Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term for up to 3 years
Faculty: The Faculty of Business and Economics
Department/School: The Mabo Centre
Salary: Academic Level C -$149,701 - $172,613 p.a. plus 17% super

• Lead the design and delivery of transformative training programmes that strengthen the capacity of Traditional Owners and advance the practice of agreement-making across the native title sector.

• Shape a nationally significant education and research agenda in partnership with First Nations communities, within a purpose-driven centre grounded in principles of self-determination and enduring impact.

• Enjoy a benefits package including salary packaging, health and well-being programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne
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Your next career opportunity
Reporting to the Centre Director, the Training Lead will shape and implement a sector-leading training programme that supports Traditional Owners, First Nations youth, and organisations across the native title landscape. Central to the role will be the development of a flagship postgraduate course and associated learning pathways designed to promote self-determination and long-term socio-economic benefit for First Nations landowners.

This is an exceptional opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a field of vital national importance, while elevating the University's profile in Indigenous higher education and research. The incumbent will bring strategic insight, academic rigour, and a deep commitment to impactful engagement with Traditional Owner organisations, and with stakeholders across public, private, and not-for-profit sectors.

The Training Lead will work in close collaboration with the Centre's Research Lead and academic colleagues across the University to ensure that curriculum development, pedagogy and evaluation are informed by high-quality research and aligned with community needs. The role will also entail designing a sustainable funding model, including fee-for-service training offerings to external organisations.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Designing and delivering a sector-leading training programme, including the development of a flagship postgraduate course, tailored to the needs of Traditional Owners, First Nations youth, and the broader native title sector, while ensuring academic rigour and alignment with University standards.

• Collaborating and engaging with internal and external stakeholders, including Traditional Owner organisations, University centres, government, and industry, strengthening partnerships and promoting knowledge exchange across diverse sectors.

• Advancing and integrating research-led practice by contributing to scholarship on Indigenous agreement-making, curriculum innovation, and sector capability, while supervising postgraduate research candidates as required.

• Developing and sustaining a viable funding model for the Centre's training initiatives, including identifying and securing business-to-business opportunities and other external funding sources to support programme growth and long-term impact.

You may be a great fit if:
You are a thoughtful and strategic academic leader, committed to advancing the aspirations of First Nations communities through respectful engagement and meaningful collaboration. With a deep sense of integrity and cultural humility, you excel in building trust-based relationships across diverse stakeholder groups, including Traditional Owners, academic colleagues, and sector partners. Your communication style is clear, diplomatic, and inclusive, enabling you to navigate complex environments with confidence and sensitivity. You bring a collegial and consultative approach to your work, demonstrating resilience, sound judgement, and a capacity to inspire those around you towards shared goals. Your ability to listen deeply, respond thoughtfully, and act with purpose will be central to your success in this role.

You will also:

• Hold a PhD or postgraduate qualification in law, business, education, Indigenous studies, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

• Have a strong record in designing and delivering high-quality higher education courses and training programmes, alongside a demonstrated capacity for academic research and publication.

• Possess extensive knowledge and experience in native title and related fields, with a sound understanding of the broader policy environment in which the sector operates.

• Demonstrate proven success in securing external funding, particularly from government or industry, and experience in managing complex programmes or initiatives.

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 and public sector since 1924. We have developed an outstanding reputation, locally and internationally, for the quality of our teaching and research. The Faculty has an active advisory 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 www.fbe.unimelb.edu.au

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 - 0416 888 299 or send an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments' to [email protected]. You can find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments on our Careers website: https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers

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 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring

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 [email protected].

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

Please note that you are not required to respond to the selection criteria in the Position Description.

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Petra Newton via email at [email protected], 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 20th July 2025 at 11:55 PM Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) / Melbourne time zone.

Position Description: PD_Training Lead - The Mabo Centre