Role type: Part Time (0.8 FTE), Fixed Term for 2 years

Department: Chancellery - Global, Culture and Engagement

Salary: UOM A - $87,266 - $118,416 p.a. plus 17% super

Influence museums and collections education / Connect communities with cultural heritage / Shape future of museum practice
Apply now to lead ground-breaking initiatives at Australia's top university, bridging academia, art, and community
Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

Only Indigenous Australians are eligible to apply as this position is exempt under the Special Measure Provision, Section 12 (1) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2011 (Vic).

The University of Melbourne

We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity:

As the Academic Engagement Associate (Indigenous) at the University of Melbourne's Museums and Collections Department, you'll play a pivotal role in developing innovative, interdisciplinary learning experiences that embed art and culture, delivered through the University’s Art Museums (Potter Museum of Art and Buxton Contemporary). This role offers you the opportunity to shape the future of art education, connect communities with cultural heritage, and influence best practices in museum curation on a global scale.

Your responsibilities will include:

Curriculum Development: Create and deliver tertiary student learning experiences with the University's cultural collections.
Exhibition Curation: Contribute to the development of exhibitions and programs linked to teaching, learning and research.
Research Support: Conduct research on artworks and objects in the University's Collections, supporting pedagogical research and publication.
Community Engagement: Build connections with Traditional Owner Communities, artists, and cultural centres.
Strategic Planning: Participate in planning future keystone Indigenous art and culture initiatives at University of Melbourne.

You may be a great fit if:

You are a passionate advocate for art and culture with experience in museum practices and tertiary education, possessing excellent communication skills and the ability to engage diverse stakeholders effectively.

You may also:

Hold an Honours or Masters degree in a relevant discipline with high-level knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art practices.
Demonstrate experience in developing and delivering curriculum in a tertiary environment.
Show proven ability in working with collections, including data management and cultural consultation.
Possess excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Exhibit strong interpersonal skills for engaging with diverse stakeholders and audiences.
Have experience in collaborative curatorial practices and integrating audience outcomes.
Demonstrate knowledge of a university context, particularly in curatorial practice and academic engagement (desirable).
Show experience with collection management systems like EMu (desirable).
Be passionate about Indigenous representation and engagement in cultural institutions.

What we offer you!

We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:

Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance
Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance
Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information, check out our benefits page!

Your new team – Global, Culture and Engagement

Led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Chancellery Global, Culture and Engagement provides strategic guidance and expert advice for internationalisation and global engagement, through:

Coordination and oversight of the establishment, development and review of the University's formal bilateral and multilateral relations with overseas universities and other strategic partners.
Development and strengthening of international funding, networking and mobility opportunities.
Provision of strategic region and country-specific advice to the University's Chancellery, faculties, graduate schools and other relevant stakeholders.
Advancement of the international diplomatic relations' strategy and provision of intelligence in relation to key government agencies and diplomatic missions in Australia and overseas.
Development and oversight of protocol for the management of high-level incoming international visits and delegations.
Management of international visit programs for high-level visitors to the University.
High-level representation of The University in Australia and internationally.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and have the opportunity to thrive regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, being a parent or having caring responsibilities.

The University of Melbourne is committed to fostering a barrier-free and inclusive recruitment process. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates throughout the application and interview stages, including accessible document formats and alternative application methods. To discuss your specific requirements, please feel free to contact Kim Groizard +61 3 9035 3218 or send an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments' to hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au. You can find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments on our Careers website: https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring

If you are a member of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community and would like any support, please feel free to contact our Indigenous Employment & Development team via email at oied-hr@unimelb.edu.au.

Working at the University – what you need to know

This role requires the successful candidate to maintain a Working with Children Check The successful candidate can apply for the WWCC as part of the onboarding process. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

Join Us and unlock your career potential!

Is this the perfect opportunity for you? Apply today! Including the following documents:

Resume
Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience

Please note that you are not required to respond to the selection criteria in the Position Description.

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Alessandro Storani via email at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au, ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

If you have any questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.

Applications close: Sunday, 15 March 2026 - 11:55pm AEDT (Melbourne Time)

Position Description: PD_JR-008331 Academic Engagement Associate. (Indigenous).doc

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Academic Engagement Associate (Indigenous)

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