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

• 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 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

For more information check out our benefits page

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

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 or at hr- (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 oied- 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 hr- 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 :55 PM; Melbourne time zone.

Position Description: JR Director - The Mabo Centre