First Nations Education Officer
Employment type: Full time, contract to 30 June 2025
Location: St George
About Us
Country Universities Centre Balonne is a not-for-profit community driven organisation, which is funded by the Commonwealth Government under the Regional University Study Hub program with key local support. The CUC Balonne provides an opportunity to make higher education more accessible for students of all ages in the Balonne region. CUC Balonne is part of an affiliated network of the Country Universities Centre. Our students have free access to high-speed Internet, modern technology, and wrap around support all delivered locally at CUC Balonne. Students also have the opportunity to build a network of like-minded fellow students and can take advantage of being part of a nation-wide learning community.
CUC Balonne aims to establish and provide quality higher educational services to students in the region that are inclusive and accessible for the local community. CUC Balonne’s mission is to nurture and support the aspirations of our community through the power of education, by changing lives – one student at a time. The core outcomes of this position align with the mission in a complete way making sure the CUC Balonne tailors its services to the entire community.
Your role
This role has been created within the Centre and will require the aptitude to listen, learn and problem-solve with the community.
The role involves:
- Building and maintaining stakeholder relationships;
- Ongoing consultation with First Nations Elders and stakeholders in a holistic way;
- Identifying needs and challenges;
- Supporting First Nations’ students;
- Working in collaborative partnerships including close liaison with the CUC Balonne Student Engagement and Success Coordinator;
- Strategic planning and program development based on initial consultation;
- Writing funding applications;
- Implementing programs;
- Reporting on program outcomes; and
- Create a welcoming and inclusive environment and increasing participation.
Learnings from this position will be shared with the broader Regional University Study Hub network, to encourage broader participation by First Nations students across the program on a national scale.
It is in the strong interest of the Centre and network to see this position successful and continue past the 30 June contract date.
This position is one of the first of its type within the Country Universities Centre (CUC) network and its success will pave the way for other communities to follow suit. A similar position exists in the CUC Cape York Centre which will provide a colleague with whom to collaborate, build resources, and share knowledge.
Who We Are Looking For
- An individual that is passionate and enthusiastic about creating opportunities for First Nations’ students;
- Demonstrated high level interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to connect with and engage others on an individual level as well as lead small groups and workshops;
- Demonstrated capacity to work as part of a team and contribute to a positive teamwork environment;
- Ability to build relationships with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and create culturally safe spaces to empower the community to participate; and
- Demonstrated ability in project implementation through professional communication and reporting.
For all key selection criteria and more information about the position:
See the September 2024 FNEO Position Description or email elspeth.hurse@cucbalonne.edu.au to request a copy.
Confidential enquiries can be made to Elspeth Hurse on 0409 446 421.
To make an application:
You are required to submit a full CV and cover letter addressing the key selection criteria as outlined in the position description.
Applications close Friday 27 September 2024 and must be emailed to elspeth.hurse@cucbalonne.edu.au