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Home Job Opportunity – Community Engagement and Education Officer – First Nations

Community Engagement and Education Officer – First Nations

Employment type: Full time
Location: St George or Dirranbandi
About Us

Country Universities Centre Balonne is a not-for-profit community driven organisation, which is funded by the Commonwealth Government under the Regional University Study Hub program with key local support. The CUC Balonne provides an opportunity to make higher education more accessible for students of all ages in the Balonne region. CUC Balonne is part of an affiliated network of the Country Universities Centre. Our students have free access to high-speed Internet, modern technology, and wrap around support all delivered locally at CUC Balonne. Students also have the opportunity to build a network of like-minded fellow students and can take advantage of being part of a nation-wide learning community.

CUC Balonne aims to establish and provide quality higher educational services to students in the region that are inclusive and accessible for the local community. CUC Balonne’s mission is to nurture and support the aspirations of our community through the power of education, by changing lives – one student at a time.  The core outcomes of this position align with the mission in a complete way making sure the CUC Balonne tailors its services to the entire community.  We also deliver an extensive widening participation program in partnership with universities and community organisations which aims to increase understanding and foster aspirations for higher education within our community.

Your role

This role has been created within the Centre and will require the aptitude to listen, learn and problem-solve with the community.

The role involves:

  • Building and maintaining stakeholder relationships;
  • Ongoing consultation with First Nations Elders and stakeholders;
  • Identifying needs and challenges;
  • Supporting First Nations’ students;
  • Working in a team, including close liaison with the CUC Balonne Student Engagement and Success Coordinator;
  • Implementing programs;
  • Reporting on program outcomes; and
  • Create a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Learnings from this position will be shared with the broader Regional University Study Hub network, to encourage broader participation by First Nations students across the program on a national scale.

Who We Are Looking For
  • An individual that is passionate and enthusiastic about creating opportunities for First Nations’ students;
  • Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to connect with and engage others on an individual level as well as lead small groups and workshops;
  • Demonstrated capacity to work as part of a team and contribute to a positive teamwork environment;
  • Ability to build relationships with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and create culturally safe spaces to empower the community to participate; and

For all key selection criteria and more information about the position:

See the 2025 Community Engagement and Education Officer – First Nations Position Description or email centremanager@cucbalonne.edu.au to request a copy.

Confidential enquiries can be made to Elspeth Hurse on  0409 446 421.

To make an application:

You are required to submit a full CV and cover letter addressing the key selection criteria as outlined in the position description.

Applications close Sunday 20 July 2025 and must be emailed to centremanager@cucbalonne.edu.au