Student Support & Widening Participation Officer (Indigenous Identified) Liverpool Study Hub

Job summary

The officer will drive initiatives to improve access, participation, and success for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in higher education. They will build community partnerships and deliver culturally responsive support to foster an inclusive student experience.

Job details

* Employment Type: Full-time contract role until November 2027 (potential for extension) * Remuneration: $108k+ 17% superannuation and leave loading * Location: Liverpool (On-site role) * Benefits: Cultural Leave and Indigenous Employee Network This position is open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants only. UNSW has obtained an exemption under section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) to designate and recruit professional and academic positions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons only, to fulfil UNSW’s goal of a representative workforce rate. The Liverpool Study Hub [https://www.liverpoolstudyhub.org.au/] is a community-driven space designed to improve tertiary access and boost success for current and future students of any Australian university, TAFE or tertiary provider. Supported by the Australian Government through the Suburban University Study Hubs program [https://www.education.gov.au/suburban-university-study-hubs], the Hub provides welcoming study spaces, as well as in-person academic, wellbeing, and careers services for students who face increased barriers to study. UNSW is one of the world’s leading universities, committed to a mission to advance Progress for All. Why your Role Matters: As the Student Support & Widening Participation Officer, you will play a key role in strengthening engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and other underrepresented groups to support student participation, retention and success in higher education. Working collaboratively with Hub staff, other educational providers, Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council and community organisations, the role builds strong partnerships to bridge gaps in higher education access, connecting prospective and current students with opportunities and support Your day-to-day focus will include: * Driving initiatives that improve access, participation and success for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and other underrepresented students in higher education. * Delivering culturally responsive support and programs that support current and perspective students’ retention and success. * Bringing existing knowledge of higher education pathways to cconnecting students with culturally responsive information, opportunities and referral pathways. * Building meaningful community partnerships across schools, education providers and community organisations to champion widening participation and student success * Promoting the Liverpool Study Hub through engaging outreach, communications and community engagement activities. * Creating a sense of belonging through a culturally safe and inclusive student experience. Who You Are: This position is open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants only. UNSW has obtained an exemption under section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) to designate and recruit professional and academic positions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons only, to fulfil UNSW’s goal of a representative workforce rate. Evidence of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status will be required https://www.indigenous.unsw.edu.au/evidencing-aboriginality-andor-torres-strait-islander-status [https://www.indigenous.unsw.edu.au/evidencing-aboriginality-andor-torres-strait-islander-status] Bringing a deep understanding of the higher education sector, student lifecycle and the challenges affecting participation and success for students from Indigenous, equity and underrepresented communities, you’ll be confident in developing and delivering student support, outreach or widening participation initiatives that promote access, inclusion, belonging. Key requirements: * Relevant degree in education, communications, community services, youth work, marketing or related discipline. * Understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, perspectives, protocols and lived experience. * Knowledge of higher education pathways and equity student experiences. * Experience delivering student support, outreach or widening participation initiatives. * Excellent interpersonal, communication and relationship management. * Ability to provide high-quality advisory support, with a commitment to inclusion and culturally responsive practice. * Strong organisational, project coordination and digital skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and evaluate activities in a developing environment. Alongside standard pre-employment checks, this role requires the successful candidate to hold a valid paid Working with Children’s Check. For further details on role responsibilities and skills & experience required, refer to the position description found under the position listing on Jobs@UNSW. Benefits and Culture: People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world. Our benefits include: * Flexible working options. * Career development opportunities. * 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments. * Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period. * Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness) Establishing your status as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person means any person who: * is of Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent; * identifies as an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person; and * is accepted as such by the community in which you live and or have lived. All offers of employment will be subject to prior evidencing of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander status. For more information on what constitutes as evidencing Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander status, please email n.chenhall@unsw.edu.au Get in Touch: Nat Chenhall – Manager Indigenous Employment n.chenhall@unsw.edu.au How to Apply: Submit your CV & cover letter addressing the key selection criteria (1 page) before 11.55pm Sunday 27 September 2026. Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role, valid Australian working rights are required on application. Job queries contact: Katherine Molloy, Talent Acquisition Consultant E: katherine.molloy@unsw.edu.au [katherine.molloy@unsw.edu.au] (applications to the address cannot be accepted, please apply online) UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

What you’ll do

The officer will drive initiatives to improve access, participation, and success for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in higher education. They will build community partnerships and deliver culturally responsive support to foster an inclusive student experience.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a relevant degree in education, communications, community services, or a related discipline. A deep understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and experience in student support or outreach initiatives is required.

Benefits

• 17% Superannuation • Leave loading • Cultural leave • Indigenous employee network • Flexible working options • Career development opportunities • Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period • Retail discounts • Education discounts • Fitness discounts

Listed skills

• Project Coordination · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred
• Stakeholder Management · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Student support
• Community engagement
• Project coordination
• Relationship management
• Communication
• Digital skills
• Advisory support
• Cultural responsiveness
• Outreach
• Higher education pathways
• Stakeholder management
• Student Services
• Working with Children Check (WWCC)
• Relationship Management
• Digital Literacy
• Aboriginal and Torres Islander Descent
• Cultural Responsiveness
• Discounts And Allowances
• Higher Education
• Marketing
• Interpersonal Communications
• Project Coordination

Job areas

• Education
• Social Services
• Government & Public Sector
• Student Officer
• Community Relations Manager
• Advertising and Public Relations Managers
• Public Relations Managers