Indigenous Student Success Officer

Job Description

• Full-time, Ongoing position at HEW Level 6.
• Campbelltown with flexible work arrangements.
• Salary: $95,777 – $102,659 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading. 

Identified Position
This is an identified position and applicants must be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Person. Being an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational qualification as authorised under Section 14(D) of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

Please refer to the Guidelines for Confirmation of Identity for Indigenous Australians for the requirements of this position.

• Click here to view Confirmation of Identity for Indigenous Australian Staff
• Click here to view the Community Confirmation Template
• Click here to view the Statutory Declaration Form

The Opportunity
This identified role plays a vital part in strengthening the experience, retention and success of Indigenous students at Western Sydney University. You will foster trusted and enduring relationships with Indigenous communities while providing culturally safe, strengths-based support across the student lifecycle. Working closely with the Badanami Centre for Indigenous Education and staff throughout the Faculties, you will help embed culturally appropriate practices and contribute to whole-of-University commitments to Indigenous success.

In this position, you will provide tailored advice, mentoring and referrals that contribute to a positive transition into university life and sustained achievement through to graduation. You will also coordinate culturally appropriate student-focused events and initiatives that honour Indigenous knowledges and community connections. Your work will align with national higher education frameworks and support the University’s strategic commitments to Indigenous education, research and engagement.

The role also contributes to building the University’s cultural capability by advising staff on culturally appropriate engagement, protocols, policies and practices. Working collaboratively across academic and professional units, you will help promote pathways, strengthen partnerships and ensure Indigenous student perspectives are centred in program development and support initiatives.

What Success Looks Like:

• Build respectful, positive relationships with Indigenous Elders, communities and partners to support student pathways and engagement.
• Develop outreach and engagement activities with the faculties, community organisations, and industry partners to promote pathways for Indigenous students into higher education. 
• Provide culturally safe and holistic support that enhances the academic experience, wellbeing and success of Indigenous students.
• Coordinate culturally appropriate events and initiatives that strengthen belonging and foster community connection.
• Advise staff on policies, practices and programs impacting Indigenous students, ensuring alignment with cultural protocols.
• Monitor and report on outcomes of Indigenous support programs with attention to data sovereignty and cultural integrity.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.
About You

• Identified position: must be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, as authorised under Section 14(D) of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and providing tailored support to Indigenous students.
• Strong understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories and contemporary issues.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to collaborate across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively in a complex environment.

Benefits
We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Beyond a rewarding career, we offer a suite of benefits designed to support your physical, financial, and family wellbeing:

• Fitness Passport: Access hundreds of gyms and pools across the state.
• Onsite Childcare: Convenient facilities with exclusive staff discounts and salary packaging options.
• Financial Benefits: Salary sacrifice options for onsite parking and novated motor vehicle leasing,
• Holistic Support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) along with discounted retail and private health cover.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Direct to Vanessa Fotheringham, Student Learning and Support Manager via [email protected] Please include the job reference code REF520D. 
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Monday, 16 February 2026.
• Working Rights: You must provide evidence of full-time working rights in Australia at application.
• How to Apply: Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered.

Belonging at Western
We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For Reasonable Adjustments during the application process, please contact [email protected].

About Western
This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

For the latest please visit our website and LinkedIn.