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 $148,972​ p.a. plus 17% super

• Influence 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.

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

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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

For more information check out our benefits page

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.

Further information about the Faculty is available at

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 the opportunity to thrive regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, being a parent or having caring responsibilities.

The University of Melbourne is committed to fostering a barrier-free and inclusive recruitment process. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates throughout the application and interview stages, including accessible document formats and alternative application methods. To discuss your specific requirements, please feel free to contact Bec Tucker or send an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments' to hr- You can find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments on our Careers website:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

For further information, including our Indigenous strategy please visit -

If you are a member of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community and would like any support, please feel free to contact our Indigenous Employment & Development team via email at oied-

Working at the University - what you need to know

This role requires the successful candidate to maintain a Working with Children Check The successful candidate can apply for the WWCC as part of the onboarding process. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.

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

Join Us and unlock your career potential

Is this the perfect opportunity for you? Apply today Including the following documents:

• Resume

• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience

• The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description)

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Petra Newton via email at hr-, ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.

Applications close: ​Sunday 31st August 2025 at​ 11:55 PM Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) / Melbourne time zone.

Position Description: First Nations Engagement