Role type: Full Time; Continuing
Location: Parkville
School: Melbourne Law School (MLS)
Department: Indigenous Law and Justice Hub
Salary: UoM 9 - $146,049 - $151,951 plus 17% super
Identified Indigenous leadership role / shape culturally safe legal education and advocacy / lead impactful programs across Melbourne Law School
As an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander leader, step into this role shaping Melbourne Law School’s justice work.
Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.
Only Indigenous Australians are eligible to apply as this position is exempt under the Special Measure Provision, Section 12 (1) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic).
The University of Melbourne
We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.
Your next career opportunity
As Senior Program Manager, you will lead the Indigenous Law and Justice Hub’s operations, governance and resources. This identified role is open only to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants under the Equal Opportunity Act. You will translate strategic priorities into culturally safe programs supporting Indigenous students, communities, research partnerships and justice initiatives.
What you will deliver:
Lead planning and delivery of the Hub’s work program, ensuring alignment with the Director’s vision and MLS priorities.
Establish and refine governance, operational and financial systems that support compliant, efficient and scalable Hub operations.
Provide inclusive leadership for professional staff, setting clear expectations and cultivating a respectful, culturally safe, high‑performing team.
Oversee major programs, events and initiatives, coordinating student engagement, community partnerships, research support and administration.
Build strong relationships with Indigenous communities and university stakeholders, ensuring culturally safe, coherent and well‑communicated Hub activities.
You may be a great fit if you:
Hold tertiary qualifications and extensive management experience, or equivalent skills gained through relevant education and roles.
Demonstrate deep understanding of Indigenous self‑determination, cultural safety and respectful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Bring proven success leading complex programs within large, decentralised organisations, including governance, risk and compliance responsibilities.
Exhibit advanced written and verbal communication skills, producing high‑quality reports, briefings and advice for senior audiences.
Provide experienced people leadership, including supervision, delegation, performance management and fostering culturally safe, collaborative team cultures.
Excel at building trusted relationships with Indigenous communities, senior leaders and partners, representing your organisation with integrity.
Possess prior experience of working with Indigenous communities in Victoria.
Have a current driver’s license and a willingness to travel.
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 fulfilment, including:
Build future financial security with 17% superannuation
Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning
Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave
Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company
Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program
For more information check out our benefits page!
Your new team
The Indigenous Law and Justice Hub brings together Indigenous leaders, legal scholars and communities to advance justice. Based within Melbourne Law School, the Hub embeds Indigenous knowledges across teaching, research, engagement and student support. You will join a values‑driven, empathetic and collaborative team committed to cultural safety and community‑led priorities.
Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.
We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with Korin Korin, our Indigenous Employment and Development team, via [email protected]
Application essentials:
Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.
You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.
Please upload your resume, a cover letter outlining your interest and experience, and your responses to the Selection Criteria found in the Position Description as part of the application process.
Want to know more?
For queries related to this specific position, contact Nicole Watson via email at [email protected]
For questions related to our recruitment process email Nick Petersen at [email protected]
For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at [email protected] (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').
Apply today, and join a community that’s shaping the future.
Applications close: Thursday 2 July 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.
Position Description:
PD_JR-013252 Senior Program Manager.pdf
PD_JR-013252 Senior Program Manager.doc
Skills Required
- Identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (special measure)
- Current valid work rights for Australia (visa sponsorship not available)
- Working with Children Check
- Tertiary qualifications and extensive management experience, or equivalent
- Deep understanding of Indigenous self-determination, cultural safety and respectful engagement
- Proven success leading complex programs in large, decentralised organisations, including governance, risk and compliance
- Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including high-quality reports and briefings for senior audiences
- Experienced people leadership, including supervision, delegation and performance management
- Prior experience working with Indigenous communities in Victoria
- Current driver's license and willingness to travel
What We Do
The University of Melbourne is a leading public research university that makes distinctive contributions to society in research, learning, teaching, and engagement.
