First Nations Student Support and Programs Coordinator

• $119,378 to $132,004 pa
• Full-time continuing appointment
• On the lands of the Yuggera and Ugarapul people (Springfield) or Giabal and Jarowair people (Toowoomba)

The UniSQ First Nations Portfolio, through a whole of University effort, strives to empower First Nations peoples to thrive and lead within UniSQ.

Guided by our First Nations Strategic Workforce Framework 2026–2030, UniSQ is committed to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia and custodians of the world’s oldest continuing living cultures. We respect the diversity of more than 200 Nations across this continent, honouring distinct knowledges, languages, cultures, lore/law and spiritual systems. The University recognises First Nations knowledges as vital to all fields of teaching, research and community engagement, and values the scholarship and expertise First Nations staff bring to our institution. By supporting participation in cultural and community life and working in genuine partnership with Elders and communities, UniSQ strives to be a leader in responsive, respectful and culturally safe education and engagement.

Who you are

You’re a dynamic, First Nations leader driven by a deep commitment to elevating outcomes for First Nations peoples. You bring a strong track record of delivering impactful programs and initiatives, and a genuine passion for enhancing the student experience for UniSQ’s First Nations cohort.

You’re an empowering people leader with a steady, practical approach to guiding teams. You thrive in environments where collaboration matters, and you confidently build strong, purposeful relationships with stakeholders to build commitment for First Nations student success.

What you'll do

In this role, you’ll lead and inspire a team dedicated to providing holistic, culturally informed support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students ensuring they feel connected, confident, and ready to thrive both academically and personally.

In the first 6-12 months, you’ll work across the university to champion First Nations student success in alignment with the Indigenous Student Support Program (ISSP) by:

• Building strong, respectful, and culturally safe relationships with First Nations students, families, and communities.
• Supporting a team to assist students as they transition into and progress through their studies and handling complex student matters to improve outcomes and the overall experience for First Nations Students.
• Collaborating with professional and academic staff to embed culturally responsive practices into student support.
• Collaborating with internal stakeholders through cultural events, workshops, and engagement activities that enrich the student experience.
• Helping students access academic, career, and wellbeing services that support their goals.
• Supporting key programs and processes including Away from Base (AFB), Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ITAS), and the Indigenous Higher Education Pathways Program (IHEPP).
• Building university-wide awareness and understanding of the unique strengths, needs, and challenges of First Nations students.

What will help you succeed

To thrive in this role, alongside your relevant qualifications, you bring hands-on experience supporting First Nations students in higher education or a comparable environment, paired with a proven ability to lead motivated, high-performing teams.

You will also bring:

• Demonstrated capability in designing and delivering effective strategies that support First Nations student success, grounded in a deep understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, protocols, and ethical considerations.
• A strong record of leading programs, projects, and initiatives from concept through to successful delivery.
• Experience managing staff and cultivating positive, productive working relationships.
• A personal alignment with UniSQ’s values of Respect, Integrity, and Excellence.

This is an identified position and is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. For this position, it is a genuine occupational requirement that it be filled by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person as permitted under section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld).

For further information about this role, please contact Laurie-Anne Parsons, Senior Manager (First Nations Student Support and Engagement) via 07 3812 6313 or Laurie-anne.parsons@unisq.edu.au.

Building on its strengths as Australia’s leading regional university, UniSQ partners closely with its communities to drive innovation and create opportunity through education and research. Guided by our values of respect, integrity, and excellence, UniSQ’s Strategic Plan 2026–2030 sets a clear ambition: to be Australia’s most transformative university by embracing our regional identity, fostering inclusive learning and research environments, and delivering globally relevant outcomes with strong local impact.

The University offers a range of different ways of working and connecting across our physical and virtual spaces to meet the needs of our students, partners and community. We value diversity and strive to foster an inclusive environment that is underpinned by our values and champions, embraces and respects differences.

We support and encourage applications from all diversity groups. With an increasingly diverse workforce, we understand that careers may be placed on hold or limited throughout many life circumstances.

Find out more about UniSQ at www.unisq.edu.au.

Reference Number: 0001_01/26

Location: On the lands of the Yuggera and Ugarapul people (Springfield) or Giabal and Jarowair people (Toowoomba)

Term: Full-time continuing appointment (36 hours/week

Salary: Total remuneration range $119,378 to $132,004 pa (includes salary range of $100,677 to $111,325 pa, employer super contributions of 17% and annual leave loading)

Closes: Tuesday, 3 March 2026 at 11:30 pm (AEST)

At UniSQ we are united by our core values of Respect, Integrity and Excellence, which guide our daily actions and decision-making. UniSQ is a child safe organisation.

As part of the University of Southern Queensland's commitment to fostering a safe, respectful and rewarding work environment and in compliance with our legal obligations, we require candidates to declare whether they have been investigated for an allegation of Gender Based Violence, or determined to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender Based Violence, during the course of their previous employment or in any legal process.

This information helps us meet our legal obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender Based Violence, and will be considered when determining a candidate's suitability for employment, so that we can keep our University community safe.

Applications:

• For advice and support regarding your application please contact Emma White, Senior Advisor (First Nations Workforce Strategy) at emma.white@unisq.edu.au.
• For information on the position, please contact Laurie-Anne Parsons, Senior Manager (First Nations Student Support and Engagement) via 07 3812 6313 or Laurie-anne.parsons@unisq.edu.au.
• For more information on our selection process please refer to your recruitment journey available on our website.
• As part of your application please submit:
• a copy of your current resume
• a two-page (maximum) statement, outlining your skills and experience relative to ‘Who we’re looking for’ in the position description

The University of Southern Queensland acknowledges the First Nations of southern Queensland and their ongoing connection to Country, lands, and waterways. Further, we recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first educators and researchers of Australia. We pay deep respect to Elders past and present.

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