Academic Advocacy Officer

01 Flinders University; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 94,000 - 101,000; Part time

Job summary

Flinders University in Bedford Park (Kaurna Country) seeks an Academic Advocacy Officer to provide confidential advice and advocacy for students on academic matters, rights, and policy navigation. You will support students with information and empathetic guidance across a range of university policies and procedures.

In this role you will assist with grade reviews, fee remission, work placement challenges and other student issues, while identifying improvements to systems and policies.

Qualifications

• Experience in advocacy or student services (or related field).
• Able to manage competing priorities effectively and thrive in a collaborative team environment.
• Familiarity with university policies and Commonwealth legislation.
• Excellent communication skills, especially in breaking down complex policies for students.

Responsibilities

• Provide information, advice, support and advocacy to students on academic, administrative and financial matters relating to university policies.
• Assist students to review grades, seek remission of fees, manage work placement difficulties and respond to related issues.
• Identify areas for policy or process improvements and support advocacy for change by Flinders University Student Association (FUSA).

Skills

Negotiation skills

Teamwork

Policy knowledge

Communication skills

Empathy and care

Job description

Position Details

1 x Fixed Term 1 x Continuing| Part-Time (May be negotiable) Higher Education Officer Level 6 | $94,456 - $100,710 Location: Bedford Park / Kaurna Country View

Position Description

About the role The Academic Advocacy Officer is a student-focused role, dedicated to ensuring students feel supported, informed, and empowered throughout their University journey. Offering caring and confidential support to students regarding academic matters, helping them understand their rights and navigate University policies are key parts of the role.

• Providing information, advice, support and advocacy services to students on a range of academic, administrative and financial matters relating mostly, but not limited, to the University’s student-related policies and procedures framework.
• Assisting students to review grades, seek remission of fees, manage work placement difficulties, and respond to a wide range of other issues that may arise in an academic setting.
• Identifying areas where changes to University systems, policies and procedures would address systemic student concerns and/or enhance the student experience, and supporting FUSA’s advocacy for change.

About You

We are seeking a supportive and solutions-focused professional with experience in advocacy or student services (or a related field). You will communicate clearly, understand policy and procedures, and provide high-quality advice with empathy and care. You are organised and proactive, able to manage competing priorities effectively, and thrive working in a collaborative team environment. You will also demonstrate:

• Well-developed negotiation skills, including ability to listen, articulate a position, exercise sound judgement and utilise strong problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Familiarity with a university environment, relevant University policies, and Commonwealth legislation.
• Excellent communication skills, particularly the capacity to break down complex policies and processes into actionable terms with students.

Flinders University Student Association (FUSA)

FUSA represents the rights and interests of Flinders University students. We are governed by an elected Student Council which directs the priorities of FUSA each year with the support of dedicated staff. We provide a welcoming and lively student experience that focuses on campus culture, giving support to students in need, and facilitating opportunities for students to be a part of the wider University community.

Our services include:

• Supporting student representation across university colleges
• A wide range of events and activities for students
• Administration of a large clubs program
• Student media
• Financial counselling
• Advocacy on behalf of students regarding academic difficulties

Life at Flinders

They say know your place. We say you've found it right here. Flinders University was founded on the belief that learning should open minds, celebrate individuality and give people the freedom to pursue their own point of view. That spirit lives on in our community of thinkers, doers and changemakers who challenge convention, and each other, to shape what comes next.

Rising to a challenge is nothing new for Flinders. During our first 60 years, we’ve navigated revolutionary changes in social and cultural norms, and have responded to transformative economic, environmental and technological developments. Through it all, we’ve continued to deliver for our students and community, innovating in learning and research to prepare graduates for the changing world they help create.

Reaching beyond the limits of buildings, borders, and backgrounds, ours is an inclusive culture that believes absolutely in equality and opportunity for all. We don't just accommodate differences; we embrace and celebrate them.

So, why work at Flinders?

• 17% Superannuation + salary packaging options
• Flexible working arrangements
• Awarded the AHEIA Higher Education Award for Workplace Culture Excellence due to our commitment to wellbeing through our Thriving@Flinders staff wellbeing program
• Wide range of professional development activities and services, including exclusive staff study offers
• We embrace diversity and promote equity and inclusion for all students and staff, as shown through our three SAGE Cygnet Awards.
• Vibrant campus life and amenities including on campus health care services, gym and childcare centre (Bedford Park, South Australia).
• Recognised as a Veteran Employer of Choice
• Our Commitment to Reconciliation and Indigenous Employment
• Flinders University is proud to be an organisation that is committed to our Reconciliation Action Plan and Indigenous Workforce Strategy.
• Our vision is to be a preferred employer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• We are committed to progressing Indigenous advancement in education, research, employment, and wellbeing, and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for all Flinders vacancies.

Prescribed Conditions for Employment

Flinders University will require a current completed Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and Gender Based Violence Declaration which is satisfactory to the University. The contract of Employment is conditional upon the receipt of these completed compliance checks. A disclosable outcome will not automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration. Each case will be assessed on its individual merits and relevance to the inherent requirements of the role. In addition, it is a requirement of this position that the incumbent maintain a current Working With Children Check which is satisfactory to the University in accordance with the Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Act 2016 (SA).

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Flinders. Fearless. Flinders University is a globally focused, locally engaged institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research. Students are at the heart of Flinders – we’re focused on supporting their exceptional learning experience and equipping them with the skills to succeed in life beyond study. Our touchstone is that university life is enjoyable and enriching for all students, and our campuses are energising places for our staff.