Deputy Director (Indigenous Identified)

• Employment Type: Full-Time (35-hour week)
• Duration: Continuing Role  
• Remuneration: Level 9 from $148k + 17% superannuation & leave loading
• Location:  Kensington NSW (flexible working arrangements)
• Benefits: Cultural Leave and Indigenous Employee Network

This position is open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants only.

UNSW has obtained an exemption under section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) to designate and recruit professional and academic positions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons only, to fulfil UNSW’s goal of a representative workforce rate.

Why your role matters

The Deputy Director, Nura Gili, holds a strategic leadership role in the planning, development, and implementation of programs and initiatives aligned with the Nura Gili Student Success Plan. This position is responsible for guiding and managing service delivery, financial operations, human resources, and ensuring all outcomes support the broader strategic direction of the Nura Gili Indigenous Student Success team. The Deputy Director provides both strategic advice and operational leadership support to the Director of Nura Gili.

Reporting directly to the Director, and supporting the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous, the Deputy Director leads a team of five direct reports. The role is central to fostering a positive and dynamic community within Nura Gili, grounded in culturally affirming values, shared experiences, and collective aspirations.

Key responsibilities include leading the planning and delivery of the Nura Gili Student Success Plan, ensuring the scope, objectives, and deliverables are effectively achieved. The Deputy Director also oversees all activities carried out by the Indigenous Student Success team and is responsible for monitoring their impact and alignment with organisational goals. Additionally, the Deputy Director will represent and act as delegate for the Director as required, including attending meetings and making decisions on their behalf.

About You:    

• This position is open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants only. UNSW has obtained an exemption under section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) to designate and recruit professional and academic positions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons only, to fulfil UNSW’s goal of a representative workforce rate. Confirmation of Aboriginality will be required.
• Relevant tertiary qualification with subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training and experience.
• Proven experience leading Indigenous programs engaging a range of people at different levels within an organisation to produce positive outcomes.
• High level leadership, influencing and negotiation skills with a proven ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders and teams.
• Extensive operational management skills including planning, priority setting, and staff management, as well as excellent time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines by using judgement and initiative.
• Proven ability to lead a positive, vibrant and respectful community environment.
• Knowledge of budgeting and resource allocation procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail for deliverables produced.
• Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills and proven capacity to exercise initiative, flexibility and to be proactive in development of robust solutions to problems.
• Significant experience in developing, delivering and continually improving processes and systems, including project management and change management processes.
• Experience working with a range of computer systems and applications, including Microsoft Office, data analysis software and CRMs.

Pre-employment checks including a NSW Working with Children’s Check are required for this position.

The Organisation

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do.  If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

Benefits and Culture:

UNSW offers a competitive salary and access to UNSW benefits including:

• Cultural Leave
• Indigenous Employee Network
• Flexible working
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas period
• Access to lifelong learning and career development
• Progressive HR practices
• Discounts and entitlements 

More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here.

To Apply: Please submit your CV and Cover Letter. In lieu of addressing the selection criteria please respond to the mandatory application questions. 

A copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@UNSW.

Applications close: Friday 21st November 2025 at 11.55pm.

Establishing your status as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person means any person who:

• is of Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent;
• identifies as an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person; and
• is accepted as such by the community in which you live and or have lived.

All offers of employment will be subject to prior submission of satisfactory proof of Aboriginality. For more information on what constitutes as proof of Aboriginality, please email n.chenhall@unsw.edu.au

Get in Touch: Nat Chenhall – Manager Indigenous Employment

n.chenhall@unsw.edu.au

Get in Touch: Chloe Gane – Talent Acquisition Consultant

chloe.gane@unsw.edu.au

Applications cannot be accepted if sent directly to the contacts listed.

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.