Indigenous Pathways Officer
- Macquarie University
- Australia, NSW
- Jun 3, 2026
Job Description:
PRIMARY DETAIL
Inspire future generations. Strengthen pathways to higher education for Indigenous students across NSW.· Salary Package: $102,136 - $112,741 (HEW 6) per annum, plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
· Appointment Type: Full-time (35 hours per week), continuing position
· Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde
Walanga Muru is seeking a culturally grounded, community-focused Indigenous Pathways Officer to join the Pathways team, strengthening the University's Indigenous outreach and recruitment initiatives. This is an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, their families and communities by building aspiration, awareness and access to higher education.
**Identified Position**
This is an identified role and is open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants.
As part of the recruitment process, we will ask you to provide documentation to confirm your Aboriginality. Your cultural capability will also be assessed through the recruitment process.
Aboriginality and/or Torres Strait Islander identity is a genuine occupational qualification for this position and is authorised under section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).
About the Role
Reporting to the Indigenous Pathways Coordinator, you will play an integral role in Macquarie University's Indigenous outreach and recruitment activities. You will work closely with schools, community groups and education stakeholders across NSW to encourage Indigenous students to consider university as a pathway. You will contribute to creating a sense of belonging and community for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students at Macquarie University, while helping to shape outreach programs that are culturally responsive and evidence informed.
Key responsibilities include:
Engaging with students, schools and community groups across NSW to encourage Indigenous students to progress to university and build aspiration, capacity and awareness
Contributing to building a sense of belonging and community for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students at Macquarie University
Contributing to planning, development and recommendations for University Pathways initiatives aligned to the Indigenous Strategy
Partnering with relevant stakeholders to develop content for outreach activities such as camps, admissions pathways, school programs and presentations
Identifying Indigenous cohorts within secondary and vocational education institutions and recommending opportunities for new partnerships and affiliations
Contributing to building and managing new and existing relationships with external education stakeholders to engage prospective students
Preparing and/or contributing to reports on pre-enrolment data to inform decisions about effective Indigenous pathways activities and entry options
Contributing to the broader functions of Walanga Muru
About Walanga Muru
Walanga Muru is Macquarie University’s Indigenous Student Success Centre, within the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) portfolio. It is a culturally safe environment that leads the development and implementation of the University’s Indigenous engagement and advancement strategies.
Working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Walanga Muru identifies and addresses barriers to education and employment through outreach, policy development, cultural education and student support initiatives. The team plays a central role in strengthening Indigenous access, participation and success at Macquarie University.
About You
You are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who brings cultural capability and lived experience to this role, enabling you to work with confidence across diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community contexts. You build strong relationships, think with purpose, and apply evidence-informed approaches to outreach and engagement.
Selection Criteria
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Sociology, Communications, Education) or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Demonstrated experience building and maintaining strong relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and education stakeholders
Experience delivering programs within education or community settings to students, families and community members
Well-developed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt across diverse audiences and cultural contexts
Knowledge of the secondary and tertiary education sectors and relevant government policies relating to Indigenous education
Role-Specific Requirements
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity (identified position)
Valid Working with Children Check (or willingness to obtain one prior to commencement)
Qualification Verification Check and a National Police Check Clearance
Current NSW driver's licence
Capacity for domestic travel
Flexibility to work varying hours as required by business demands.
How to Apply
If you are driven, relationship-focused and passionate about creating meaningful and potentially life-changing educational opportunities for Indigenous students, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this position, please apply online and attach:
Evidence of your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity
Your resume
A cover letter
A document addressing the selection criteria
Applications Close: Thursday 2 July 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (AEST)
We reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.
*** For enquiries, or a confidential conversation about the role please contact Colleen Mitchell, Director Walanga Muru at [email protected]
Why Join Us?
Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation in 1964, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.
We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index, having recently earned a five-star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability. Take a look at the fabulous staff benefits on offer when you work at Macquarie University.
Flexible, hybrid work arrangements
17% Superannuation
Subsidised onsite parking options
Extensive training and professional development programs
Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents
Onsite vacation care during school holidays
Discounted health insurance
Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre
Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support
Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics
Pre-Employment Checks
Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.
Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.
If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.
Applications Close:
02/07/2026 11:59 PM
A Place Where You Belong
At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.
Flexible Work
At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.
