First Nations Student Support Officer

• $94,129 to $106,754 pa
• Full-time continuing appointment
• Springfield campus on the lands of the Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul people
• Status/Term of position: Full-time continuing appointment
• Total remuneration range: $94,129 to $106,754 pa
• Campus location: (Springfield) On the lands of the Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul people

To be considered for this position, you will need to have the right to work in Australia.

This is an identified position and is open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is a genuine occupational requirement under section 25 of the Anti Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld). Shortlisted applicants will be required to provide confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage.

The UniSQ First Nations Education and Research 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

As a First Nations Student Support Officer, you will play a key role in supporting the participation, retention, wellbeing and success of First Nations students during their university journey.

You are committed to First Nations student success, bringing cultural knowledge, care and integrity to your work, and recognising the vital importance of culturally safe spaces in higher education.

You are someone who:

• Is committed to the advocacy, empowerment and success of First Nations students
• Brings an understanding of First Nations cultures, histories, protocols and lived experiences
• Communicates with empathy, respect and professionalism
• Enjoys working closely with students, colleagues, communities and Elders.

Above all, you are driven to make a meaningful impact for First Nations students throughout their university journey.

What you'll do

You will deliver proactive and responsive support that enhances student wellbeing, retention and success.

In this role, you will:

• Provide culturally safe pastoral care and educational support to First Nations students across on campus and online settings
• Proactively engage students through outreach, relationship building and individualised support planning
• Refer students to specialised support and services across the University
• Promote access to First Nations specific programs and services, including ITAS and AFB initiatives
• Support students to navigate university systems, processes and policies
• Use systems to monitor student progression and contribute to data collection and reporting
• Work collaboratively across the University to improve First Nations student experience, progression and success
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen student outcomes

This is a hands-on role where your work will directly influence student success and strengthen connections between First Nations students and the University community.

What will help you succeed

You’ll bring experience supporting First Nations students, along with a strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, communities and perspectives. You’re confident working independently, exercising sound judgement and delivering high-quality, culturally responsive support.

You are able to:

• thrive in a collaborative environment
• build strong stakeholder relationships, and
• communicate with clarity and compassion.
• be well organised and adaptable, and you can balance competing priorities 

Most importantly, you are committed to advocacy, empowerment and creating meaningful outcomes for First Nations students.

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: 0080_03/26

Location: On the lands of the Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul people (Springfield)

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

Salary: Total remuneration range $94,129 to $106,754 pa (includes salary range of $79,383 to $90,031 pa, employer super contributions of 17% and annual leave loading)

Closes: Tuesday, 14 April 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.

Position Description Opens in new window

How to apply:

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