Senior Manager, Woolyungah Indigenous Centre (Identified*)

Make an impact at the University of Wollongong (UOW) — a purpose‑driven institution ranked in the top 1% of universities globally.

About the Role

This is an identified position for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants. The University of Wollongong (UOW) recognises this as a genuine occupational requirement under Section 14 of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

The University of Wollongong (UOW) is seeking an experienced and culturally grounded leader to guide the Woolyungah Indigenous Centre (WIC), a place of connection, belonging and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. As Senior Manager, you will play a key role in shaping the student experience, leading a dedicated team and strengthening the programs, services and partnerships that support our students throughout their university journey, from their first connection with UOW through to graduation.

Reporting to the Vice President, Indigenous Strategy and Engagement, you will provide strategic and operational leadership, working collaboratively with students, staff, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and university partners to create a culturally safe and empowering environment where our students can achieve academic success, across all UOW campuses.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and direction for Woolyungah Indigenous Centre, ensuring its programs and services are culturally responsive, student-centred and providing exceptional support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

• Lead the day-to-day operations of Woolyungah Indigenous Centre and its initiatives that strengthen student access, participation, wellbeing, academic success and career pathways. 

• Drive recruitment, outreach, transition, retention, employability and academic success initiatives that improve student outcomes and engagement.

• Support, empower and develop a collaborative team, fostering a culturally safe workplace built on respect, shared purpose and accountability.

• Build meaningful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, universities staff and external partners to strengthen opportunities and outcomes for our students.

About the Team

Woolyungah Indigenous Centre is more than a student support service. It is a place where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can connect with culture, community and each other while pursuing their educational and career aspirations. With a proud history of supporting Indigenous students at UOW, Woolyungah brings together dedicated staff, programs and services that nurture a sense of belonging, celebrate culture and support student success.

As part of the Indigenous Strategy and Engagement portfolio, you will join a team committed to strengthening Indigenous education, engagement and opportunities across the University. Together, we work to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, perspectives and aspirations are central to the way we support our students and engage with communities.

What You’ll Bring

• Significant senior leadership and management experience, ideally within Indigenous education, student support services, community-controlled organisations or organisational operations.

• Strong cultural knowledge and demonstrated experience working respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, families and communities.

• A collaborative and supportive leadership approach, with the ability to guide teams, build capability and foster culturally safe and inclusive workplaces.

• Strong relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to work across large working environments, communities and organisational settings.

• Sound strategic and operational judgement, with demonstrated experience managing resources, navigating competing priorities and delivering meaningful outcomes.

We recognise that leadership capability is developed through many pathways, including professional experience, community leadership, cultural knowledge, education and training. We encourage applications from experienced Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders whose skills and experience align with the responsibilities of this position.

Why Join UOW

• Competitive salary package including 17% superannuation

• 35-hour full-time work week supporting greater balance and flexibility

• Culturally sensitive leave provisions, including cultural and ceremonial leave

• Generous leave entitlements including additional concession days over the Christmas–New Year period

• Purchased leave options to provide greater flexibility throughout the year

• Ongoing professional development and clear career progression opportunities

Role Details

• Continuing, Full-time appointment

• Level 8/9: $123,283 - $152,959 + 17% superannuation commensurate with experience and capability

• Located at Wollongong Campus

• Valid Australian work rights required. Visa sponsorship is not available.

• A valid Working with Children Check, National Criminal History Check and current Australian Driver Licence are required.

• This position is not suitable for remote working arrangements and requires an on-campus presence.

The successful applicant is required to provide confirmation of their Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander heritage. UOW will conduct an authentication process of submitted confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander documentation.

Position Description

How to Apply

Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below. You’ll be asked to submit your resume and a cover letter (of no more than 3 pages) outlining your skills and experience in relation to the role. We recognise that everyone brings different strengths and experiences, and we’re happy to discuss alternative ways for you to share your background if preferred.

For further information about this position, please contact Nyssa Murray [email protected]

Closing Date: Sunday 22 November 2026, 11:55pm

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

The University of Wollongong is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where diversity is valued, respected and celebrated.  We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve, removes barriers to participation, and provides equitable opportunities for staff to reach their full potential. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of all gender identities and sexual orientations, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, and those with caring or family responsibilities. 

Learn More: UOW Indigenous Strategy Indigenous Employment at UOW - University of Wollongong – UOW 

As required by federal legislation, prospective employees are required to declare whether they have been investigated for an allegation of Gender based Violence or determined to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender based Violence, during their previous employment, or otherwise in a legal process. Any such declaration will be included in the University’s employment screening processes and will be treated with the strictest confidence and in compliance with all privacy legislation.