Senior Indigenous Postgraduate Student Officer

The University of Western Australia; Perth; On-site; AUD 108,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Job summary

The University of Western Australia is seeking a Senior Indigenous Student Services professional to lead outreach, recruitment and engagement for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HDR pathways. This is a full-time, tenurable appointment within the DVCI Indigenous portfolio.

You will design and deliver culturally responsive student success programs, provide advocacy and holistic support, and collaborate with students, academic staff and professional teams to enhance the Indigenous

Qualifications

• Degree qualification and substantial relevant experience in student services or Indigenous education.
• Strong knowledge of WA higher education and HDR administration.
• Experience delivering student support and engagement outcomes for Indigenous students.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Ability to coordinate programs and lead service improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead outreach, recruitment and engagement initiatives for Indigenous HDR pathways.
• Design and deliver student success, retention and progression programs with holistic support.
• Partner with students, academic staff and professional teams to enhance the Indigenous postgraduate experience.

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field

Job description

• The University of Western Australia
• Australia, WA
• Oct 7, 2026

Student Services

About The University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is one of Australia's leading universities and has an international reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research.It has almost 24,000 students enrolled across four...

• Play a pivotal role in empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander postgraduate and Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students to thrive and succeed at UWA.
• Lead impactful student recruitment, outreach, engagement and retention initiatives that strengthen Indigenous postgraduate pathways and future leadership.
• Identified position: This role is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants only, in accordance with Section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA).
• Full-time (1 FTE) appointment on a tenurable basis.
• Base salary range: Level 7, $108,413 – $120,287 p.a. plus 17% superannuation.

About the area

The Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous (DVCI) provides leadership across UWA’s Indigenous Portfolio and drives the development and implementation of Indigenous strategy across the University. The Portfolio provides strategic leadership for the School of Indigenous Studies and Indigenous student support services, while advancing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through education, research and employment initiatives.

Working within the Indigenous Student Centre, you will join a dedicated team committed to enhancing access, participation, retention and success for Indigenous students across their educational journey. The Portfolio plays a significant role in developing future Indigenous leaders, supporting Indigenous knowledges, and delivering culturally responsive programs and services across UWA.

About the opportunity

• Lead and coordinate outreach, recruitment and engagement initiatives that attract Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students into postgraduate and Higher Degree by Research (HDR) study pathways.
• Design and deliver student success, retention and progression programs, providing culturally responsive guidance, advocacy and holistic support throughout the postgraduate student journey.
• Partner with students, academic staff and professional teams to enhance the Indigenous postgraduate student experience, while contributing to strategic initiatives, operational improvements and continuous service enhancement.

About you

• Degree qualification and substantial relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and demonstrated expertise in student services, Indigenous education or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of the Western Australian education sector, Indigenous higher education, and Higher Degree by Research (HDR) administration, policies and processes.
• Demonstrated experience delivering exceptional student support, student engagement and customer service outcomes, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships, provide advocacy and communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Proven ability to coordinate programs, manage competing priorities, lead operational activities and implement service improvements using sound judgement and initiative.

Note: As part of the recruitment process, candidates will be required to complete declarations in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence. A current WA Working with Children Check, and “C” class driver’s licence will be required by the successful applicant.

This position is only available for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Island people as permitted under Section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984. UWA believes that an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander individual wouldbring essential insights and understanding to this role, enhancing the university’s ability to connect with and serve the community effectively.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Tuesday, 20 October 2026

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

About the University

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities.

With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to innovate and inspire, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.

If you have queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Queries regarding indigenous aspects of the role may be directed to [e-mail] To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number.