Director, Indigenous Student Experience and Success (s51)

Director, Indigenous Student Experience and Success (s51) Office of the Vice Chancellor Perth, Western Australia Contract Full Time 28/07/2026 Inaugural senior leadership role within Curtin's DVCI portfolio Full-time, five-year leadership appointment | based at Curtin's Bentley Campus Lead & Support meaningful change across the complete student journey Job Reference: 1641632 At Curtin we are committed to embedding the voices and perspectives of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples at the forefront of our decision-making to create an environment in which everyone thrives. In line with Curtin’s 2030 Strategic Plan, Curtin University is committed to optimising employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In an effort to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait representation in the University, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for this role, pursuant to Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA). An opportunity to build something meaningful Curtin University is seeking an experienced, values-led and highly relational leader to become our inaugural Director, Indigenous Student Experience and Success. This is an exciting and rare opportunity to help shape a new University-wide approach to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students - from aspiration and access through to belonging, academic achievement, completion and post-university pathways. Working closely with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous, you will help bring Curtin’s strategic ambitions to life. You will connect people, services and expertise from across the University, building the frameworks, partnerships and shared ways of working needed to create a more coordinated, culturally responsive and empowering student experience. While this is a new role, you will be supported by a warm and closely connected team that is genuinely committed to working together and making a difference. The role does not currently have direct reports; however, you will help shape the portfolio’s future capability and, as the work grows, play an important role in building and leading a team. This position will be central to Curtin’s forthcoming Indigenous Strategy and the achievement of one of the University’s key strategic priorities. It is a genuine opportunity to create strong foundations, influence how the University works and contribute to meaningful outcomes for current and future generations of students. Bringing people together to create change At its heart, this is a role about relationships - you will work across faculties, professional portfolios, the Centre for Aboriginal Studies, Indigenous staff and students, and external communities and partners. By listening, building trust and creating a shared sense of purpose, you will bring people together around a collective commitment to Indigenous student success. As the role works across organisational boundaries, your ability to connect with people and lead through influence will be essential. You will be someone who can appreciate different perspectives, navigate complexity with care and help others see how their work contributes to better student experiences and outcomes. The person who steps into this role will have an important influence on both its success and Curtin’s broader strategic direction. We are therefore looking for someone who brings relevant experience alongside warmth, credibility and exceptional interpersonal skills - someone who can build genuine relationships and inspire others to contribute to lasting University-wide change. Your new role Reporting directly to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous, you will lead Curtin’s strategic and coordinated approach to Indigenous student experience and success across the complete student journey. You will: Lead the implementation and continued development of Curtin’s Indigenous student success strategy and operational priorities. Establish a connected University-wide model for Indigenous student success, including the frameworks, ways of working and shared expectations that bring activity together. Connect capabilities across faculties and central portfolios, drawing on existing services, systems and expertise to create a more coherent experience for students. Provide trusted strategic advice to senior leaders on Indigenous student aspiration, access, participation, experience, retention, completion and graduate outcomes. Build strong relationships and support coordinated action across faculties, professional services, Indigenous staff and students, and the Centre for Aboriginal Studies. Lead and influence improvements to University systems, services and practices affecting Indigenous students. Coordinate culturally informed approaches supporting transition, belonging, engagement, wellbeing, academic success, leadership development and post-university pathways. Use student insights, data, evaluation and sector evidence to guide priorities, understand impact and support continuous improvement. Develop meaningful partnerships with schools, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations, government, industry and other tertiary institutions. Oversee portfolio planning, budgets, investment priorities, projects, reporting and evaluation. Help determine the portfolio’s future workforce needs and contribute to building and leading a collaborative and high-performing team as the function grows. Represent Curtin in relevant internal and external forums and contribute to the University’s leadership in Indigenous higher education. All work led through this portfolio will be culturally informed and community connected, with a strong commitment to self-determination, reciprocity and student empowerment. The experience and approach you will bring This role will suit an accomplished and thoughtful leader who can move comfortably between strategy, relationships and delivery. You will understand how to establish a new function within a complex organisation and, just as importantly, how to bring people with you. You will be a natural relationship builder - approachable, credible and genuinely interested in listening to others. You will combine