Fixed Term, Full Time Appointment (contract until May 2026)
Teaching Focused Academic Level A - $74,157 – $111,253 pa
Plus 17% superannuation and 6 weeks annual leave
Waterfront Campus

Support First Nations students in both Higher Education (HE) and TAFE at CDU as the First Nations Academic Support Lecturer.

About the Position
As the First Nations Academic Support Lecturer, you will be the key point of contact and support for First Nations students in both Higher Education (HE) and TAFE. The role works to improve First Nations student outcomes by providing support in student advocacy, pastoral care, academic support, Higher Education and VET information and pathways and referrals to other specialised CDU support services. The First Nations Academic Support Lecturer support CDU’s HE and VET lecturers to engage with communities and individual students within the regions and elsewhere as required to achieve the University First Nations education outcomes, such as enrolments, retention, progression, and employability.

CDU’s commitment to achieving these goals includes developing innovative programs, informed by local and national agendas, to improve First Nations participating; creating and maintaining culturally enriched and culturally save environments for First Nations students; to be the most recognised university for Australian First Nations training, education and research; enhance delivery and expand opportunities in regional, rural and remote training and education; create a student experience where every student can connect and succeed; and be an employer of choice where people feel supported and happy.

About You
To be successful, you will require:

• A tertiary qualification equivalent to three (3) years of Higher Education relevant to the academic discipline field of this position and/or equivalent qualifications and/or substantial experience relevant to the position.
• Demonstrated knowledge of historical and contemporary issues of importance to First Nations Australians relevant to the discipline fields of this position. Understanding of the needs of First Nations students and knowledge and understanding of contemporary First Nations cultural and social issues that may impact on students’ ability to produce successful outcomes.
• Demonstrated capacity to communicate sensitively and effectively with Australian First Nations including community members, adult students as learners, school leavers, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to engage in effective and proactive teamwork and proven ability to work effectively with others in culturally diverse teams, acknowledging and respecting the capabilities of others and utilising cooperative approaches in all dealings with team members as well as being able to operate independent of direct supervision.
• Proven capacity to initiate and develop innovative programs for First Nations students and establish and maintain relationships with students that facilitate their development. Evidence of prompt, constructive, and regular feedback on the assessment of students’ educational outcomes and proven capacity to counsel, support, and coach First Nations students to overcome educational disadvantage.
• Demonstrated ability to write detailed monthly reports and/or evaluations on students’ progress and the range of support programs offered by the First Nations and capacity to interpret data associated with those support programs. Proven capacity to adopt assessment strategies that are valid, fair, and congruent with FNSS academic support and program objectives.

Desirable Selection Competencies

• Possession of a CDU 4WD competency or be prepared to obtain this qualification within 12 months of commencement of employment.
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, or the ability to attain one.
• Previous experience working in a University in Student Services and or knowledge of University structures, policies, processes, and courses.

To view the full position description please click the apply link to be directed to the vacancy on our CDU job site and then click on job attachments.

This position is subject to Charles Darwin University Affirmative Action Priority Recruitment measures, in accordance with s57 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (NT) 1992. First Nations applicants are strongly encouraged to apply & will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy. For information on
Affirmative Action Priority Recruitment at CDU and how to apply, please visit https://www.cdu.edu.au/careers-cdu/affirmative-action-priority-recruitment

Remuneration
Appointment to this role will be at HE Academic Level A. The base salary will be in the range of $74,157 - $111,253 per annum. The total remuneration package will be in the range of $86,763 - $130,166 per annum, including 17% superannuation.

What’s in it for you?

• An employer who values your contribution to building a bigger, better and stronger University
• Work with a University committed to changing people’s lives for the better through training, education and research
• Opportunities for professional development, paid study and career progression
• An enviable lifestyle in the spectacular Northern Territory
• 17% superannuation
• Up to six weeks of paid annual leave
• Up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave (primary care giver), in addition to government payments (eligibility criteria apply)
• Recognition of prior service with another Australian university / NT Government for Long Service Leave (recognition applied to qualifying period only)
• Ability to negotiate transfer of leave entitlements under the Public Employment (Mobility) Act 1989
• Employee Assistance Program
• Salary Packaging opportunities

How to Apply
All applications must be received online via the ‘apply’ button and should include your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and relevant skills and experience.
For a confidential discussion about the position please contact Larissa Pickalla on 0410 426 638 or email [email protected]

Adjustments can be made throughout the application and selection process, as well as during employment to support applicants and employees with disability. CDU’s Workplace Adjustment Policy and Procedure can be found at https://policies.cdu.edu.au/view-current.php?id=191&version=1. If you would like to discuss adjustments, please contact the People Services Team on 08 8946 6284 or email [email protected].

Diversity and Inclusion
At CDU we actively celebrate our diversity. We innovate, embrace new ideas, and act with courage and kindness. We’re about what we can give to the world rather than what we take, and we believe in the transformative power of education. We work hard to make sure every member of our University community feels they truly belong. Understanding that it is through our focus on our people and leveraging our differences that will make CDU the most connected University in Australia, we are striving to ensure that our culture and our community are inclusive of all our staff, students, and visitors. We are committed to maintaining a culture where everyone feels respected, safe, encouraged to speak up and supported in achieving their professional goals. Applications from First Nations people, women at all
levels, culturally and racially marginalised people, people with disability, neurotypical and neuro-diverse people, LGBTQIA+ people, people with family and caring responsibilities and people at all stages of their careers are welcomed.

You make CDU. And we want you to be exactly who you are.

Applications Close: Tuesday 6th May 2025