Program Officer, Pasifika Engagement

University of the Sunshine Coast; Brisbane; Hybrid; AUD 95,986 - 103,873; Part time

Job summary

An educational institution in Queensland seeks a Program Coordinator for Pasifika Engagement. In this part-time role, you will lead culturally responsive programs that support Māori and Pasifika high school students. The position requires strong project management skills and an understanding of culturally relevant practices. You must have experience working with these communities, providing pathways advice, and building partnerships to enhance access to higher education. Flexibility in working hours and travel between campuses is required.

Qualifications

• Experience in working with Māori and/or Pasifika communities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Comfortable in facilitating workshops and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and evaluation of Pasifika engagement programs.
• Provide pathways advice to students and families.
• Build partnerships with schools and community groups.

Skills

Experience with Māori and/or Pasifika communities

Culturally responsive engagement practices

Strong communication skills

Program and project management skills

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Job description

• Marketing and Communications | UniSC Moreton Bay, Petrie
• Level 6, $95,986- $103,873 p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation
• Part‑time (29 hours per week), fixed term appointment until March 2027

The Opportunity

Join UniSC’s Marketing and Communications team in a rewarding role supporting access to higher education for Māori and Pasifika students. As Program Coordinator, Pasifika Engagement, you will lead the planning, delivery, and evaluation of UniSC’s Pasifika High School Study Support Program and related initiatives.

Working under the broad direction of the Manager, Widening Participation Engagement, you will coordinate culturally responsive programmes that support student aspirations, provide pathways advice, and strengthen engagement with schools, families, and communities. This is a dynamic, community‑focused role where your work will directly contribute to widening participation, student success, and UniSC’s commitment to equity and inclusion.

Please note: This role requires frequent travel between UniSC campuses and external locations. Flexibility in work hours, including after‑hours and weekend work, will be required.

You will

• lead the planning, delivery, and evaluation of culturally responsive Pasifika engagement programmes, including mentoring, study support, and cultural activities;
• provide advice and support to Māori and Pasifika high school students and families on senior schooling pathways, ATAR/non‑ATAR options, and university prerequisites; and
• build and maintain strong partnerships with schools, community groups, families, and leaders to foster tertiary aspirations and sustainable pathways to higher education.

About you

You bring experience working with Māori and/or Pasifika communities and have a strong understanding of culturally responsive engagement practices. You are confident providing pathways advice to students and families and are passionate about supporting access to higher education.

You are highly organised and capable of managing multiple priorities, with demonstrated experience delivering programmes and working with diverse stakeholders. A strong communicator, you are comfortable facilitating workshops, presenting to groups, and building trusted relationships across community and education settings.

You will possess

• A relevant degree with subsequent experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience;
• Demonstrated experience working with Māori and/or Pasifika communities, including understanding of cultural protocols and values;
• Strong programme and project management skills, including planning, implementation, and evaluation of initiatives;
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills;
• Experience providing advice on senior secondary pathways and/or career development (desirable); and
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective partnerships and deliver measurable outcomes.

Application requirements

Applications for this position close midnight, Sunday 19 April 2026.

Your completed application must include a resume and a response to selection criteria. In the application form, we will request a statement addressing each of the selection criteria contained within the position description.

All applications must be lodged through our website.

UniSC does not accept unsolicited applications. For agency inquiries, contact [e-mail].

UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at [e-mail] or call [phone].

Manager, Widening Participation Engagement – Marketing and Communications: Peter Lavercombe, Telephone: [phone], Email: [e-mail].