Indigenous Pathways Officer

PRIMARY DETAIL

Inspire future generations. Strengthen pathways to higher education for Indigenous students across NSW.

• Salary Package: $102,136 - $112,741 (HEW 6) per annum, plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
• Appointment Type: Full-time (35 hours per week), continuing position
• Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

Walanga Muru is seeking a culturally grounded, community-focused Indigenous Pathways Officer to join the Pathways team, strengthening the University's Indigenous outreach and recruitment initiatives. This is an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, their families and communities by building aspiration, awareness and access to higher education.

Identified Position
This is an identified role and is open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants.

As part of the recruitment process, we will ask you to provide documentation to confirm your Aboriginality. Your cultural capability will also be assessed through the recruitment process.

Aboriginality and/or Torres Strait Islander identity is a genuine occupational qualification for this position and is authorised under section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

About the Role

Reporting to the Indigenous Pathways Coordinator, you will play an integral role in Macquarie University's Indigenous outreach and recruitment activities. You will work closely with schools, community groups and education stakeholders across NSW to encourage Indigenous students to consider university as a pathway. You will contribute to creating a sense of belonging and community for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students at Macquarie University, while helping to shape outreach programs that are culturally responsive and evidence informed.

Key responsibilities include:

• Engaging with students, schools and community groups across NSW to encourage Indigenous students to progress to university and build aspiration, capacity and awareness
• Contributing to building a sense of belonging and community for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students at Macquarie University
• Contributing to planning, development and recommendations for University Pathways initiatives aligned to the Indigenous Strategy
• Partnering with relevant stakeholders to develop content for outreach activities such as camps, admissions pathways, school programs and presentations
• Identifying Indigenous cohorts within secondary and vocational education institutions and recommending opportunities for new partnerships and affiliations
• Contributing to building and managing new and existing relationships with external education stakeholders to engage prospective students
• Preparing and/or contributing to reports on pre-enrolment data to inform decisions about effective Indigenous pathways activities and entry options
• Contributing to the broader functions of Walanga Muru

About Walanga Muru

Walanga Muru is Macquarie University's Indigenous Student Success Centre, within the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) portfolio. It is a culturally safe environment that leads the development and implementation of the University's Indigenous engagement and advancement strategies.

Working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Walanga Muru identifies and addresses barriers to education and employment through outreach, policy development, cultural education and student support initiatives. The team plays a central role in strengthening Indigenous access, participation and success at Macquarie University.

About You

You are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who brings cultural capability and lived experience to this role, enabling you to work with confidence across diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community contexts. You build strong relationships, think with purpose, and apply evidence-informed approaches to outreach and engagement.

Selection Criteria

• A bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Sociology, Communications, Education) or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining strong relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and education stakeholders
• Experience delivering programs within education or community settings to students, families and community members
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt across diverse audiences and cultural contexts
• Knowledge of the secondary and tertiary education sectors and relevant government policies relating to Indigenous education

Role-Specific Requirements

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity (identified position)
• Valid Working with Children Check (or willingness to obtain one prior to commencement)
• Qualification Verification Check and a National Police Check Clearance
• Current NSW driver's licence
• Capacity for domestic travel
• Flexibility to work varying hours as required by business demands.