Senior Manager, Indigenous Strategic Initiatives

Company Description

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why. 
Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them. 

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence. 

Job Description

About the Opportunity 

Reporting to the Senior Portfolio Manager, the Senior Manager, Indigenous Strategic Initiatives will lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of key Indigenous strategic priorities across Griffith University. Working closely with the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Indigenous) and other senior stakeholders, the role will drive major initiatives, provide strategic advice, and support the development of frameworks and strategies that advance Griffith's Indigenous vision and objectives.

Key responsibilities include driving the development and implementation of the University’s Indigenous strategic priorities and overseeing the delivery of the University's Indigenous Plan, ensuring alignment with broader strategic priorities across research, education, people, and internationalisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of key Indigenous strategic initiatives on behalf of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Indigenous), ensuring successful outcomes within agreed timeframes and resources.
• Drive the development and implementation of Griffith University's Indigenous strategic priorities, including project governance, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and reporting.
• Lead the development of Griffith University's Indigenous Plan, facilitating consultation and engagement with Indigenous students, staff, communities, and key stakeholders.
• Foster strategic partnerships across the University and externally to strengthen Griffith's Indigenous identity, presence, and strategic objectives.
• Oversee major projects, including the GUMURRII South Bank relocation, ensuring effective planning, stakeholder engagement, governance, and transition management.
• Aligned to the University’s Research and Innovation Plan, coordinate the refresh of the Indigenous Research Unit in partnership with internal stakeholders, Indigenous researchers, and external partners, including the Alliance 2050 network.
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• Lead the development of Indigenous recruitment, marketing, and communications initiatives in collaboration with key University stakeholders.
• Represent the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Indigenous) on committees, working groups, and forums, providing strategic advice and escalating key risks and opportunities.
• Prepare high-level reports, briefing papers, business cases, and recommendations to support executive decision-making.
• Monitor project performance, identify emerging risks and opportunities, and provide strategic advice to support the achievement of Indigenous priorities.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with senior leaders, academic and professional staff, external partners, and First Peoples communities to drive successful project outcomes.

About you

• Completion of a postgraduate degree in a relevant field together with extensive relevant experience; or extensive experience and management expertise; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and education/training.
• Demonstrated strong understanding of contemporary Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and communities, including knowledge of the higher education sector and the ability to communicate and engage effectively and respectfully with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Candidates must have full unrestricted Australian work rights and may be subject to a National criminal history check.

What we can offer
This is a full time, fixed term opportunity for 12 months primarily based at the Logan Campus. As Griffith is a multi-site university, you may be required to work across other locations.

Griffith University’s sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary

HEW 10 – Base range - $147,057.74 + 17% superannuation. Full package - $172,057.55.

Additional Information

Why join Griffith? 
 
As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer: 

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities 

• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment 

• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts 

• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading 

• Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme 

• Opportunities for internal mobility 

• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities 

At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Our University is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all. In alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (2025), Griffith University includes a declaration as part of the recruitment journey to uphold the values and standards of our community. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy. 

How to apply 

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following: 

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role please refer to the qualifications above and the position description. 

• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details 

For application and recruitment advice please reach out to Laura Whitworth, Talent Acquisition Partner on [email protected]

Closing date: Tuesday 8th September at 11:59pm. All applications must be submitted online.