The Opportunity
- This is an identified position and is open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants
- Full-time, continuing position | 35 hours per week
- Remuneration: $118,483–$128,233 + 17% super
- Hybrid/flexible working arrangements
As the HDR Success Officer, you will play a vital role within UNSW’s Graduate Research School, supporting the engagement, progression and success of higher degree research candidates, with a particular focus on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates.
UNSW’s commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, research, engagement and advocacy is embedded in the UNSW Indigenous Strategy. Through this holistic approach, we are working to create an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples thrive, are empowered, and are recognised for their leadership and contribution. This commitment is further strengthened by UNSW’s inaugural Indigenous Research Plan, which reinforces the University’s focus on embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led research across its communities and placing Indigenous knowledges, perspectives and methodologies at the centre of research and impact.
Working closely with Nura Gili, Faculties and central service teams, you will provide culturally responsive guidance, help candidates navigate university processes, and lead initiatives that support recruitment, connection, retention, progression and completion. Drawing on your lived experience, cultural knowledge and professional expertise, you will build trusted relationships with candidates, staff, communities and partners, while contributing to the ongoing development and improvement of Indigenous HDR programs and services.
Reporting to the Manager, HDR Engagement, this role also works closely with the PVC Research Training, PVC Indigenous Research Engagement, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous, and key stakeholders across UNSW.
Why UNSW
UNSW is a large and diverse community doing extraordinary work. We are driven to be thoughtful, practical and purposeful in all that we do, and this collective approach is what gives our work impact. UNSW is consistently ranked among the world’s top 20 universities in the QS World University Rankings and is a proud member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight.
If you are looking for a role where you can thrive, be challenged and contribute to meaningful work, UNSW is the place for you.
Benefits include:
- Flexible working options, including working from home and flexible hours
- Career development opportunities
- 17% superannuation and leave loading
- 10 days of paid cultural leave each year
- Access to the Indigenous Employee Network, Deadly Connections Mob
- Three additional days of leave over the Christmas period
- Staff discounts and benefits across retail, education and fitness
About You
As this is an identified position, applicants progressing through the recruitment process will be required to provide evidence of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity in accordance with UNSW’s established process. Information about the evidence requirements and available support will be provided during the recruitment process.
You will hold a relevant tertiary qualification and/or bring equivalent professional experience, along with a strong understanding of contemporary issues and opportunities affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, informed by lived experience and knowledge of Indigenous research and higher degree research. You will have experience supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, researchers or communities in an education, research or related environment, together with strong organisational and time-management skills, and the ability to plan, coordinate and deliver work independently and collaboratively in a high-volume environment. You will also bring excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, tact and discretion when dealing with sensitive matters, experience developing and delivering programs that support positive student experiences, and the ability to maintain accurate records, analyse trends and produce high-quality reports.
While the above experience is important, the attributes that will be most valued in this role are your attitude, your willingness to learn, and your genuine commitment to supporting HDR candidates. Strong influencing and negotiating skills will also be highly regarded, as will your ability to build positive relationships and work constructively with a wide range of stakeholders.
To Apply
If you are passionate about supporting HDR candidates, please submit your CV and cover letter through the Apply button. You will also be asked to answer two short, free-text questions about your experience and suitability for the role. A copy of the Position Description is available through Jobs@UNSW.
Pre-Employment Checks
The recruitment process will include evidence of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity. You may also be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role.
Contacts
For questions about submitting your application, contact Shiree Thomas, Talent Acquisition Partner: shiree.thomas@unsw.edu.au
For questions about the identified nature of the position, the evidence process or Indigenous employment at UNSW, contact Natalie Chenhall, Manager Indigenous Employment: n.chenhall@unsw.edu.au
Please apply through the application portal and not via the contacts above.
Applications close:11.55pm, Wednesday 12th July 2026.
This position is open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants only. UNSW has obtained an exemption under section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) to designate and recruit professional and academic positions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons only, to fulfil UNSW’s goal of a representative workforce rate.
UNSW is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people of all genders, cultural backgrounds, abilities and sexual orientations. Workplace adjustments are available for people with disability, and flexible work options are available to eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