Macquarie University
Macquarie University is a top-performing modern university situated in Sydney Australia. With its consistency in excellence and eminence over the years, Macquarie has become a five-star university....
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Job Description:
PRIMARY DETAIL
Inspire future generations. Strengthen pathways to higher education for Indigenous students across NSW.· Salary Package: $102,136 - $112,741 (HEW 6) per annum, plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
· Appointment Type: Full-time (35 hours per week), continuing position
· Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde
Walanga Muru is seeking a culturally grounded, community-focused Indigenous Pathways Officer to join the Pathways team, strengthening the University's Indigenous outreach and recruitment initiatives. This is an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, their families and communities by building aspiration, awareness and access to higher education.
**Identified Position**
This is an identified role and is open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants.
As part of the recruitment process, we will ask you to provide documentation to confirm your Aboriginality. Your cultural capability will also be assessed through the recruitment process.
Aboriginality and/or Torres Strait Islander identity is a genuine occupational qualification for this position and is authorised under section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).
About the Role
Reporting to the Indigenous Pathways Coordinator, you will play an integral role in Macquarie University's Indigenous outreach and recruitment activities. You will work closely with schools, community groups and education stakeholders across NSW to encourage Indigenous students to consider university as a pathway. You will contribute to creating a sense of belonging and community for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students at Macquarie University, while helping to shape outreach programs that are culturally responsive and evidence informed.
Key responsibilities include:
Engaging with students, schools and community groups across NSW to encourage Indigenous students to progress to university and build aspiration, capacity and awareness
Contributing to building a sense of belonging and community for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students at Macquarie University
Contributing to planning, development and recommendations for University Pathways initiatives aligned to the Indigenous Strategy
Partnering with relevant stakeholders to develop content for outreach activities such as camps, admissions pathways, school programs and presentations
Identifying Indigenous cohorts within secondary and vocational education institutions and recommending opportunities for new partnerships and affiliations
Contributing to building and managing new and existing relationships with external education stakeholders to engage prospective students
Preparing and/or contributing to reports on pre-enrolment data to inform decisions about effective Indigenous pathways activities and entry options
Contributing to the broader functions of Walanga Muru
About Walanga Muru
Walanga Muru is Macquarie University’s Indigenous Student Success Centre, within the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) portfolio. It is a culturally safe environment that leads the development and implementation of the University’s Indigenous engagement and advancement strategies.
Working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Walanga Muru identifies and addresses barriers to education and employment through outreach, policy development, cultural education and student support initiatives. The team plays a central role in strengthening Indigenous access, participation and success at Macquarie University.
About You
You are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who brings cultural capability and lived experience to this role, enabling you to work with confidence across diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community contexts. You build strong relationships, think with purpose, and apply evidence-informed approaches to outreach and engagement.
Selection Criteria
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Sociology, Communications, Education) or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Demonstrated experience building and maintaining strong relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and education stakeholders
Experience delivering programs within education or community settings to students, families and community members
Well-developed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt across diverse audiences and cultural contexts
Knowledge of the secondary and tertiary education sectors and relevant government policies relating to Indigenous education
Role-Specific Requirements
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity (identified position)
Valid Working with Children Check (or willingness to obtain one prior to commencement)
Qualification Verification Check and a National Police Check Clearance
Current NSW driver's licence
Capacity for domestic travel
Flexibility to work varying hours as required by business demands.
How to Apply
If you are driven, relationship-focused and passionate about creating meaningful and potentially life-changing educational opportunities for Indigenous students, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this position, please apply online and attach:
Evidence of your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity
Your resume
A cover letter
A document addressing the selection criteria
Applications Close: Thursday 2 July 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (AEST)
We reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.
*** For enquiries, or a confidential conversation about the role please contact Colleen Mitchell, Director Walanga Muru at [email protected]
Why Join Us?
Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation in 1964, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.
We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index, having recently earned a five-star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability. Take a look at the fabulous staff benefits on offer when you work at Macquarie University.
Flexible, hybrid work arrangements
17% Superannuation
Subsidised onsite parking options
Extensive training and professional development programs
Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents
Onsite vacation care during school holidays
Discounted health insurance
Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre
Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support
Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics
Pre-Employment Checks
Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.
Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.
If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.
Applications Close:
02/07/2026 11:59 PM
A Place Where You Belong
At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.
Flexible Work
At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.
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