Widening Participation Officer

Vacancy Details

Campus Location: Strathfield, Australia

Job No: APTAV105304#001

Widening Participation Officer

Unique opportunity to support prospective students, build school and community partnerships and develop outreach programs

Work with a team committed to strengthening access to higher education for students from under-represented backgrounds

ACU offers 17% employer superannuation, salary packaging and generous leave provisions

Full time, fixed term 12 month opportunity with some hybrid flexibility working at Strathfield campus

About the role:

Operating within Equity and Inclusion, the Widening Participation Officer contributes to increasing access, participation and success in higher education for domestic undergraduate students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, regional, rural, remote, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The position will engage with prospective students from under-represented backgrounds to widen participation in higher education, manage and build relationships with schools, community organisations and external partners, and design and deliver initiatives that support progression to studying at ACU. The Widening Participation Officer is responsible for coordinating and delivering activities and outreach programs across metropolitan and regional locations, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, and overseeing a casual Student Ambassador workforce as required.

As this role involves some regular travel, flexibility with working hours is required to attend events and activities held outside standard business hours, including nights and weekends, at offsite locations.

Contact:

General enquiries can be sent to Debbie Keen, Coordinator Equity Pathways (NSW & ACT) at: debbie.keen@acu.edu.au

What we offer:

The University pursues an excellence agenda and offers an environment where staff are welcomed and safe, and valued through development, participation and involvement.

Total remuneration valued to $124,509 - $134,699 total rem (pro rata) pa, including salary component $105,212 - $113,823 (pro rata) pa (HEW 7), employer contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading.

17% employer superannuation contributions to eligible continuing and fixed-term staff.

Annual leave loading of an equivalent to 17.5% of four weeks' salary pro rata payable, dependent on your commencement date.

As an ACU staff member, you will have access to generous benefits which include but not limited to: flexible work, study leave, a variety of leave provisions and salary packaging. Find out more information about the benefits or working at ACU here.

How to Apply:

Step 1: Review the Position Description and become familiar with Our Mission and the Application process

Step 2: Click the 'View Position Description and Apply' button, and populate your candidate application details, including your:

Resume.

Recommended responses to the Selection Criteria and Core Competencies in a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) or in the online Declaration and Criteria application page.

Brief online responses to any pre-screening employment questions.

Applications close: 28-APR-2026 at 11:59pm AUS Eastern Standard Time

Preferred candidates will be required to complete mandatory pre-employment declarations and background checks, including those related to gender-based violence and foreign interference, in line with ACU's compliance requirements.

This position requires a Working with Children Check (WWCC) and/or Working with Vulnerable People Check (WWVP) (ACT only).

Candidates must hold Australian work rights to apply for this position. For permanent/ continuing roles, applicants must have permanent work rights. For further information visit Immigration and Citizenship(homeaffairs.gov.au)

Your Privacy of personal information is maintained in accordance with ACU policy. For more details visit: www.acu.edu.au/careers

ACU is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and enables our people to reach their potential. This is underpinned by our mission and values, grounded in our respect for all people and the advancement of the common good. In line with our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion we welcome candidates from all backgrounds and lived experiences. ACU is recognised as a Veteran Employment Supporter and veterans are encouraged to apply. ACU offers support for candidates that may require adjustments through the recruitment process. Please contact recruitment@acu.edu.au to discuss your requirements in confidence.

About ACU:

Australian Catholic University (ACU) is an inclusive community which welcomes students and staff of all beliefs. ACU has over 2,500 staff supporting more than 34,000 students across eight campuses - Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, North Sydney, Strathfield, Blacktown and Rome.

ACU aspires to be a home for our staff, offer the care of a family and develop an academic and professional community. Whatever your faith or culture, and whether you are academic or professional staff, there are many opportunities both for learning and contributing at ACU.

As valued members of our community, all staff members are expected to have an understanding of ACU's mission and values and to demonstrate an active contribution to them.

ACU does not accept candidate applications submitted by external recruitment agencies through the ACU careers website.