Pro Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous

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Pro Vice-Chancellor - Indigenous

Position title

Pro Vice-Chancellor - Indigenous

Portfolio

Office of the Vice-Chancellor & President

Appointment level

Executive

Reports to

Vice-Chancellor & President

Position description

Position purpose and accountability

Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous will provide strategic and cultural leadership in matters relating to Indigenous Australia for the University of Canberra.

This full-time, Canberra-based role requires a strong academic profile and research interest, balanced with executive leadership and management responsibilities. The PVC Indigenous will operate by centering Indigenous values, relational accountability, and cultural integrity, while being consistently available and embedded within the internal UC community.

The PVC Indigenous will lead initiatives aligned with UC’s Strategic Plan and maintain strong relationships with the Ngunnawal and Ngambri community, and ACT Indigenous networks. The nature of the position requires regular consultation with Senior Executives, Executive Deans of Faculties, Directors of other business units, the Ngunnawal Centre and other members of the University.

Primary responsibilities

Specific responsibilities of the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous include:

Shape and lead the University’s Indigenous strategy and related programs to empower and elevate the excellence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff, and communities.
Collaborate with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and the Education & Research Portfolio to enhance success and retention of Indigenous undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Drive high-quality Indigenous research, support grant acquisition, and foster innovation through collaboration with the Indigenous Staff Network (ISN) and Faculty Research Boards.
Lead the design and implementation of strategic initiatives that embed Indigenous perspectives across teaching, research, and engagement.
Promote the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges and perspectives in curricula across all faculties.
Monitor and guide the University’s progress on Indigenous strategies, including those required to meet our obligations under the Indigenous Student Support Program (ISSP).
Build and sustain strong relationships with the Ngunnawal and Ngambri community, and key partners across government, education, and industry.
Inform and support the development and delivery of cultural competency training for UC staff, and cultural protocols for the UC community.
Represent the University and Vice-Chancellor on internal and external committees, ensuring Indigenous perspectives are embedded in decision-making.
Undertaking other duties relevant to the role as directed by Vice-Chancellor.

Selection criteria

This position is identified for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates only.
Postgraduate qualifications or equivalent experience, with a strong academic and research profile. The right candidate may have a non-traditional academic background.
Demonstrated ability to balance academic leadership with executive management and community engagement.
Deep cultural connection to UC and Canberra Indigenous communities.
Proven leadership in Indigenous higher education policy, strategy, and cultural governance.
Strong operational and strategic planning experience, including experience with grants, contracts, and budget management.
Consistent availability and presence within the University community, with a commitment to full-time Canberra-based work.
Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement, cultural competency development, and Indigenous employment initiatives.
Evidence of effective leadership and management of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs.
Proven skills in policy development, report writing, project management, change management and/or administration.

Key immediate challenges

The incoming Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) will play a pivotal role in shaping the university’s future by embedding Indigenous priorities into its core business. This is a transformative leadership opportunity requiring strategic vision, cultural authority, and operational excellence. The PVC Indigenous will be expected to address the following immediate challenges.

Shift Indigenous priorities from siloed initiatives to a whole-of-university approach, ensuring First Nations perspectives are integrated into core business and decision-making.
Build, shape and lead a capable team to deliver on Indigenous priorities with agility and impact.
Drive authentic engagement that can empower our community to demonstrate genuine commitment to reconciliation.
Put in place governance structures, strategic partnerships, and frameworks that enable long-term success and alignment with the University’s strategy.
Critically review the current Indigenous strategy and lead its evolution into a bold, future-focused plan for 2027 and beyond, positioning the university as a sector leader.

How to apply

All applications should be submitted via the “apply” tab of the advertisement. Applications for the position should consist of a comprehensive CV and Cover letter addressing your suitability to the key capabilities listed on the position description.

Shortlisting with the selection committee will take place in early February 2026 with panel interviews anticipated mid to late February 2026.

All enquiries should be directed in confidence to:
Sandy Demeester-Pohl – Talent Acquisition Manager
University of Canberra

Email: Sandy.demeester-pohl@canberra.edu.au
Tel: +61 (0)2 6201 2133 or 0447 404 529

Want to know more?

Would you like to know more about the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous role? Request a callback and a UC Talent team member will contact you for a confidential chat and an information booklet.

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