Manager - Indigenous Social and Emotional Wellbeing (Identified)

About this Opportunity

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

• Continuing Contingent*, Full-Time
• Wellbeing Directorate
• CQUniversity Rockhampton, Mackay, Cairns or Townsville (Relocation support available)
• Higher Education Worker Level 8
• Total Remuneration $135,403 to $150,810 pa (including salary of $114,418 to $127,437 plus 17% superannuation and leave loading)

Join an organisation with an unbreakable belief that quality education, training and research should be available to everyone – regardless of background, location or life circumstances.

About the Role

CQUniversity is seeking a dedicated and experienced leader to join our Wellbeing Directorate as Manager, Indigenous Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB).

In this pivotal position, you will lead the design, delivery and evaluation of culturally informed wellbeing programs grounded in Indigenous Social and Emotional Wellbeing models of care. You will oversee initiatives aligned with the National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander People’ Mental Health and Social and Emotional Wellbeing (2017 – 2023) while ensuring integration with CQUniversity’s strategic priorities, including Mindwaves 2.0 and the Reconciliation Action Plan.  

You will provide expert strategic and operational advice to enhance wellbeing, retention and success outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, while fostering collaborative relationships across internal teams, academic divisions, and external community organisations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of a culturally informed SEWB framework in partnership with Indigenous and wellbeing teams.
• Co-design SEWB policy, service models, program principles and division-wide training to embed culturally responsive practice.       
• Build strong internal and external partnerships to strengthen early intervention and culturally safe engagement.

• • Manage and support Indigenous Wellbeing staff, fostering a safe, connected and high‑performing team culture.

• Coordinate culturally informed therapeutic supports, workshops and group programs to proactively enhance student wellbeing.

• • Apply evidence‑based practice, conduct risk assessments and develop safety/support plans for students with complex needs.
  • Promote access to crisis and after‑hours support services including 13YARN, Thirrili, community health services and CQU’s Out‑of‑Hours Support Line.

• Work closely with Counselling, Intake and Student Wellbeing teams in the Wellbeing Directorate to ensure coordination of services and programs.

About You

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• Deep knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and the ability to work sensitively and effectively with First Nations communities.
• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering SEWB programs, interventions and therapeutic supports.
• Strong leadership capability with experience supporting multidisciplinary teams across diverse locations.
• Clinical experience in SEWB approaches, including healing, trauma, grief and culturally grounded therapeutic practice.
• High-level communication, stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
• Relevant degree and professional registration (AHPRA, AASW or similar) or working towards completion within 12 months.
• Blue Card (Working with Children) and C Class Driver’s Licence.

Why Join CQUniversity

Be part of a purpose-driven directorate committed to culturally safe practice, meaningful community partnerships and improved outcomes for First Nations students. In this role, you will shape impactful, student-centred wellbeing strategies and contribute to lasting change across the University.

Be Rewarded

• Up to 5 days paid Indigenous Cultural or Ceremonial leave
• 17% superannuation (with the choice to join an award-winning superfund)
• 6 weeks annual leave (incl. Christmas and New Year closure)
• 10 days personal/sick leave, plus 5 days carer’s leave
• 7.25 hours engaged service leave
• Fantastic professional and career development opportunities
• Up to 26 weeks (six months) paid parental leave
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program and Fitness Passport

Reconciliation and First Nations Peoples Employment

CQUniversity is committed to the improvement of employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. At CQUniversity, our vision for reconciliation is a just and equitable Australia, empowered by the self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are committed to fostering a tertiary education environment that genuinely values and elevates First Nations knowledges, leadership and strengths.

The filling of this position is intended to constitute an equal opportunity measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth), and s 105 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld).

CQUniversity continues to work towards achieving reconciliation – by not only incorporating and normalising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and perspectives within our everyday business, but also by promoting First Nations voices and contributions across our partners and stakeholders, and our wider communities.

• Please see here for our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan

Position Description

For further information about this position, please refer to the Position Description.

Apply today for a career that changes lives

Applications Close: 11:59pm, Sunday, 12 April 2026 

  
Job Requisition ID: 7174

Contact Details: 

Caitlin Marshall

(02) 8295 5825

c.f.marshall@cqu.edu.au

When submitting your application, please include: Your Current CV or Resume, and a 1-2 page Cover Letter highlighting your relevant skills, experience and suitability for the position. Please note, applicants for the position must have full time work rights.

CQUniversity is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes diversity in the workplace. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and CQUniversity’s domestic and international student graduates with post-study work rights are encouraged to apply.

*Appointment to this position will be made in accordance with the provisions and conditions as outlined in Clause 8.5 Funding Contingent Continuing Roles of the Enterprise Agreement. Continuation of the position is contingent upon identifiable external funding.

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