First Nations Engagement Lead

**Role type**:Fixed Term for up to 3 years
**Faculty**:The Faculty of Business and Economics
**Department/School**:The Mabo Centre
**Salary**:UOM 9 - $143,185 to $148,972p.a. plus 17% super
- I nfluence systemic change and contribute to enduring socio-economic benefits for First Nations peoples through innovative, community-informed approaches.
- Lead culturally grounded engagement strategies, ensuring The Mabo Centre’s work is guided by Indigenous knowledge systems and shaped through meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- Enjoy a benefits package including salary packaging, health and well-being programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

**The University of Melbourne**
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**Your next career opportunity**
The First Nations Engagement Lead plays a pivotal role in shaping and strengthening the Centre’s relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, ensuring all initiatives are guided by Indigenous knowledge systems, values, and protocols. The position leads the development and delivery of the Centre’s First Nations Engagement Strategy, co-designs culturally informed governance frameworks, and facilitates networked knowledge exchanges across communities, sectors, and institutions. Working collaboratively with internal teams and external partners, the role champions culturally safe, reciprocal, and impactful engagement practices that align with the University’s Indigenous Strategy and advance the Centre’s mission of supporting self-determination and long-term socio-economic benefits for First Nations peoples.

**Your responsibilities will include**:

- Leading the development and implementation of the Centre’s First Nations Engagement Strategy, embedding cultural safety, self-determination, and relational accountability across all initiatives.
- Co-designing and maintaining community-informed cultural governance structures while facilitating meaningful engagement with Elders, cultural advisors, and community leaders.
- Building and sustaining trusted partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, knowledge holders, and leaders, and representing the Centre in external forums and events.
- Facilitating networked knowledge exchanges and contributing to evaluation and impact frameworks that reflect Indigenous ways of knowing, learning, and assessing outcomes

**You may be a great fit if**:
You are an influential and collaborative leader with exceptional interpersonal skills and a deep commitment to advancing Indigenous self-determination. Highly skilled in building trust and navigating complex relationships, you demonstrate cultural humility, diplomacy, and the ability to create culturally safe spaces for dialogue and learning. Adaptable and strategic in your approach, you will bring creativity, resilience, and a solutions-focused mindset to support meaningful change in dynamic and evolving contexts.

**You**will**also**:

- A deep knowledge of, and connection to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and networks, especially within the Native Title sector.
- Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering engagement strategies within complex environments.
- Proven expertise in co-designing governance frameworks and facilitating culturally informed knowledge exchange.
- High-level cultural competency, including a strong understanding of cultural safety, Indigenous protocols, and ethical engagement practices.

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 Faculty of Business and Economics**
The Faculty of Business and Economics [FBE] at the University of Melbourne has been preparing students for exciting and challenging careers in industry since 1924. We have developed an outstanding reputation, locally and internationally, for the quality of our teaching and research. The Faculty has an active 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 are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and have