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Graduate Policy and Liaison Officer

Job No.: 669352

Location: Caulfield campus

Employment Type: Contract/Temp

Remuneration: $87,151 – $92,490 pa (plus 17% superannuation)

The Monash Graduate Association

The Monash Graduate Association Inc. (MGA) is an independent incorporated body that is responsible for, and answerable to, the Monash University graduate community (Grad Cert, Grad Dip, Master and PhD students). Governed by the MGA Executive Committee (MGAEC), the MGA is a cross-campus representative body for all graduates enrolled through Monash University and is recognised as such by Monash University. Services and support are provided to over 28,000 graduates across the Victorian campuses of Caulfield, Clayton, Parkville and Peninsula, as well as numerous off-campus locations.

The role

The Graduate Policy and Liaison Officer is a full-time (part-time considered for the right candidate), 2 years fixed term contract appointment based at the Caulfield campus of Monash University. 

The position reports to the Research Manager of MGA and involves reviewing and drafting submissions that enhance the graduate student experience, lobbying for change, working closely with the graduate student representative to empower them to be voice for the graduate students, and assisting the MGAEC with developing and implementing action plans that reflect the needs and the priorities of the graduate student body. This dynamic position is perfect for someone with a passion for policy and deep commitment to enhancing the graduate student experience. 

Your key responsibilities will include:

Policy development and submissions
● Assist graduate student representatives in lobbying for change to internal policies, procedures, and regulations to ensure the graduate community is fairly represented and well-supported within Monash University.
● Assist in drafting responses and providing feedback to the university, government and any other relevant bodies.
● Develop and maintain relationships with bodies external to the university to share information regarding systemic issues impacting graduate students and assist with general policy formation.
● Maintain a database of submissions.

Student representative network
● Manage the recruitment and appointment of graduate student representatives on university committees.
● Draft and deliver induction material and training sessions for graduate student representative holding positions on university committees and boards.
● Provide general support for all student representatives, and high-level support for student representatives on major university committees.
● Ensure information on generic and systemic issues is effectively conveyed to relevant graduate student representatives.
● Identify university committees without a graduate representative position and, where relevant, promote the establishment of such a position.
● Promote the MGA as the appropriate body to nominate graduate student representatives to university committee vacancies.
● Maintain a database of graduate student representatives and relay updates to the Marketing and Communications team for website accuracy.

Collaboration with the MGAEC
● Assist the MGAEC in developing and implementing action plans that reflect the needs and priorities of the graduate student community.
● Facilitate strong engagement between the MGAEC and the graduate student representatives to ensure effective communication, timely exchange of information and collaborative decision making.

General
● Provide support to the Research Manager on preparation of policy, submission papers and reports where requested.
● Promote the objectives and activities of the MGA at various information sessions including faculty and school inductions.

The incumbent will be based on the Caulfield campus and will be expected to visit other Monash University campuses on a regular basis.

Skills and experience

Our ideal candidate is someone who is passionate about advocacy and policy development who has a knack for building strong relationships and driving positive change. The incumbent should understand the importance of working independently and enjoy working closely with a diverse group of staff and students. 

You should also have:    

  • Tertiary qualification and/or relevant knowledge, training and experience
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Demonstrated experience in writing policy and/or submissions.
  • Demonstrated organisational and time management skills, including the ability
    to plan and evaluate activities, set priorities, work in a team and perform well
    under pressure.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to build
    sustainable relationships with people from diverse backgrounds, age groups,
    cultures and professions.
  • Proven capability to troubleshoot, problem solve and take initiative where
    necessary and appropriate.
  • Demonstrated computer literacy skills and proficiency in using Microsoft Office,
    basic Excel, Google Suite and other industry standard applications.

The Opportunity

The MGA is a vibrant and welcoming workplace. We pride ourselves on being a supportive and flexible workplace that prioritises wellness, sustainability, work-life balance, and professional development, all underpinned by a positive staff culture that drives teamwork and success.

Our office is centrally located on Monash University’s tree-lined Caulfield campus, easily accessible by public transport. The campus also has a modern fitness centre available to staff at discounted rates as well as a diverse range of food and coffee outlets.

How to apply

Do you possess the above skills and experience? Are you ready to take the lead in driving positive change for graduate students at Monash? If you answered yes, we would love to hear from you! Your applications should include a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria along with an updated resume. A copy of the PD, which includes the selection criteria, can be obtained via drive.google.com/file/d/1_HOY5_vosCOtgfGpWC-gY-wp6D6wcosH/view?usp=sharing

Enquiries and applications: Ryan Edwards, Research Manager, mga-hr@monash.edu+61 3 9905 4095

Applications Close: Friday 20 September 2024, 11:55pm AEST

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Monash University recognises that its Australian campuses are located on the unceded lands of the people of the Kulin nations, and pays its respects to their elders, past and present.