Pro-Vice-Chancellor, First Nations Strategy

Pipeline Talent; Port Macquarie; On-site; AUD 240,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging options

Self-education expenses

Professional association memberships

On-campus childcare

Job summary

Charles Sturt University invites applications for the Pro Vice-Chancellor, First Nations Strategy. This executive appointment provides strategic direction and cultural authority across the university, reporting to the Vice-Chancellor, and leading the development, implementation and evaluation of the First Nations Strategy.

Based in Bathurst with consideration for other CSUs campuses, the role requires a senior Indigenous leader capable of whole‑of‑university impact, building relationships,

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in higher education or a large, complex organisation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional teams and whole‑institution initiatives.
• Strong understanding of Indigenous engagement and cultural safety.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of the First Nations Strategy across the university.
• Provide high‑level cultural authority and advisory services to executive leaders.
• Strengthen partnerships with First Nations communities, staff and students.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Cross-cultural capability

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Full-time | Preferred location: Bathurst (Other Charles Sturt campuses considered) | Executive appointment

This position is only open to candidates who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

About the Organisation

Charles Sturt University is Australia’s largest regional university, shaped by the land, cultures and communities of regional New South Wales. Established as a multi‑campus institution in 1989, Charles Sturt now serves more than 38,000 students across Australia and internationally, with campuses in Albury‑Wodonga, Bathurst, Canberra, Dubbo, Orange, Port Macquarie and Wagga Wagga, as well as metropolitan locations in Sydney and Melbourne.

As a university of the land and its people, Charles Sturt is guided by the Wiradjuri phrase Yindyamarra winhanganha which means "the wisdom of respectfully knowing how to live well in a world worth living in." This ethos shapes the university’s values, culture and aspirations.

Charles Sturt has a long-standing commitment to First Nations success and self-determination, working in partnership with communities to create meaningful educational, employment and research outcomes. With more than 2,000 staff and a strong record of First Nations student success, the University is deeply invested in creating culturally safe environments, expanding pathways and embedding First Nations perspectives throughout teaching, research, engagement and operations.

As Charles Sturt enters a new decade of transformation through its 2030 Strategy, the University is seeking an outstanding Indigenous leader to help shape the next chapter of this commitment and strengthen its position as Australia’s leading rural and regional university.

About the role

The Pro Vice-Chancellor, First Nations Strategy is a pivotal Indigenous leadership role that provides strategic direction, cultural authority and high-level advice across the university. Reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor, the position leads the development, implementation and evaluation of Charles Sturt First Nations Strategy, ensuring First Nations priorities are embedded across all aspects of University life.

As a member of the university's senior leadership community, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor provides visible and influential leadership that shapes institutional priorities, drives accountability and champions First Nations excellence across the organisation.

The role is highly visible across the university and within community across the Charles Sturt footprint. It requires a leader who can build strong relationships, navigate complexity, influence senior decision-making and provide culturally grounded guidance to executive leaders, faculties, divisions and community stakeholders. The Pro Vice-Chancellor represents the university in matters of significance to First Nations peoples, advocates for improved outcomes, and works collaboratively to strengthen First Nations leadership, student success, research capability and employment pathways.

About you

This role would be suitable for a senior Indigenous leader from either an academic or professional background who has demonstrated the ability to think and operate at whole‑of‑organisation scale. You bring strong strategic capability, able to shape direction, influence senior decision-making and guide a university‑wide approach to First Nations priorities. You work collaboratively across diverse portfolios, building alignment and uplifting capability so that First Nations strategy is embedded throughout the entire institution.

Key Selection Criteria

1. Demonstrated success leading organisation-wide First Nations strategies, initiatives or transformation programs.


2. Established cultural authority, credibility and deep understanding of issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.


3. Strong capability in building collaborative relationships across senior leaders, operational teams and First Nations communities.


4. Experience navigating complex or highly regulated environments to progress strategic priorities.


5. Demonstrated people leadership that supports culturally safe practice and develops capability in others.

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to lead the First Nations Strategy at whole‑of‑university scale and shape cultural capability, engagement and outcomes across Australia’s largest regional university.


• Enjoy salary packaging and sacrifice options that include novated leasing, self-education expenses, membership to professional associations and child care.


• Professional development opportunities including leadership development programs for our executive and academic leaders.


• Reduced cost goods and services through our corporate partners.


• Access to on-campus childcare services at the Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst and Wagga Wagga campuses, as well as sporting facilities, and private dental clinics at the Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange and Wagga Wagga campuses (standard fees apply).