meet and learn was the place of age-old ceremonies, of celebration, initiation and renewal, and that the local Aboriginal Peoples have had and continue to have a unique role in the life of these lands.
About the Role
The Associate Director, Indigenous Partnerships plays a pivotal role in advancing the University of Melbourne's commitment to Indigenous engagement and reconciliation. This position provides strategic and operational leadership for the University's place-based partnerships with Indigenous communities in Melbourne (Narrm), the Goulburn Valley, and North-East Arnhem Land. The role involves fostering strong, enduring relationships with Traditional Owners, Indigenous community leaders, and external partners in government, cultural, and education sectors. Working closely with the Director, Indigenous Partnerships, this position contributes to developing and implementing initiatives that promote reciprocal learning and mutual benefit through teaching, research, and capability-building.
The Associate Director also oversees the day-to-day management of the Indigenous Partnerships team, ensuring effective engagement across Faculties and adherence to governance processes. This role is instrumental in translating the University's Indigenous strategy into tangible outcomes, driving social change and impact in collaboration with Indigenous communities.
Responsibilities include:
- Support the development and implementation of the strategic vision for the University of Melbourne’s Indigenous place-based partnerships across the three regions
- Work collaboratively with Indigenous community partners to progress shared goals and objectives focused on reciprocal learning and benefit through teaching, research, and capability-building.
- Promote and support Indigenous partnerships within the University, working with Faculties to facilitate new research and teaching initiatives and to grow existing relationships.
- Contribute to the delivery of the Murmuk Djerring Indigenous Strategy, working in close collaboration with the Indigenous Strategy team to advance the Partnerships priority theme and related initiatives.
This role offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of shaping meaningful partnerships between a leading university and Indigenous communities, driving real-world impact and social change. As part of a dynamic and committed team within the Office of the Provost, you'll have the chance to influence strategic decisions, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and contribute significantly to the University's reconciliation journey, all while developing your leadership skills in a supportive and innovative environment.
About You
You will be a highly empathetic and culturally sensitive leader with exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, capable of navigating complex stakeholder environments with diplomacy and respect. Your strategic thinking and ability to translate vision into action will be complemented by your adaptability and resilience in managing diverse projects and partnerships. As a collaborative team player, you'll also demonstrate strong initiative and the capacity to work autonomously, driving outcomes that benefit both the University and Indigenous communities.
You will also have:
- Highly developed relationship-building, communication, and negotiation skills in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous contexts.
- Demonstrated ability to contribute to strategic planning processes and to support the development of initiatives to achieve agreed strategic objectives.
- Proven experience in designing, delivering and evaluating significant projects and programs in collaboration with Indigenous communities at a regional and/or national level.
- Demonstrated experience in preparing high-quality, complex written documents such as discussion papers, briefings, business cases, and project plans, with a strong focus on accuracy, clarity, and strategic insight.
About the University
The University of Melbourne is consistently ranked amongst the leading universities in the world. We are proud of our people, our commitment to research and teaching excellence, and our global engagement.
Support for Indigenous staff
- Cultural leave: Indigenous staff members are entitled to up to ten 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 2023 - 2027 and Indigenous Employment Framework, 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)
- Cultural events: The University hosts annual cultural events such as the Wominjeka to begin the Academic Year and the Narrm Oration, and recognises significant times throughout the year such as, Reconciliation Week, Mabo Day and NAIDOC Week.
- Employee Assistance Program: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support Line available free for you and your immediate family members.
'Indigenous' here means a person of Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander descent.
Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and have the opportunity to thrive regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, being a parent or having caring responsibilities.
The University of Melbourne is committed to fostering a barrier-free and inclusive recruitment process. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates throughout the application and interview stages, including accessible document formats and alternative application methods. To discuss your specific requirements, please feel free to contact Kim Groizard +61 3 9035 3218 or send an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments' to hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au. You can find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments on our Careers website: https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers
If you are a member of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community and would like any support, please feel free to contact our Indigenous Employment & Development team via email at oied-hr@unimelb.edu.au.
Join Us!
We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require any reasonable adjustments with the recruitment process, please contact us at hr-talent@unimelb.edu.au.
If you feel this role is right for you, please submit your application including a brief cover letter, your resume and your responses against the selection criteria^ (found in the Position Description) for the role.
^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria
Position Description
