· Exciting new role for an experienced wellbeing officer, social worker or project officer looking for a change in career
· Support underrepresented student cohorts successfully transition into and participate in higher education
· Work on a vibrant University campus close to public transport

THE ROLE

The Transition and Student Success Program Lead will support the development, implementation, and coordination of Widening Participation Unit (WPU) programs and activities that support the transition, participation, retention and success of people from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in higher education, specifically persons from low socio-economic backgrounds, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and those from regional and remote areas at Macquarie University.

Reporting to the Manager, Widening Participation, you will:

• Lead the development and delivery of WPU Participation and Success programs and activities, including the delivery of initiatives that support the successful transition of commencing students from low socio-economic backgrounds, from regional and remote areas and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Provide ongoing case management support to transition students; including monitoring student progress and triaging students to relevant services (both at Macquarie University and externally where relevant).
• Promote transition strategies, activities, and initiatives to increase the participation, retention, and success of students from equity cohorts who are studying at Macquarie University.
• Work collaboratively with professional teams across the University to develop, embed and maintain effective systems to support student support, monitoring and engagement tracking.
• Support Continuous Quality Improvement, Government, and internal Macquarie University reporting processes by completing CQI planning and reporting documentation, and monitoring and recording all student participation and success data.
• Maintain accurate records of all activities and student interactions, providing regular reports to assist with the implementation of program improvements and development of resources, programs and support for students.
• Recruit, train, and supervise casual staff assisting with transition and success initiatives.
• Build and maintain relationships with key faculty and student services stakeholders across the university and in Macquarie University’s external partner organisations.
• Work in collaboration with the WPU team and perform any other duties required and permitted by this classification under the MQ Professional Staff Enterprise Agreement 2018.

In return, you as a Macquarie University staff member will enjoy competitive pay plus a range of salary packaging options and other benefits including:

• Education and professional development opportunities
• Access to our staff wellbeing program, staff support services, & employee flu shot program
• Full access to the University Library resources including campus collections, and research databases.
• Discounted membership to University’s Sport and Aquatic Centre
• Access to a range of flexible working conditions

ABOUT US

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) (DVC-A) is the Chief Academic Officer of the University and is a member of the University Executive.

The Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) within the DVC-A portfolio develops and drives the University’s strategy for building and enhancing entry and progression pathways and leads the ongoing improvement of academic offerings at Macquarie.

The Widening Participation Unit (WPU) within that portfolio works to meet the University’s commitment to the national widening participation agenda with the aim to improve access and increase participation in Higher Education by students from backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented (low socio-economic status, regional and remote, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander). The WPU is funded by the Federal Government’s Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP).

ABOUT YOU

You have a solutions-focused attitude, able to work independently and have a proactive approach to working practices actively seeking new opportunities for development and improvements to workload and have a student-centred approach. You have previous experience in a pastoral role and have excellent communication skills and thrive working in a collaborative team environment. You enjoy working with diverse student cohorts and are committed to educational equity with a desire to make a difference in the lives of young people.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered for this position, please apply online and attach your resume and a separate cover letter that outlines how you meet the selection criteria below:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Education, Social Work, Psychology or Social Sciences and/or demonstrated experience in facilitating student-centred programs in schools, community and/or higher education setting.
• Demonstrated ability to perform complex and high-level planning, program and managerial functions with clear accountability for program performance.
• Experience in management of full time and casual staff.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills including the ability to effectively communicate with and support students from diverse backgrounds, such as low socio-economic backgrounds, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples and from regional and remote areas.
• Experience in developing and maintaining strong relationships and partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated excellent planning, analytical, evaluation and problem-solving skills, and the ability to take initiative and exercise sound judgement in resolving complex matters.
• Ability to empathise with and be aware of the perspectives and diversities of others.

Applications Close: Thursday, 7 December 2023 (11:59 PM) AEDT

If being part of an inclusive, vibrant, team-orientated organisation is something you are passionate about we encourage you to apply.

If you need any support or reasonable adjustments through this recruitment process, please let us know so we can provide the support you need.

This position requires a paid employee Working with Children Check (WWCC). The successful candidate should ideally have Mental Health First Aid Certification or be willing to attend Mental Health First Aid training.

General enquiries: Melissa Wong, Widening Participation Unit Administrator: [email protected] using the subject line Widening Participation Transition and Student Success Program Lead.

HR Enquiries: Bill Egarchos, Human Resources Officer, [email protected]