Immediate Start Director, The Mabo Centre

Role type: Full-Time, Fixed-Term for 12 months
Faculty: Faculty of Business & Economics
Department/ School: The Mabo Centre
Salary: $232,180 p.a. plus 17% super

Please note: Compensation rates will be updated as of November 1, 2025.

- Drive Indigenous justice and socio-economic development / Lead groundbreaking research and partnerships / Influence national policy and community engagement.
- Apply now to lead The Mabo Centre in advancing Indigenous justice and socio-economic empowerment through strategic partnerships.
- Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

Only Indigenous Australians are eligible to apply for this role, as it is exempt under the Special Measure Provision, Section 12 (1) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2011 (Vic). 'Indigenous' here means a person of Aboriginal and /or Torres Strait Islander descent.

The University of Melbourne
We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity
Your next career opportunity As the Director of the Mabo Centre, you'll spearhead strategic initiatives to enhance Native Title agreements, and broader Indigenous land rights justice, focusing on self-determination and socio-economic growth for First Nations landowners. You will lead a dynamic team, foster academic excellence, and build influential partnerships across sectors, contributing to impactful research and policy advancements.

Your responsibilities will include:

- Provide Exceptional Academic Leadership: Guide the Centre's strategic direction and academic excellence, fostering relationships within the University and community.
- Drive Research Excellence: Lead and develop research programs, securing funding, and translating research into policy outcomes.
- Enhance Engagement and Partnerships: Promote cross-discipline collaboration and establish strong partnerships with business, government, and community sectors.
- Manage Resources and Performance: Oversee financial management, staff development, and ensure compliance with University policies.

You may be a great fit if:
You will be a distinguished academic leader with a strong background in Indigenous affairs, Native Title, and justice, adept at fostering partnerships and driving socio-economic development.

You may also:

- Have a Doctoral degree in Law, Justice, or a business-related discipline and/or equivalent professional experience.
- Possess a proven track record in Indigenous affairs, justice, or Native Title research and policy.
- Demonstrate exceptional leadership and management skills in a self-funded environment.
- Exhibit strong influencing, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- Be adept at sourcing external funding and engaging with diverse stakeholders.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you
We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfillment, including:

- Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
- Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance
- Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance
- Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

Your new team - The Mabo Centre
The Centre is a joint initiative between the University of Melbourne and the National Native Title Council. The National Native Title Council (NNTC) is the peak body for the native title sector. Members are made up of the Traditional Owners of Australia's lands, waters and resources, and their representative bodies. Through the native title system, the NNTC advocate for the rights and interests of all First Nations people.

The NNTC work to support First Nations people's rights to:

- Speak for and make decisions about their own lands, waters and resources
- Protect and manage their own Country
- Self-determine their own social and economic development

Further information about the NNTC is available at https://nntc.com.au/

The Faculty of Business and Economics [FBE] at the University of Melbourne has been preparing students for exciting and challenging careers in industry and public sector since 1924. We have developed an outstanding reputation, locally and internationally, for the quality of our teaching and research. The Faculty has an active advisory board of business leaders, government representatives and community leaders who contribute to the implementation of our vision.

Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We believe the diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing reasonable adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. For assistance, please contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at [emailprotected] (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments'). Contact details for other enquiries are located at the bottom of this page.

Find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Our Indigenous strategy, Murmuk Djerring outlines our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students.

Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at [emailprotected] for further information and support.

Please note: This role requires current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available.

A Working with Children Check (WWCC) is required for all positions. If successful, we'll guide you through the WWCC application process during onboarding and reimburse the cost.

Join Us and unlock your career potential
If this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents:

- Resume
- Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience

Please note that you are not required to respond to the selection criteria in the Position Description.

Learn more about the application process , including tips and FAQs.

For recruitment queries, email Shabon Nawabi at [emailprotected] . Include the Position Number and Job Title in the subject line. Please do not send applications to this email address.

For job-specific queries, refer to the contact details in the Position Description.

Applications close: 7 November 2025 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.

Position Description: 005148 Director - The Mabo Centre PD.pdf

Salary match Number of applicants Skills match

Education & Training More than 10,000 employees

Discover a vibrant, inclusive community at the University of Melbourne, a global leader in higher education. Join us, as we we work together to make a difference in the world.

Why Choose Us?

Excellence and Innovation: Join a world-class university driving groundbreaking research.

Global Impact: Collaborate with global leaders to solve global problems.

Inclusive Community: Thrive in a supportive, diverse environment.

Career Growth: Advance your career with development opportunities.

Discover a vibrant, inclusive community at the University of Melbourne, a global leader in higher education. Join us, as we we work together to make a difference in the world.

Why Choose Us?

Excellence and Innovation: Join a world-class university driving groundbreaking research.

Global Impact: Collaborate with global leaders to solve global problems.

Inclusive Community: Thrive in a supportive, diverse environment.

Career Growth: Advance your career with development opportunities.

Perks and benefits Discounted Learning Training Opportunities for Female Academics Training opportunities for Growth Work-Life Balance Discounts Competitive Remuneration Health & Wellbeing Services Childcare Facilities

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