Indigenous Outreach Officer

Company Description

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.
Griffith was created to be a different type of university. Here we strive to be a place where all peoples of all cultures feel valued and respected, and where Indigenous Australian people, cultures, knowledges, experiences and perspectives, form an integral part of our learning, teaching, research, and community engagement. At Griffith, we hold ourselves accountable to the belief that reconciliation is everybody’s business.

Griffith’s 2025-2030 Strategy is underpinned by five values-informed challenges including: Indigenous flourishing—creating the conditions for Indigenous Australians to thrive academically, socially and culturally. Griffith aims to be the university of choice for Indigenous staff and students—a place where Indigenous people flourish in their study and careers, a place of cultural safety and a place where Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing are celebrated in our curriculum, research and the culture.

As part of our ongoing commitment to educational outcomes for First Peoples, we are seeking an Indigenous Outreach Officer to join our team.

Job Description

The GUMURRII Student Success Unit is the heart of Griffith’s Indigenous student community, with a dedicated student hub located on each campus. GUMURRII staff provide high quality services and support for potential and current students, from schools outreach to recruitment, orientation to graduation in a safe and culturally appropriate learning environment.

Griffith is committed to the success of our staff and students, with one of the largest First Peoples staff and student cohorts of any Australian University.

Join a diverse, friendly, and close-knit environment where the team enjoy making it matter.

As an Indigenous Outreach Officer, you’ll work within the Office of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Indigenous) and report to the Indigenous Outreach Coordinator. In the role you will:

• Deliver, as part of a specialist team, the Indigenous outreach activities and engagement program across Griffith, including transition and support activities for students in key feeder schools and education institutions.
• Maintain strong, purposeful links with Indigenous communities and First Peoples.
• Engage with the wider community, schools, and young people, promoting awareness of university outreach programs.
• Maintain impactful relationships and connect with university stakeholders, within the portfolio and external wider community partners.
• Work collaboratively with the GUMURRII Student Success team, as part of a specialist team, to provide advice and facilitate the recruitment and transition to student life for First Peoples students who join Griffith.

This is a diverse and exciting role which can see you working in a small team that delivers prospective First Peoples student camps and programs that will develop student capacity and preparedness for university study.

About you
What matters most is your drive to create a brighter future that benefits all. Through our core principles of excellence, ethics and engagement, you’ll thrive on seeing the direct and lasting impact you’ll have on every community and every future.

You will also have:

• A tertiary qualification in a relevant field together with subsequent relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of relevant skills, knowledge and experience. Experience in higher education/training would be highly regarded.
• A substantial understanding and demonstrated knowledge of Australian Indigenous cultures, particularly in the context of contemporary Australia.
• A passion for collaboration and engaging with people.
• Be enthusiastic and committed to the delivery of high-quality student service with exceptional customer service skills.
• Enjoy and be capable of working independently and as part of a team.
• Have proven strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience with word-processing, spread sheeting and database software systems.
• A Blue Card or willingness and ability to obtain one.
• To perform this role, it is essential that the person who holds the position be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. It is therefore a genuine occupational requirement, under section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991, that applicants are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

We recognise that your heritage is deeply personal to you. Proof of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage is a requirement for appointment to this role. This includes that people filling the role:

1. are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent; and
2. identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person; and
3. are accepted by your community as being an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.

A Confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent form executed by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander organisation with a common seal will also be required.  The Griffith First Peoples Employment Partner is here to support you with this if need be. Please feel free to be in contact with the First Peoples Employment Partner at [email protected] at any stage of the application process if you have any questions.

What we can offer
This is a continuing contingent, full time position primarily based at Griffith University Logan. As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations.

Griffith University’s sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary Range
The full time equivalent base salary will be HEW Level 6 range $91,843 - $97,964 per annum + 17% superannuation. The total FTE package will be in the range $107,456 - $114,618 per annum.

Additional Information

Why join Griffith?
As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

• Work flexibility, including a mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment
• Generous leave entitlements including paid cultural obligations leave, paid parental leave, ex gratia University holidays and leave loading. 
• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities

How to apply
At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page.

Your journey matters. If this opportunity isn’t the one for you, we invite First Peoples candidates to join our First Peoples Talent Pool and be part of shaping what’s next at Griffith.

Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy.

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role (please refer to the experience and skills outlined in the About you section above and the position description)
• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details
• Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent.

Applicants must have unrestricted working rights. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

For further information specifically about this role, please contact Zania Ludovici, Indigenous Outreach Coordinator, GUMURRII Student Success Unit at [email protected].

For application and recruitment advice, please contact Laura Whitworth-Matthews, Talent Acquisition Partner at [email protected].

For application support, please contact Bronwyn Horn, First Peoples Employment Partner at [email protected]

Closing date: Tuesday 24th February at 11:59pm AEST. All applications must be submitted online.