Director, Indigenous Strategic Initiatives 

Job No.: 681188

Location: Clayton campus

Employment Type: Full-time

Duration: 3-year fixed-term appointment

Remuneration: $184,668 pa Level 10A (plus 17% employer superannuation)

• Amplify your impact at a world top 50 University
• Join our inclusive, collaborative community
• Identified role. Open to Indigenous applicants only

Only Indigenous Australians are eligible to apply as this position is exempt under the Measure Provision, Section 12 (1) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2011 (Vic)

The Opportunity

The Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) and Senior Vice-President serves as a vital hub for Indigenous education, research and community engagement, and provides a clear mechanism through which the University hears Indigenous voices. It strives to advance Indigenous knowledge and perspectives and enhance Monash’s ability to foster a culturally relevant and inclusive environment for Indigenous students and staff.

We are seeking a visionary and dynamic leader to join us as Director, Indigenous Strategic Initiatives - this pivotal role will lead and direct the Indigenous strategic initiatives and programs across the portfolio and the Monash community on behalf of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) and Senior Vice-President, advancing Indigenous peoples, knowledges, and cultures in the contexts of students, staff, research, learning and teaching, and community engagement activities.

As a member of the portfolio’s senior leadership team, the Director will provide high-level leadership and professional services to the DVCI portfolio as well as expert advice at both strategic and operational levels to other senior leaders within Monash University.

About You:

You are a strategic, values-driven leader with a deep understanding of the Australian higher education landscape and a passion for Indigenous advancement. To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• Proven leadership experience at the senior management level in large, complex organisations, with the ability to navigate matrix structures, manage competing priorities, and deliver on strategic goals with clarity, confidence and cultural sensitivity.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to influence, negotiate and build consensus on complex and sensitive issues - engaging effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, government and funding bodies.
• A track record of developing and delivering strategic solutions to complex challenges, with the ability to integrate new information, identify emerging trends, contribute to institutional priorities and deliver positive, innovative solutions
• Extensive experience in building and leading high-performing teams, fostering a positive, inclusive culture that empowers individuals, supports professional development, and drives continuous improvement.
• A demonstrated understanding of Indigenous research ethics and integrity frameworks across the national funding landscape, including the application of the AIATSIS Code of Ethics

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to shape lasting impact on Indigenous advancement in one of Australia's leading Universities.
• Work at a strategic level alongside senior leaders to influence University-wide policy and practice.
• Lead and collaborate with highly respected teams, including the William Cooper Institute and Indigenous leaders across Monash.
• Access to Monash’s extensive resources and development programs, including Indigenous cultural networking opportunities, mentoring and career development
• Be part of a modern, global, research-intensive University, with an enduring commitment to Indigenous peoples and communities.
• Ceremonial leave entitlements to ensure Indigenous staff maintain strong connections to community and culture.
• Subsidised gym membership for Indigenous staff and students at the Monash gym, one of the largest gyms in Australia.

About Monash University

At Monash, work feels different. There’s a sense of belonging, from contributing to something ground-breaking – a place where great things happen. We make tangible contributions because our purpose is clear; to deliver positive economic, social and environmental impact in resolving the global challenges of our age.

At the core of achieving this purpose is the diversity of our staff. We welcome and value everyone's contributions, lived experience and expertise. When you come to work, you can be yourself, be a change-maker and develop your career in exciting ways. This is why we champion an inclusive and respectful workplace culture where everyone is supported to succeed.

Learn more about Monash.

Join the pursuit of our purpose to build a better future for ourselves and our communities - #ChangeIt with us.

Monash supports flexible and hybrid working arrangements. We have a range of policies in place enabling staff to combine work and personal commitments. This includes supporting parents.

To Apply

For instructions on how to apply, please refer to 'How to apply for Monash Jobs'. Your application must address the Key Selection Criteria.

Diversity is one of our greatest strengths at Monash. We encourage applications from culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, and people of all genders, sexualities, and age groups.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process at Monash. If you need any reasonable adjustments, please contact us at hr-recruitment@monash.edu in an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments Request' for a confidential discussion.

Your employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of all pre-employment and/or background checks required for the role, as determined by the University.

Enquiries: Professor Tristan Kennedy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) and Senior Vice-President, +61 3 9905 5033

Position Description: Director, Indigenous Strategic Initiatives

Applications Close: Thursday 17 July 2025, 11:55pm AEST