Careers at UniSC

• Indigenous Services, | UniSC Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs
• Professional Level 5 - $80,236 - $90,420 p.a. plus up to 17% employer superannuation
• Full time, ongoing appointment

The Opportunity

The Buranga Centre at UniSC is a culturally safe and inclusive environment where Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students are supported to succeed and thrive. As part of our continued commitment to student success, the Cultural Engagement Officer (Identified Position) plays a key role in designing and delivering cultural programs and services that foster wellbeing, connection, and academic achievement.

In this role, you’ll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across the University to deliver student-focused engagement initiatives that enhance the experience of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students. You’ll contribute to a welcoming and respectful campus culture, provide culturally responsive pastoral care, and empower students to participate fully in University life.

The University of the Sunshine Coast considers that being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under s25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld) and the filling of this position constitutes a special/equal opportunity measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth).

The position is therefore only open to Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Our ideal candidate will possess excellent interpersonal and written communication skills and will be able to manage projects and interact with Indigenous and non-Indigenous stakeholders in a culturally safe and competent manner.

You will:

• develop and deliver cultural engagement activities that support student success, retention, and wellbeing;
• provide culturally informed support, advice, and referral services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students; and
• strengthen relationships with internal and external stakeholders to promote a culturally safe and connected learning environment.

About you:

You are a proud Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who is passionate about supporting community and creating culturally safe spaces. You bring experience working with Indigenous communities and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students in higher education.

Your interpersonal skills and cultural insight allow you to build strong, respectful relationships with students, staff, and external partners. You are committed to improving student outcomes, contributing to community wellbeing, and ensuring that the Buranga Centre remains a welcoming, empowering environment for all.

You will possess:

• strong knowledge of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultures, identities, and community protocols;
• experience in delivering or coordinating student support services, engagement initiatives, or cultural programs in an education, community, or public sector setting;
• proven ability to provide pastoral care or advisory support to students, particularly Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students;
• excellent communication and relationship-building skills with a collaborative approach to stakeholder engagement;
• experience with administrative tasks including record keeping, resource development, and event coordination; and
• a strong commitment to student success, equity, and continuous improvement in service delivery.

UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage your commentary on your achievements in this context. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at unisc-careers@usc.edu.au or call +61 7 5430 2830.

Position Description - Cultural Engagement Officer

All applications must be lodged through the Careers at UniSC website.

UniSC does not accept unsolicited applications. For agency inquiries, contact unisc-careers@usc.edu.au

Applications for this position close midnight, Saturday 11 October 2025. 

Your completed application must include:

• a resume, and responses to specific pre-determined selection criteria as outlined in the application form.

Further information regarding how to prepare your application is available on our website: Join our team.

We would love the opportunity to get to know you better, but we know it works both ways. To get to know a little more about us, visit us at: Welcome to UniSC and LinkedIn Life

Have questions or want to know more? For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Melissa Hobbs
Academic Success Coordinator – Indigenous Services
Telephone: 07 5456 5477
Email: mhobbs@usc.edu.au

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