Indigenous Academic Support Advisor

Indigenous Academic Support Advisor

•  495158
•  Townsville
•  Professional
•  Full time
•  Closing on: May 25 2026

James Cook University (JCU) is creating a brighter future for life in the Tropics and beyond, through education and research that makes a difference locally and globally.

We now have an exciting opportunity for an Indigenous Academic Support Advisor to join our team in the Indigenous Education and Research Centre.

• Full-time, continuing position
• Based at the Townsville Bebegu Yumba campus, Douglas
• HEWL 8: $111,960 - $128,567 per annum plus up to 17% employer superannuation contributions, leave loading and other generous employee benefits.
• This is an identified position for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking an Academic Support Advisor (ASA) to support students to develop the academic skills, confidence, and independence required for successful university study. The role focuses on building learner capacity through early intervention and coordinated academic support, particularly for students transitioning into higher education or experiencing academic risk. ASAs work closely with Student Support Advisors (SSAs), tutors, and academic staff to deliver timely, targeted learning support.

This is not a general student administration role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work with SSAs to address academic and personal factors impacting student learning
• Support students to understand course structures, assessment expectations, and progression requirements
• Develop students’ academic skills, self‑management, and independent learning strategies, including delivering targeted workshops
• Develop and manage Individual Student Learning Plans (ISLPs) and monitor student engagement
• Coordinate early academic intervention, including allocation of tutors
• Recruit, assess, and onboard tutors to support Indigenous student readiness

ABOUT YOU

You will have:

• Experience supporting student academic skill development and learning independence
• Ability to assess learning needs and identify appropriate support pathways
• Experience coordinating tutoring, peer learning, or academic support programs
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple student cases
• Experience working with diverse cohorts, including first‑in‑family and Indigenous students

ABOUT THE INDIGENOUS EDUCATION AND RESEARCH CENTRE

James Cook University’s Indigenous Education and Research Centre is a leader in providing Indigenous education, research and engagement through successful and sustainable programs and services. We empower students to be independent, critical, and analytical thinkers, and assist them to plan, set and achieve their goals.

SHAPE YOUR FUTURE WITH JCU

At JCU we’re not just shaping minds; we’re shaping the future.

As Australia’s only university established to focus on the issues of Northern Australia and the Tropics worldwide, JCU is dedicated to helping the world’s tropical regions to prosper. With our main campuses located in the vibrant and diverse tropics of Northern Queensland, JCU is at the forefront of research and education in some of the world’s most critical areas, including marine biology, environmental science, tropical and rural health, and more.

Find out more about JCU, our Careers and our locations.

WHY JCU?

JCU offers a dynamic and culturally diverse workplace where your ideas are valued, your professional growth is supported, and your work-life balance is respected. Working under the values of Authenticity, Excellence, Integrity, and Respect, we support and empower our people through the provisions of;

• A generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions with UniSuper
• 36.25-hour full-time working week
• 5 weeks of annual recreation leave plus leave loading
• 15 days paid sick/carers leave per year
• Cultural leave and time in lieu options
• Up to 6 months paid parental leave or 12 months at half pay
• A range of flexible working options
• Attractive options for salary packaging
• Staff study assistance and paid study leave
• Ongoing professional development support
• Fitness Passport
• Corporate discount on health insurance
• Free Employee Assistance Program (coaching and counselling)
• Well-equipped modern facilities and contemporary workspaces with access to on-site childcare, medical services, gym and cafes at our Townsville campus

HOW TO APPLY AND CONTACT DETAILS

Are you ready to make a difference? Join us at JCU, where your future meets the tropics.

For any enquiries about the role, please contact Andrea Geary – andrea.geary@jcu.edu.au.

Click the ‘apply’ button to be redirected to the JCU careers page and follow the below steps:

1. Complete the application form
2. Upload your current resume
3. Submit a cover letter outlining your experience supporting student learning and your interest in the role.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review related framework resources prior to applying:

1. IERC webpage https://www.jcu.edu.au/ierc;
2. Indigenous Student Success Program (ISSP) and the James Cook University Indigenous Education Strategy 2025 – 2030 https://www.jcu.edu.au/ierc/our-centre/indigenous-student-success-program-issp
3. From access and participation to student success: A decade of research on building Indigenous academic self-efficacy to close the gap in higher education
4. Supporting Indigenous Students to Succeed at University https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003326458 Chapter 1 only.

Applications close on Sunday 24th May at 11:55 PM AEST.

ABOUT OUR PROCESS

At JCU, we are committed to employing individuals who meet the requirements of the role and align with our values. All applicants will be contacted and advised of an outcome once the recruitment process is finalised.

Please visit our Information Privacy Policy to understand how your information is collected, stored, accessed and used.

WHAT MATTERS TO US AT JCU

• Our People - Our staff, students, and the communities we serve
• Our Education - Knowledge has the power to change lives
• Our Place – the Tropics and beyond
• Our Research – a catalyst for innovation and knowledge generation

James Cook University encourages people from all backgrounds who meet role requirements to apply. We value and celebrate the diversity of our community, and are committed to ensuring our community, and are committed to ensuring our learning and working environment is safe and welcoming.