Associate Director, Buranga Centre

493627
- 90 Sippy Downs Drive, UniSC Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia, 4556
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
- Indigenous Services
- L10 $143,875 +17% super
- Management

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- Full-Time
- Indigenous Services | UniSC Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs
- Level 10, $143,875 p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation
- Full-time, ongoing appointment

**The Opportunity**

The Buranga Centre at UniSC is a vibrant and culturally rich space dedicated to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across all campuses. The Centre provides a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment that promotes student wellbeing, academic success, and cultural competency. The Buranga Centre plays a crucial role in fostering strong connections between the university and Indigenous communities, delivering programs and services that empower students and celebrate Indigenous identity, knowledge, and culture.

As Associate Director, you will lead operations and strategic growth, delivering culturally safe and innovative services that support Indigenous student access, retention, and success. Working closely with the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy, academic schools, and community partners, you will embed Indigenous perspectives across the University and drive initiatives that promote wellbeing, academic achievement, and a strong sense of belonging. This role requires a strategic, values-driven leader who can influence policy, address barriers to engagement, and champion a culture of inclusion while strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities to advance UniSC’s commitment to reconciliation and Indigenous futures.

**_ The University of the Sunshine Coast considers that being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under s25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld) and the filling of this position constitutes a special/equal opportunity measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth)._**

**_ The position is therefore only open to Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people._**

For more information, please visit us online: Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Engagement

**You will**
- lead the Buranga Centre with strategic insight and operational excellence, ensuring services align with the Indigenous Student Success Program and UniSC’s strategic plan;
- champion a culture of inclusion, safety, and belonging for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff across all campuses;
- manage the Centre’s resources, budget, and staff to deliver impactful programs that support Indigenous student recruitment, retention, and academic and pastoral success;
- develop and implement programs, initiatives, and partnerships that foster community engagement and positive Indigenous student experiences;
- advise senior university leadership and governance bodies as a trusted expert on Indigenous student services and engagement;
- navigate complex challenges and lead change to continuously improve the quality, accessibility, and effectiveness of services for Indigenous students; and
- represent UniSC in Indigenous networks and forums, strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities, government agencies, and partner organisations.

**About you**

You are a collaborative, values-led leader who recognises that fostering Indigenous student success requires approaches that are culturally grounded, respectful, and go beyond conventional methods. You bring a genuine commitment to kindness, inclusion, and equity, fostering a culture where people feel safe to be vulnerable, take risks, and grow. You lead with integrity and humility, recognising that leadership is about moving everyone forward together, never through authoritarianism but through open dialogue, transparency, and respectful challenge when necessary. Your approach is personable and approachable, capable of delivering difficult messages with empathy and creating genuine connections across diverse teams and stakeholders.

With meaningful experience in higher education, government, or related sectors, you understand the complexities of university structures, funding frameworks, and regulatory environments. You have a strong grasp of student engagement strategies that are authentic, and outcomes focused. You thrive in collaborative environments, balancing strategic vision with operational pragmatism and are motivated by the opportunity to make a tangible difference in Indigenous student experiences. This role requires someone ready to shake up the status quo, implement clear, measurable success metrics, and contribute to the University’s broader mission through transparent and inclusive leadership.

**You will possess**:

- A relevant qualification with substantial experience in Indigenous student services, higher education, government, or related sectors, with strong management capability;
- Demonstrated expertis