Reconciliation Action Plan Implementation Coordinator

• Engage with diverse student groups and community stakeholders to foster inclusion and representation.
• Coordinate exciting programs and events that celebrate and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
• Gain valuable experience in program management, stakeholder engagement, and reporting within a vibrant university community.

WHO WE ARE

The USU is a not-for-profit organisation that has proudly served the University of Sydney community since 1874, when it began as a small society for passionate student debaters.

Today, we provide a diverse range of programs, services, and facilities that enrich campus life for thousands of students. Our Student Experience Department creates outstanding opportunities for students through events, clubs and societies, activations, and funding initiatives. 

The USU’s vision is to offer the best university experience in Australia, and our mission is to be the heart of university life.

about you

This role is respectfully designated as an identified position, specifically encouraging applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates, in line with our commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation.

This role plans, develops and delivers program and events that make campus life accessible and culturally safe for our Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander (First Nation’s) students. This role work closely with the wider Student Programs team and other internal and external USU stakeholders. This new position will assist the in delivering USU’s Reconciliation Action Plan and will contribute to the delivery of actions across the USU, ensuring a student-centred approach.

The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Implementation Coordinator will be involved in the programming, planning, execution and evaluation of a diverse range of program and events including, but not limited to stakeholder liaison, on site event coordination and marketing as well as the administration of the RAP working party.

To be successful in this role, you will need to implement effective communication strategies and be the first point of club executives, volunteers, members and staff who may have limited knowledge of First Nation’s communities, history and culture. It is essential that you are able to assist in responding with relevant resources to answer inquires and support both mob and other stakeholders in this respect.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

As the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Implementation Coordinator, you will:

• Coordinate RAP Initiatives: Plan and implement Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) events and programs.
• Stakeholder Liaison: Engage with students, university staff, community groups, and Board members to shape event programming.
• Grant Administration: Oversee grants for Clubs and Societies to support First Nations initiatives, including assistance with resources and contacts.
• Support First Nations Engagement: Assist in engaging local First Nations organizations and help clubs with representation in USU programs.
• Event Support: Align events with Reconciliation Week, Welcome Fest, and NAIDOC Week, ensuring safe and inclusive programming.
• Budget Management: Operate within allocated budgets, track costs, and measure success through feedback and post-event reports.
• Content Creation: Produce culturally sensitive communications for social media, newsletters, and event promotions.
• RAP Reporting: Collect and report feedback on RAP initiatives, document improvements, and share best practices.
• Working Party Coordination: Schedule, prepare agendas, and record minutes for RAP Working Party meetings.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Must be Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• Currently studying for Bachelor’s degree or higher (ideally at Sydney University)
• Experience creating digital content for the youth market (Especially TikTok and Instagram)
• Strong knowledge, experience and understanding of First Nations inclusion principles
• Experience with working with First Nations organisations and campaigns
• High level written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to prioritise, multi-task and meet overlapping deadlines
• Ability to work both independently and as an effective, committed and enthusiastic team member
• Ability to use basic budgeting principles to develop and/or maintain program budgets
• Organisational and time management skills
• Intercultural proficiency - demonstrated understanding of the campus climate as it relates to cultural identities that include race, ethnicity, country of origin, age, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, and socio-economic status
• High level of attention to detail in all aspects of work
• Proficient in the use of Windows operating systems
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft programs including Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams
• Ability to determine appropriate usage of social networks, blogs, wikis, and emerging communication technologies to market events and programs
• Ability to work flexible hours as occasional evening work may be required
• Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity and Work Health & Safety

 Bonus points if you are:

• Passionate about social media trends and can make digital content incorporating these trends.
• Track record at being able to use TikTok and Instagram to engage youth and make content accessible.
• Have experience with any volunteering or previous work in digital media and or media communications.

DESIRABLE CRITIERIA

• Experience developing and reviewing event runsheets
• Experience acting as first point of contact for suppliers at events or functions
• Understanding of and involvement in the USU Clubs and Societies program
• Volunteering experience (ideally with USU)
• Student or youth event program development experience
• Understanding and experience of student organisations in a university environment
• Current provisional or above NSW drivers’ licence
• Experience in staff/volunteer supervision
• Knowledge of WHS issues relevant to work activities and work area
• Knowledge of safe work procedures and WHS training relevant to work activities and work area

benefits

At the University of Sydney Union (USU), we foster a vibrant, collaborative culture dedicated to enhancing the student experience. Our commitment to excellence has resulted in award-winning programs, popular cafés, and our renowned Welcome Week. Our employees demonstrate a strong work ethic and are regularly recognised and rewarded for their contributions to creating the best university campus experience in Australia.

• Free USU Rewards membership (valued at up to $150)
• Daily meal allowance and discounts at USU F&B and retail outlets (for shifts over 5 hours)
• Flexible hours Monday to Friday, promoting a healthy work/life balance
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities
• Clear career progression pathways
• Complimentary Rewards Member Card with discounts on and off campus
• And much more!

Join us in shaping an exceptional student experience while enjoying a supportive and rewarding work environment! 

SALARY

$35.73 per hour + 12% superannuation 

START DATE

HOW TO APPLY

This role is only open to Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students. You must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this job.

1. Please read the position description here before applying.
2. Attach a Cover Letter (max 2 pages, in MS Word or PDF format only) addressing the selection criteria, referring to the Position Description, detailing why you wish to be a DIAP Implementation Coordinator and what you can offer the position
3. Attach your resume (max 2 pages, in MS Word or PDF format only)

If you have any questions about the role and would like to have a yarn please reach out to Benjamin via email at usu_diversityinclusionlead@usu.edu.au

At USU, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for all candidates. We welcome applications from individuals with disabilities and are open to discussing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment journey. If you require any accommodations to participate fully in the application or interview process, please let us know, and we will do our best to support your needs.

PLEASE NOTE: Once you have commenced your application you cannot save and continue at a later stage.

 ABOUT THE USU

The USU (University of Sydney Union) is proudly Australia’s oldest and largest not-for-profit student organisation, dedicated to providing students with the best possible university experience. 

Led by a student board elected by our members, the USU provides fun things on campus, such as festivals, events and parties. We manage a diverse range of programs, including an active volunteering program and a Language Exchange, to name a few. In addition, we support over 200 Clubs and Societies as well as operate bars, food and retail outlets across campus, providing great coffee, affordable fresh food, graduation gown hire and official USYD merchandise. 

We are committed to promoting a workplace of equal opportunities. We promote healthy living and aims to protect the health and safety of staff, members and visitors to the University by providing a Smoke-Free Workplace. We do not accept unsolicited agency applications.

USU is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We’re committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applicants from all walks of life. Help make us better by joining our team. 

Due to the volume of applications received, shortlisted applicants will be contacted within approximately 4 weeks of the role’s closing date (or 4 weeks from the date of application if there is no specified closing date).