Associate Director - Indigenous Programs, Library (Indigenous Identified)

• Employment Type: Full Time (35 hours per week)
• Duration: 18 Month Fixed Term Contract     
• Remuneration: Level 9 $153k + 17% superannuation & leave loading  
• Location: Kensington, NSW  
• Benefits: Cultural Leave and Indigenous Employee Network

This position is open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants only.

UNSW has obtained an exemption under section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) to designate and recruit professional and academic positions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons only, to fulfil UNSW’s goal of a representative workforce rate.

Why your role matters

The Associate Director, Indigenous Programs, Library is a newly created position to provide strategic leadership and specialist expertise for the Library’s Indigenous programs. The role leads the development and delivery of initiatives that embed Indigenous Knowledges and perspectives across library services, resources and protocols.

Working collaboratively with Library and University stakeholders, the Associate Director promotes cultural awareness among staff and supports the creation of culturally safe and welcoming spaces and scholarly collections for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff and visitors. The role also represents the Library in sector-wide and national Indigenous forums, contributes to the development of leading library practice, and supports the implementation of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) protocols across UNSW.

The Associate Director, Indigenous Programs reports to the University Librarian and has no direct reports.

Specific accountabilities include:

• Provide strategic Indigenous advice and expertise across the Library, including the executive and senior management teams, supporting a diverse workforce and complex service environment to advance the University's Indigenous Strategy and commitments.
• Partner with Library leaders, Associate Directors, staff and other key stakeholders to develop, deliver, support implementation, evaluate and continuously review and improve a suit of scalable, sustainable and culturally appropriate Indigenous programs and initiatives for UNSW Library.
• Embed Indigenous perspectives, principles, and considerations into Library policies, procedures, frameworks, and service delivery models.
• Lead the operational implementation of the University's Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) framework within the Library by providing authoritative advice, delivering institution-wide education and guidance, informing Library licensing arrangements, and embedding ICIP principles across Library services.
• Provide advice and work with library stakeholders on the Indigenisation of existing library functions and services including workforce development and cultural awareness, scholarly resources, education and research services, and engagement.
• Lead cultural assessments of Library materials and collections, determine and implement Cultural Access Conditions and Protocols, provide authoritative advice on metadata and language practices, and resolve complex stakeholder enquiries relating to cultural access and decision-making.

About You:  

• This position is open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants only. UNSW has obtained an exemption under section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) to designate and recruit professional and academic positions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons only, to fulfil UNSW’s goal of a representative workforce rate. Evidence of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status  will be required https://www.indigenous.unsw.edu.au/evidencing-aboriginality-andor-torres-strait-islander-status
• Relevant qualifications and extensive experience at a management level within an education, research or cultural institution. Library experience would be highly valued.
• Demonstrated ability in planning, delivering and evaluating programs, services and activities.
• Demonstrated ability in developing and maintaining collaborative partnerships with a range of stakeholders and capacity to engage effectively across the Library and UNSW.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively and positively influence positive outcomes in a diverse and changing library environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail for deliverables produced.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative, independent judgement and apply problem-solving skills.
• An ability to work across a range of library departments, services and resources to implement projects and changes.
• A knowledge of Indigenous perspectives, cultures, policies and protocols (including ICIP) and the ability to integrate these into the library workforce, collections and services.
• An ability to foster productive relationships with Indigenous Communities at UNSW and broadly.

For further details on role responsibilities and skills & experience required, refer to the position description found under the position listing on Jobs@UNSW.

Benefits and Culture:

People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world.

Our benefits include:

• Flexible working options.
• Career development opportunities.
• 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments.
• Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period.
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness).

For further details on the benefits, please visit https://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au/lifestyle-benefits

Establishing your status as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person means any person who:

• is of Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent;
• identifies as an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person; and
• is accepted as such by the community in which you live and or have lived.

All offers of employment will be subject to prior submission of satisfactory proof of Aboriginality. For more information on what constitutes as proof of Aboriginality, please email n.chenhall@unsw.edu.au

Get in Touch: Nat Chenhall – Manager Indigenous Employment

n.chenhall@unsw.edu.au

How to Apply: Submit your CV & Cover Letter before 11.55pm Tuesday 1st September 2026. In lieu of addressing the selection criteria, please respond to the questions in our application form.

Job queries contact: Chloe Gane, Talent Acquisition Consultant E: chloe.gane@unsw.edu.au  (applications to the address cannot be accepted, please apply online)

Pre-Employment Checks
As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role.

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.