Full Time, 5 Year Fixed-term Contract | Adelaide, SA

This is an identified position and is only open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates.

About the organisation

Adelaide University is a new generation university bringing together the strengths, histories and ambitions of two leading South Australian institutions to create a university with a strong focus on education, research, innovation and community impact.

With a commitment to excellence, inclusion and collaboration, Adelaide University is focused on creating transformative opportunities for students, advancing research that addresses global and community challenges, and building meaningful partnerships locally, nationally and internationally.

This key role will help shape a university where First Nations leadership, knowledge and perspectives are at the heart of our future.

Guided by values of Trust, Inclusivity, Ambition, Respect and Discovery, Adelaide University is committed to being a destination of choice for Australia’s First Peoples. Central to this commitment is embracing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges, cultures and perspectives, and advancing reconciliation through education, research, engagement and institutional practice.

About the role

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor and President, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, First Nations is a key executive leadership role responsible for providing strategic direction across Adelaide University’s First Nations portfolio.

The role will lead the development and delivery of the University’s priorities for First Nations education, research, community engagement, employment, student success and reconciliation. You will embed First Nations perspectives across University strategy, teaching, research, workforce and policy, while strengthening cultural capability and supporting meaningful institutional change.

As a member of the Adelaide University Executive and senior leadership team, you will provide expert advice on First Nations priorities and build trusted relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Elders, organisations, government agencies, peak bodies and sector partners. You will lead the First Nations Portfolio,



supporting improved outcomes for students and staff while advancing First Nations research excellence, engagement and knowledge sharing.

This is an opportunity to shape the future direction of First Nations education, research and engagement at a leading Australian university and contribute to meaningful outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

For a full list of responsibilities associated with this role, please contact Pipeline Talent via [email protected].

About you

You are an accomplished First Nations leader with extensive experience providing strategic leadership in higher education, research, government or similarly complex environments.

You bring deep knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, cultures and perspectives, with a demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships and partnerships that support community-driven outcomes.

A recognised leader in your field, you have experience influencing institutional strategy, governance and policy within organisations and external stakeholders and leading organisational change that improves outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff and communities.

You are an inspiring and collaborative executive who can lead large and complex teams, strengthen organisational capability and work effectively across diverse stakeholders including universities, government, community organisations and sector partners.

You will bring a robust commitment to cultural integrity, reconciliation, First Nations excellence and the advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation and achievement in higher education.

Selection Criteria

1. Demonstrated experience providing strategic leadership in First Nations education, research, community engagement and organisational development within a higher education, research, government or similarly complex environment.
2.



Extensive experience leading large and complex teams, fostering high-performing, culturally safe and collaborative environments.
3. Proven ability to establish and maintain trusted relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, organisations, government agencies and strategic partners.
4. Demonstrated experience influencing institutional strategy, policy, governance and decision-making at executive leadership level.
5. Experience leading organisational change, cultural transformation and initiatives that improve outcomes for First Nations students and staff.
6. Demonstrated ability to represent an organisation nationally and internationally and contribute to sector and society priorities, partnerships and advocacy activities.

What we can offer you

- Leadership at the most senior levels of a large, prestigious university committed to bringing about a shift of generational significance in our First Nations work.
- Leadership of a significant, university-wide portfolio advancing First Nations education, research, engagement, employment and reconciliation.
- Generous salary package that includes 17% superannuation.
- Options to sacrifice salary for various benefits and tax-effective arrangements.
- Access to on-campus health clinics, gyms, and other fitness facilities.
- Staff discounts on services such as corporate health insurance plans (e.g., Medibank).
- High-quality professional learning, leadership training, and career progression frameworks.
- Hybrid, home-based work, and flexible hours are available across roles to support work-life balance.

How to apply

Your application should include

- A current resume.
- A cover letter responding to the selection criteria and outlining your motivation and suitability for the position.

Applications are to be submitted via the Pipeline Talent website at: https://www.pipelinetalent.com.au/

Applications close 11:59pm Monday, 2 November 2026.

How to get more information For further information on the position, please contact the team at Pipeline Talent.

Tiana Callaughan

Head of Recruitment [email protected] | [email protected]

M: 0476 538 307 | PH: 02 8001 6603

📌 Deputy Vice-Chancellor, First Nations (Adelaide)
🏢 Adelaide University
📍 Adelaide