WIDENING PARTICIPATION OFFICER
EQUITY PATHWAYS, BLACKTOWN CAMPUS

• Contribute to widening higher education participation for people from low socio-economic backgrounds
• Work with schools and communities in low socio-economic areas to develop and deliver widening participation programs
• 12-month part time 0.5, fixed term appointment located in Blacktown

Australian Catholic University (ACU) is an inclusive community which welcomes students and staff of all beliefs. ACU has over 2,500 staff supporting more than 34,000 students across eight campuses – Adelaide, Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, North Sydney, Strathfield and Rome.

As valued members of our community, all staff members are expected to have an understanding of ACU's mission and values and to demonstrate an active contribution to them.

The area of Global and Education Pathways has responsibility for the development and implementation of strategies for the areas of internationalisation and pathways to undergraduate programs. With responsibility for the Centre for Languages, its affiliated programs, strategy setting and leadership of pathways, the broader portfolio also has leadership and operational responsibility for international student recruitment, admission, international partnerships, compliance, and student mobility, equity pathways programs and student experience programs.

As Widening Participation Officer you will be responsible for engaging with primary and high schools and their wider communities to build awareness of the benefits of higher education, inform aspirations for higher education and provide opportunities to participate and succeed in higher education for students from low socio-economic backgrounds.

More specifically the role entails:

• Building strong relationships with high schools and their wider communities in low socio-economic areas.
• Establishing and maintaining effective partnerships with schools and communities to implement widening participation programs that improve pre-access, access, participation and success in Higher Education for students from low SES backgrounds.
• Developing collaborative working partnerships within ACU (faculties, schools and directorates) to support provision of widening participation programs for students from low socio-economic backgrounds across the whole student lifecycle.
• Collaborating with ACU’s Indigenous Higher Education Unit to support development of widening participation programs

You will need to have:

• A relevant degree (education) with demonstrated relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of demonstrated relevant experience and/or education/training.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to effectively communicate with and support students, including those who may experience barriers to participation in higher education such as students from low socio-economic status (LSES) backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and students from regional, rural and remote communities.
• Proven sound interpersonal and relationship management skills and the ability to interact with University staff across different levels and with external Equity Pathways stakeholders and clients.
• Demonstrated administrative, organisational, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Evidence of ability to show commitment with integrity to the Catholic Identity, Mission and ethos of the University.
• Current Working With Children Check

The University pursues an excellence agenda and offers an environment where staff are welcomed and safe, and valued through development, participation and involvement.

How to Apply:

Applicants are expected to address all selection criteria listed in the position description. To apply for this role click the "Apply" link below. Visit Hints and Tips on how to apply.

Total remuneration valued to $103,134 - $111,621 pa, including salary component $87,149 - $94,321 pa (Higher Education Worker Level 7), employer contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading.

General enquiries can be sent to Nicola Cull National Manager Equity Pathways: Nicola.cull@acu.edu.au

Only candidates with the right to work in Australia may apply for this position.

Equal Opportunity and Privacy of personal information is University policy. For more details visit: www.acu.edu.au/careers

Applications Close: 28 February 2021

ACU is committed to diversity and social inclusion in its employment practices. Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities and people from culturally diverse groups are encouraged.