Indigenous Student Advising Specialist

About this Opportunity

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

• Continuing, Full-Time
• Indigenous Engagement Division
• CQUniversity Cairns or Rockhampton
• Higher Education Worker Level 5
• Total Remuneration $99,443 to $111,863 pa (including salary of $84,031 to $94,526 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.

Working at CQUniversity

CQUniversity's Indigenous Student Advising Team is committed to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to succeed throughout their educational journey. Through culturally responsive guidance, advocacy, and connection to support services, the team helps students navigate university life, overcome challenges, and achieve their personal, academic, and professional goals. By fostering a culturally safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment, the team plays a vital role in strengthening student engagement, wellbeing, retention, and success.

As an Indigenous Student Advising Specialist, you will provide personalised and holistic support to students across all stages of their studies. Drawing on your lived experience, cultural knowledge, and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, you will help students navigate challenges, access support services, and connect with opportunities that enhance their success.

Working collaboratively across the University, you will provide proactive support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, resolve complex enquiries, act as an escalation point for advisors, and contribute to service improvements that enhance student success. You will also mentor colleagues and support student engagement activities that foster a culturally safe, welcoming, and connected experience.

Be Rewarded

• Up to 5 days paid Indigenous Cultural or Ceremonial leave
• 17% superannuation (with the choice to join an award-winning superfund)
• 5.4 weeks annual leave (plus 3 working days paid at 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

Position Requirements

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultures, with the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively.
• Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in information systems and Microsoft software applications.
• Excellent customer service, communication and interpersonal skills, with an understanding of the needs of culturally diverse communities.
• Exceptional time management, organisational and problem-solving skills with great attention to detail.
• Degree-level study or Diploma with subsequent experience, or an equivalent blend of education and practical expertise.

Pre-Employment Checks

Appointment to this role is subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, which may include a National Police Check and/or Working with Children Check (where applicable).

The University is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment where its members can study, work and live free from gender-based violence. In line with our organisational values and regulatory obligations, applicants may be required to declare any past or current allegations, investigations or findings relating to gender-based violence.

The successful candidate may also be required to demonstrate that they meet the “fit and proper person” criteria as required under applicable legislation and regulatory frameworks (including ASQA requirements where relevant).

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).

Our Commitment to Inclusion

At CQUniversity, inclusivity is at the heart of who we are. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported and empowered to succeed regardless of background or ability.

We advance reconciliation through our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), First Nations Workforce Strategy and our First Nations Cultural Competency Framework, strengthening opportunities for First Nations peoples and embedding cultural respect across our organisation. 

Through our Disability-Informed Action Plan, we continue to enhance accessibility and inclusion across our University. As a recognised member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, we actively promote awareness and understanding of non-visible disabilities, helping to ensure everyone can bring their whole selves to work and thrive.

CQUniversity is also committed to providing an accessible, equitable and inclusive recruitment and selection process. The University will provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment, selection, appointment and onboarding process to ensure people with disability can participate on an equal basis with others.

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, 25 October 2026

  
Job Requisition ID: 7745

Contact Details: 

Allyson Wood

(07) 4930 9741

a.l.wood@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. 

Work Rights: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold the full rights to work in Australia to be considered for this appointment.

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.

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