Participation and Belonging Lead

Join the dynamic and innovative Swinburne Student Engagement team

Fulltime, 2-year position at our Hawthorn campus

HEW 8 salary + 17% super

About the Role

The Participation and Belonging Lead plays a key role in advancing Swinburne University of Technology’s commitment to improve access, equity and success for students from non-traditional and underrepresented backgrounds. Reporting to the Deputy Director, Student Engagement, the position provides leadership across targeted student engagement, enrichment and support initiatives that enhance belonging and create meaningful outcomes for students who have experienced disadvantage. The role contributes to the University’s Ad Astra strategy of tailored and innovative pathways to success for all.

Working within a complex and collaborative environment, the Participation and Belonging Lead drives initiatives that strengthen early access opportunities, embed widening participation principles and deliver high-quality student experiences across the student lifecycle. The role works closely with teams across the University to influence alignment, collaboration and integration of services, ensuring sustainable and impactful outcomes. Rather than duplicating existing services, the position focuses on connecting teams to improve the overall student experience.

The role also contributes to the development of participation and belonging frameworks, governance approaches and integrated service models aligned to evolving equity funding arrangements and institutional priorities. Success in the position will require strong stakeholder engagement, project management and the ability to navigate complex organisational environments to support evidence-based approaches to student engagement, equity and widening participation initiatives.

Further information about this role can be found in the attached position description.

About You

To be suitable for this role you will need to have experience in the below key accountabilities:

• Demonstrated experience in delivering improved outcomes for tertiary student cohorts including equity or other identifiable groups within a higher education setting
• Demonstrated ability to deliver outcomes through partnership, influence and collaboration within complex organisational environments
• Proven experience leveraging programs, services and priorities across multiple teams avoiding duplication of responsibility or delivery
• Demonstrated experience in the stewardship, governance and evaluation of equity focused or cohort based initiatives at scale

Qualifications

Postgraduate qualification or progress towards postgraduate qualifications and relevant experience; or extensive management experience and expertise in a relevant area; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training

About Swinburne University of Technology

Swinburne’s strategy draws upon our understanding of future challenges. We choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research.

Our Ad Astra strategy is the cornerstone of Swinburne’s bold ambition to lead globally in technology-driven education and research. This strategy positions us to create transformative solutions, empower learners, and partner with industry to thrive in an ever-changing world.

What We Offer You!

• Work your way with flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options and generous parental leave to support a balanced lifestyle.
• Exclusive staff discounts, including discounted Medibank health insurance, 50% off Swinburne courses and other partner offers.
• Swinburne offers 17% super and salary packaging options, including car leasing and extra super contributions.

Want to learn more? Head over to our benefits page!

To Apply

Please submit your CV and cover letter addressing your suitability for this position.

To review the Position Description and to apply, please scroll down to the bottom of the page.

If you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to Swinburne’s Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page.

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Swinburne Talent Acquisition Team by emailing talentacquisition@swin.edu.au.

Applications Close: Sunday 14th June 2026, 11pm

Swinburne offers flexible working options contained in our leave and parenting/carer policies to support work-life balance.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Swinburne has become a world-class university, driving social and economic impacts through science, technology, and innovation. As a dual-sector university, our vision is for people and technology working together to build a better world.

Central to our vision is our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer focused on attracting, retaining, and developing great talent. We work to remove barriers related to gender identity, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and age.

We strongly encourage applicants from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Our Moondani Toombadool Centre leads our Indigenous education and culture at Swinburne, guided by community wisdom and leadership.

We support applicants with disabilities, and reasonable adjustments can be requested at any stage of the recruitment process. For reasonable adjustment requests - including accessible formats of the position description, application form, or other documents, please contact talentacquisition@swin.edu.au or call +61 3 9214 3550.

Please note: this phone number is for disability and reasonable adjustment enquiries only. General enquiries about the role can also be emailed to talentacquisition@swin.edu.au.

Victoria’s Commitment to Action: Improving international student employment outcomes.

As a signatory to Victoria’s Commitment to Action, Swinburne seeks to remove barriers to international graduate employment. We welcome and encourage applications from international graduates.

As a Circle Back Initiative Employer, we commit to responding to every applicant.