Queen’s College Indigenous Scholar

Queen’s College is one of Australia’s leading residential colleges, affiliated with the University of Melbourne and home to around three hundred students. It is an unusually close-knit community where people belong, stretch, and thrive. Founded in 1887 in a socially progressive tradition, Queen’s is at the early stages of a deeper reconciliation journey, learning to listen with more care, to build cultural safety with humility, and to walk with steadiness on Wurundjeri Country. An Indigenous-led Working Group guides this learning and helps the College move with integrity and accountability. The Indigenous Scholar joins this shared work as a valued voice helping the community grow in understanding, steadiness, and care. About the Role Queen’s College is seeking an Indigenous Scholar to help deepen our shared life by bringing presence, clarity, and invitation into the heart of College life. The role supports the College not only in reconciliation, but in the deeper human work of living well together. The work is shared. The Scholar joins the Head of College, the Dean, the leadership team, and an Indigenous Partnerships, Cultural Safety, and Allyship Working Group in strengthening cultural safety across the College (with formal responsibility for racism and discrimination held by senior leadership and College processes). The Working Group is co‑led by two Indigenous Wyverns and includes Indigenous and non‑Indigenous students, a staff representative, and the Head of College. The Scholar brings lived experience, cultural knowledge, and philosophical depth into the rhythms of College life. They help us walk further into complexity and build a community where belonging is real and reconciliation is lived. The role reports to the Dean and works closely with Directors, the Working Group, and staff responsible for wellbeing and community life. Key Responsibilities Walk alongside Indigenous students as they shape and influence College life Bring warmth and sharpness to conversations about justice, Country, conscience, and character Foster community dialogue through conversations and activities Maintain strong relationships with Murrup Barak and community partners Offer grounded presence and wellbeing support, including around University‑approved wellbeing support processes (SAFE) where appropriate Help build the conditions in which Indigenous students can express, shape, and strengthen their own cultural and relational life within the community Contribute to governance and policy with clarity and integrity Co‑design, with the Head of College and the Working Group, the Annual Indigenous Oration and other Indigenous‑led programs, supported by a dedicated programming budget Work with the Registrar and Dean’s team to strengthen culturally safe pathways for Indigenous applicants and families Support the Indigenous‑led Working Group and Dean in the externally facilitated Cultural Safety Audit and the steps that follow In support of responsibilities, weekly rhythms may include community presence, student support conversations, Working Group commitments, and preparation for cultural or educational programming. The balance of these activities will be shaped collaboratively with the Scholar. Support Collegial partnership with the Head of College and the Dean Flexibility to balance study, community, and personal wellbeing Access to professional development Regular supervision with the Dean, and access to guidance from Indigenous colleagues and partners involved in the Working Group On‑site accommodation is strongly preferred: a furnished two‑bedroom apartment, utilities, and meals may be provided at no cost to the Scholar. Living on site allows the Scholar to be part of the daily rhythm of the community and helps the College build a culturally safe environment with real presence and continuity. However, if an exceptional candidate prefers to live off‑site, the salary remains unchanged, and meals at Queen’s remain available without cost. Full terms and any FBT considerations will be discussed. Flexibility around hours, recognising that community life sometimes sits outside standard business hours. Clear boundaries: work hours will be agreed in advance so responsibilities are clear, balanced, and bounded. Participation in community life outside those hours is voluntary and not considered work unless specifically arranged. Conditions Commencing in February 2026, with flexibility around start date for the right person Part‑time (0.5 FTE) Fixed term with annual review and mutual renewal Salary: $50,000 per annum (0.5 FTE) About You Lived experience as a First Nations person, with a commitment to cultural self‑determination Depth of thought or practice, whether built through academic study, community knowledge, cultural traditions, or creative work Capacity to support young adults with care, clarity, and healthy boundaries A collaborative way of working with students, staff, and College leadership A steady, trusted presence with sound judgement and cultural insight This role is suited to a current postgraduate student, early‑career academic, or an experienced community practitioner with strong cultural and intellectual grounding. An interest in helping shape a residential community toward deeper reconciliation and belonging Working With Children Check Application Process We invite expressions of interest from eligible Indigenous candidates. Applications will be accepted via SEEK. To apply, please submit a short expression of interest (1–2 pages) outlining your interest in the role and the strengths you would bring. If you would like a confidential conversation about the role before applying, please contact Michele Mulder, Executive Assistant to the Head of College at and she can connect you with Michael Stepniak, Head of College, or one of the co‑leads of the Indigenous Partnerships, Cultural Safety, and Allyship Working Group. Applications will be reviewed by a selection panel that includes Indigenous representation. Your application will include the following questions: Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia? The National Indigenous Times acknowledges and pays respect to past and present Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation. We recognise Aboriginal Community's continuing connection to their lands, waters and stories and acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded. #J-18808-Ljbffr