Graduate Research and Policy Officer

The Monash Graduate Association

The Monash Graduate Association Inc. (MGA) is an independent incorporated body that is responsible for, and answerable to, the Monash University graduate student community, as represented by the MGA Executive Committee (MGAEC). The MGA is the cross-campus representative body for all graduate students enrolled through Monash University and is recognised as such by Monash University in the University's Regulations. Services and support are provided to over 35,000 graduates across the Victorian campuses of Caulfield, Clayton, Parkville and Peninsula.

The role

The Graduate Research and Policy Officer is a full-time (part-time considered for the right candidate), 2-year fixed-term contract appointment based at the Caulfield campus of Monash University.

The position reports to the Research Manager of MGA, conducting research into issues of relevance to the graduate student community, including survey development and implementation; quantitative and qualitative data analysis; and report writing.

The Graduate Research and Policy Officer is also responsible for the coordination of the graduate student representatives on Monash University committees and boards and facilitating communication between the student representatives, the University and the MGAEC regarding policies, procedures and graduate student-specific issues.

Your key responsibilities will include:

Survey development and analysis

• Under the direction of the Research Manager, develop questions for graduate student surveys.

• Support the design and deliveries of surveys and research activities.

• Contribute to the analysis and interpretation of both quantitative and qualitative data.

• Assist in preparing and finalising research reports for the MGA.

Policy development and submissions

● Assist graduate student representatives to lobby for change to internal policies, procedures and regulations to ensure the graduate community is fairly represented and well-supported within Monash University.

● Assist in drafting responses and providing feedback to university, government and any other relevant bodies producing proposals that affect the graduate student community.

● Maintain a database of submissions to university committees, government and any other relevant bodies.

Student representative network

● Manage the recruitment and appointment of graduate student representatives on university committees, including identifying vacancies, advertising positions, interviewing candidates, and coordinating with committee secretaries.

● Draft and deliver induction material and training sessions for graduate student representative holding positions on university committees and boards.

● Provide general support for all student representatives, and high-level support for student representatives on major university committees.

● Ensure information on generic and systemic issues is effectively conveyed to relevant graduate student representatives.

● Identify university committees without a graduate representative position and where relevant promote establishment of such a position.

● Maintain a database of graduate student representatives and relay updates to the Marketing and Communications team for website accuracy.

Collaboration with the MGAEC

● Assist the MGAEC in developing and implementing action plans that reflect the needs and priorities of the graduate student community. This may include the coordination of MGAEC led campaigns.

● Facilitate strong engagement between the MGAEC and the graduate student representatives to ensure effective communication, timely exchange of information and collaborative decision making.

General

● Promote the objectives and activities of the MGA at various information sessions including faculty and school inductions.

● Other duties as directed.

The incumbent will be based on the Caulfield campus and will be expected to visit other Monash University campuses on a regular basis.

Skills and experience

Our ideal candidate is someone who is passionate about Research and policy development who has a knack for building strong relationships and driving positive change. The incumbent should understand the importance of working independently and enjoy working closely with a diverse group of staff and students.

You should also have:

• Relevant tertiary degree qualification and/or relevant training and experience in the higher education sector.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting qualitative and quantitative research.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, including speak in public settings.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including the experience and confidence to write clearly for a broad range of audience and communicate effectively with various.
• Excellent conceptual and analytical skills with ability to interpret complex data, think creatively and troubleshoot when necessary.
• Demonstrated organisational and time management skills.
• Experience in preparing submission, lobbying or engaging in advocacy.
• Experience in using data analysis software such as Excel, Qualtrics and Tableau and other relevant software for research, data analysis and reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple deadlines, work independently and maintain a high attention to detail.
• Proven capability to troubleshoot, problem solve and take initiative where necessary and appropriate.

Desirable

• Prior experience and knowledge of Australian university regulations, systems, and processes.

The opportunity

The MGA is a vibrant and welcoming workplace. We pride ourselves on being a supportive and flexible workplace that prioritises wellness, sustainability, work-life balance, and professional development, all underpinned by a positive staff culture that drives teamwork and success.

Our office is centrally located on Monash University's tree-lined Caulfield campus, easily accessible by public transport. The campus also has a modern fitness centre available to staff at discounted rates as well as a diverse range of food and coffee outlets.

How to apply

Do you possess the above skills and experience? Are you ready to take the lead in driving positive change for graduate students at Monash? If you answered yes, we would love to hear from you Your applications should include a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria along with an updated resume. A copy of the PD, which includes the selection criteria, can be obtained via

Enquiries and applications

Ryan Edwards, Research Manager, mga-,

Closing date

Friday 12 September 2025, 11:55pm AEST