Head of Indigenous Future Students Engagement

• Full-time, ongoing position at HEW Level 9.
• Hawkesbury campus with flexible working arrangements.
• Salary: $139,747 – $149,238 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading.

This is an identified position and applicants must be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Person. Being an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational qualification as authorised under Section 14(D) of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

Applicants will be required to provide confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity in line with University requirements. Document and requirements are available here:

Click here to view Confirmation of Identity for Indigenous Australian Staff

The Opportunity
You will lead the University’s Indigenous future student engagement and recruitment strategy, translating University strategy into an integrated approach to school engagement, pathways, community engagement and prospective student recruitment. Your leadership will strengthen aspiration, connection and participation among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, families and communities, ensuring engagement is culturally responsive, relationship-led and focused on creating meaningful pathways to higher education.

You will lead the prospective student journey from early engagement through to enrolment, providing strategic oversight of initiatives including Pathways to Dreaming, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Entry Program, school and campus experiences, mentoring, information sessions and community engagement activities.

You will lead a specialist portfolio and strengthen culturally responsive practice, partnerships and accountability. Drawing on program data, research, community insight and sector intelligence, you will evaluate impact, performance, strengthen participation and conversion outcomes, manage resources and risk, and provide informed strategic advice to senior University stakeholders.

What Success Looks Like:

• Deliver an integrated Indigenous engagement and recruitment plan across schools, pathways, communities and prospective student programs.
• Strengthen pathways from early engagement to admission and enrolment through coordinated programs, scholarships and recruitment opportunities.
• Build trusted, sustained relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, families, Elders, schools and community organisations.
• Establish clear priorities, performance measures and reporting across the Indigenous prospective student pipeline.
• Use data and community insights to improve program performance, participation and culturally authentic student experiences.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

• You are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person and can meet the University’s confirmation of identity requirements.
• You hold a relevant tertiary qualification and have significant experience in Indigenous engagement, education, outreach, community engagement or student recruitment.
• You have demonstrated success leading Indigenous engagement, education, pathway or recruitment strategies that deliver measurable outcomes.
• You bring strong knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, communities and pathways into higher education.
• You can lead complex teams and programs, translate strategy into operational plans, and provide high-level advice to senior stakeholders.

Benefits
We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Alongside a rewarding career, we offer a range of benefits designed to support your financial, personal and family wellbeing.

• Financial benefits: Access to staff-only products and offers with selected banking partners, salary sacrifice options for onsite parking, and novated motor vehicle leasing.
• Health and wellbeing support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), complimentary annual flu vaccination, eligibility for Fitness Passport membership, and access to discounted private health cover.
• Onsite childcare: Long day care and early learning services operate at our Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Penrith campuses. Staff may be eligible for discounted fees and salary packaging, with places subject to centre capacity.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Direct to Kellie Burke, Director, Domestic Student Recruitment via kellie.burke@westernsydney.edu.au Please include the job reference code
  REF2020A
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Wednesday 11th November 2026
• Working Rights: You must provide evidence of full-time working rights in Australia at application.
• How to Apply: Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered. As part of your online application, you will be asked to respond to screening questions addressing the key qualifications, experiences and skills required for this position.

Belonging at Western
We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For Reasonable Adjustments during the application process, please contact talentacquisitionteam@westernsydney.edu.au.

About Western
This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

For the latest please visit our website and LinkedIn.