strategic thinking and sound judgement with the interpersonal awareness needed to build trust, influence decisions, facilitate important conversations and create shared commitment. SELECTION CRITERIA Our ideal candidate will bring: Postgraduate qualifications and extensive relevant experience in higher education, Indigenous education, student success, strategy, policy, community engagement or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Substantial leadership experience in a similar or comparable role, including successfully developing and implementing strategic initiatives within a large and complex environment. Experience building or coordinating institution-wide or system-level approaches, including integrated services, operating models or cross-functional delivery. Demonstrated experience leading initiatives that have improved Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student participation, experience, success or outcomes in higher education or a related sector. A strong understanding of the barriers, enablers and systemic factors influencing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student success. Highly developed interpersonal and relational skills, with the ability to establish trust, work through complexity and engage and influence people at all levels. Demonstrated experience working respectfully and collaboratively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations. The ability to lead through influence, connect activity across organisational boundaries and build shared ownership of strategic outcomes. Strong analytical capability and experience using data, evidence and evaluation to inform strategy and improve services. Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and persuasive advice, reports, briefs and strategic documents. The judgement, organisation and resilience to lead complex initiatives involving multiple stakeholder groups and competing priorities. Senior leadership experience within the higher education sector will be highly regarded. As Curtin’s inaugural Director, Indigenous Student Experience and Success, you will have the opportunity to shape what this important work becomes. Together with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous, the DVCI team and colleagues across Curtin, you will establish the foundations for a connected and sustainable approach to Indigenous student success. For the right person, this is an opportunity to build something truly significant: an approach created through partnership, grounded in culture and capable of making a positive difference for students well into the future. Role Requirements: You will require current work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role to be considered. Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction About Curtin University Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2025 rankings. We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page - https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-curtin/ What We Offer You Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more. For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/ Join Us! If you are an experienced and relational leader who is excited by the opportunity to build, connect and influence - and to help create a stronger future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in higher education - we would love to hear from you. Please click APPLY NOW ensuring to attach the following documents: Up-to-date Resume Cover Letter outlining: o your interest in the role o how your background aligns with the selection criteria (noted above), and o the relationship-centred approach you would bring to this opportunity If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on CurtinCareers@curtin.edu.au or 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Applications will not be accepted via this email address, and late applications will not be accepted. Applications close: 9pm (AWST), Tuesday 25 August 2026 Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time. Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, remove the advert, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time. Back to search results

• Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction.
• Postgraduate qualifications and extensive relevant experience in higher education, Indigenous education, student success, strategy, policy, community engagement or a related field
• or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Substantial leadership experience in a similar or comparable role, including successfully developing and implementing strategic initiatives within a large and complex environment.
• Experience building or coordinating institution-wide or system-level approaches, including integrated services, operating models or cross-functional delivery.
• Demonstrated experience leading initiatives that have improved Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student participation, experience, success or outcomes in higher education or a related sector.
• A strong understanding of the barriers, enablers and systemic factors influencing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student success.
• Highly developed interpersonal and relational skills, with the ability to establish trust, work through complexity and engage and influence people at all levels.
• Demonstrated experience working respectfully and collaboratively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations.
• The ability to lead through influence, connect activity across organisational boundaries and build shared ownership of strategic outcomes.
• Strong analytical capability and experience using data, evidence and evaluation to inform strategy and improve services.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and persuasive advice, reports, briefs and strategic documents.
• The judgement, organisation and resilience to lead complex initiatives involving multiple stakeholder groups and competing priorities.
• Senior leadership experience within the higher education sector will be highly regarded.
• You will require current work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role to be considered.

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