Job Description

Job Title: Student Success & Engagement Officer

Location: Collingwood, VIC (Hybrid Work Model)

Employment Type: Full-time, Maximum-term (until June 2028)

Salary: $90,000-$100,000 per annum (plus super)

About VACCHO

VACCHO is the peak representative for the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria.

We have 35 member Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations providing support to over 78,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the state. We lead and support Aboriginal Community Control and the broader health and social services sector to deliver transformative health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal communities in Victoria. We are a centre of expertise, policy advice, training, innovation and leadership in Aboriginal health and wellbeing. And we'd love you to join us!

VACCHO promotes substantive equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position, classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act (2010). This employment opportunity is only available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

About the role

The Student Success and Engagement Officer plays a key role in supporting students throughout their learning journey at VACCHO. The role provides a wrap-around support in culturally grounded mentorship, academic support, personal development and workplace advocacy. Support is provided in collaboration with the learner which means it’s specific to the individual’s goals, strengths, and circumstances, ensuring students are active participants in shaping their learning journey.

We are looking for a Trauma Informed, Culturally Safe candidate that can empower students an provide wrap around support for students, someone who believes in the students potential and focuses on empowerment rather than dependency with proactive student engagement skills & a strong focus on Collaboration, problem solving and advocacy.

To be successful in this role you will bring strong rapport building skills, have sound and professional stake holder engagement with a focus on Advocacy and student empowerment.

Essential skills/experiences

To be successful in this role, you will need a demonstrated experience as a Student Success & Engagement Officer. You will have sound judgement, a pragmatic approach to problem-solving, and strong communication skills, with willingness to take the initiative.

• High level of cultural awareness and sensitivity, with the ability to create and maintain a culturally safe and inclusive environment for Aboriginal students, staff, and the broader community
• Skilled in identifying problems, analysing complex situations, and developing innovative solutions that align with organisational goals, education pathways and community needs.
• Proven ability to collaborate with community leaders and members to ensure programs are culturally relevant, responsive, and aligned with community aspirations.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences, including internal teams, stakeholders, and funding bodies.
• Ability to represent VACCHO effectively in public forums, policy discussions, and advocacy work related to workforce development and education.
• Skilled in integrating Aboriginal cultural values, perspectives, and practices into education and workforce development initiatives.
• Highly organised, with excellent attention to detail, and the ability to manage resources and budgets effectively.

Desirable

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply as your cultural and lived experiences are central to the work we do.

Benefits

• Working for Community in a culturally safe Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation.
• Access to generous employee benefits including Not for Profit salary packaging entitlements (see below), leave loading, additional leave entitlements including cultural leave, and bonus Christmas leave if employed at VACCHO into the following year.
• Organisational early finish Fridays (4pm) and flexible working arrangements considered.
• Distinctive inner-city Collingwood office with wellness spaces and end of trip facilities available.

We believe in the right for all people to be treated with the respect and dignity at all times, and that all people who work for, govern or undertake work at or visit us should at all times feel safe and included.

Visit us here for more info: https://www.vaccho.org.au/

Other employment related information

Employment is subject to a satisfactory and ongoing police records check (international where relevant) and Working with Children Check.

Apply Now

Applications close: 16 October 2026

Please note we will begin shortlisting as we receive applications and therefore encourage early applications.

Please include a cover letter addressing the selection criteria and your suitability for the role after reviewing the position description.

For enquiries, contact joinourteam@vaccho.org.au

Equal Opportunity & Inclusion Statement:

VACCHO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We embrace the diversity of cultures, identities, gender, sex, and sexually diverse identities and expressions, experiences, beliefs, and values of all people.