Education Support Officer – Identified

About the opportunity

The respect and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, languages and knowledge systems in curricula is a key element of the One Sydney, Many People Strategy, which articulates the University’s commitment to a stronger and more accountable partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Developed through an extensive co-design process, the Strategy underlines the importance of embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, languages and knowledge systems in University practice, particularly through the Indigenisation of curricula. This will enhance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ engagement, participation and leadership in teaching, learning and research. This process is designed to embed a strengths-based approach that will be achieved through a combination of cross-University collaboration and local implementation plans.

Under the broad direction of the Pro Vice Chancellor, Indigenous (Academic) this position has a focus on supporting the program to Indigenise curricula across the University of Sydney.

This is a unique opportunity to join a new Indigenous Educational design team and provide administrative and project support to the Education Manager and Designers.

The Educational Support Officer – Identified responsibilities are to:

• collaborate and support the Education Manager and Educational Designers to Indigenise curricula across the University
• provide a range of project coordination and administrative support to the team
• develop excellent relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring all correspondence and enquiries are actioned
• collate documentation for key events, meetings and committees
• maintain documentation, teaching resources and information to support educators
• engage in project evaluation to inform best practice solutions and continuous improvement to cultural education design across the University

About you

• strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• a collaborative team approach, with a strong sense of initiative
• high level administrative and organisational skills
• proficiency in Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Outlook and Teams
• the ability to work independently and proactively with a high attention to detail.

The University of Sydney YURA Network, formally the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff Network promotes sharing of experiences, networking and professional support for career development and mentoring. It is supported by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Plan 2022-2024 that aims to increase employment and development opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.

This position is exclusively designated for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals under the provisions of Section 126 of the Anti Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW). It entails active engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge holders, adherence to cultural protocols, and adept navigation of cross-cultural interactions. These aspects are integral to the role and duly acknowledged by the university, recognising the role’s significant contributions to Indigenous and Education strategies.

The University recognises that the cultural load undertaken by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff on behalf of the University culturally enriches the institution. It also advances the University’s commitment to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and communities. Engagement with cultural duties, engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditional knowledge holders and navigating cross-cultural interactions are recognised as crucial elements of this role and will be allocated appropriate time in workloads, including work plans, and will be considered in criteria for promotion.

The cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are living and dynamic and central to the landscape, identity and character of our nation and the University of Sydney. This identity and character must be a stronger and a more vibrant part of our University and of our practice as members of this institution. The University’s One Sydney, Many People (pdf, 8.7mb) strategy expresses our whole-of-University commitment to celebrate and respect the increasing voice and the influence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, culture, knowledge, and people on our campuses. It outlines how we will contribute to the social and physical environment that makes our University unique, and contribute to the key goal of achieving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and student population parity by 2030.

Sponsorship / work rights forAustralia

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. For a continuing position, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

Australian Temporary Residents currently employed at the University of Sydney may be considered for a fixed term contract for the length of their visa, depending on the requirements of the hiring area and the reasons for the position.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

This position is designated as involving child-related work. To undertake or remain in this position, you are required to apply for and obtain a Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.