What does the Senior Project Officer (First Nations Health) role at QUT entail?

The role involves coordinating projects that support First Nations health objectives, including community engagement, curriculum development, research partnerships, and reporting on outcomes aligned with university and national strategies.

Is the position identified for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants?

Many similar roles in this space use affirmative measures or identified positions to prioritise candidates with lived experience and cultural knowledge, though specific details are confirmed in the official job advertisement.

How does this role support Closing the Gap targets?

By strengthening university capacity in Indigenous health research, education, and engagement, the position contributes to improved educational attainment and health workforce development goals under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

What qualifications or experience are typically required?

Candidates usually need project management experience, strong stakeholder engagement skills, knowledge of Indigenous health contexts, and often relevant tertiary qualifications in health or related fields.

Where can I find more information about QUT's Indigenous initiatives?

Visit the official QUT pages on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support and research for details on the Oodgeroo Unit, Faculty of Indigenous Knowledges and Culture, and related strategies.

How does the role contribute to cultural safety in higher education?

Project work often includes developing resources, training, and partnerships that promote culturally safe practices for students, staff, and community members interacting with the university health and education programs.

What are the career pathways after this type of position?

Experience in university project roles frequently leads to senior positions in health departments, community organisations, research centres, or executive roles focused on Indigenous strategy and policy.

Are there similar opportunities at other Australian universities?

Yes, many institutions are expanding teams in Indigenous engagement, health, and research. Checking dedicated academic job boards regularly reveals a range of related positions across the sector.

How important is community partnership in these roles?

Community partnerships are central. Effective project officers build genuine relationships with Elders, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, and other stakeholders to ensure initiatives are community-led and culturally appropriate.

What support does QUT offer for Indigenous staff and students?

QUT provides dedicated units, mentoring, scholarships, and cultural spaces through the Oodgeroo Unit and faculty initiatives to support success and wellbeing.

When is the application deadline for this position?

Specific deadlines are listed in the official job advertisement on the QUT recruitment site. It is advisable to apply promptly as these opportunities can attract strong interest.

Senior Project Officer First Nations Health QUT

Advancing First Nations Health Through University Leadership Roles

Australian universities play a vital role in addressing longstanding health disparities faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. One such opportunity has emerged at Queensland University of Technology, where applications are open for a Senior Project Officer focused on First Nations health. This position supports strategic projects that integrate Indigenous knowledge, community partnerships, and evidence-based approaches to improve health outcomes across education, research, and engagement activities.

The role sits within a dynamic higher education environment committed to reconciliation and equity. It offers the chance to contribute to initiatives that align with national priorities like Closing the Gap while fostering culturally safe practices in academic settings. Professionals with experience in project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and Indigenous health contexts will find this an impactful way to drive meaningful change.

Understanding the Context of First Nations Health in Australia

First Nations health encompasses the physical, mental, emotional, social, and cultural wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Decades of systemic challenges, including limited access to culturally appropriate services, have contributed to gaps in life expectancy and chronic disease rates compared to non-Indigenous Australians. Universities are increasingly recognised as key partners in closing these gaps through research, workforce development, and curriculum innovation.

National frameworks such as the National Agreement on Closing the Gap emphasise shared decision-making with First Nations communities. Higher education institutions contribute by building Indigenous research capacity, supporting student success in health-related fields, and embedding Indigenous perspectives into teaching. Roles like the one at QUT help translate these commitments into practical project delivery.

QUT's Commitment to Indigenous Knowledges and Health

Queensland University of Technology has established strong foundations for Indigenous advancement. Its Oodgeroo Unit provides dedicated support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, while the newly formed Faculty of Indigenous Knowledges and Culture leads research that empowers communities and centres Indigenous voices. QUT also maintains a First Nations Australian Health Advisory Group to guide strategy in education, research, and external partnerships.

These structures create an environment where project officers can collaborate across faculties, particularly in health sciences. The university's approach prioritises respectful engagement with Traditional Owners and community-controlled organisations, ensuring projects reflect local priorities and knowledge systems rather than top-down models.

What the Senior Project Officer Role Involves

The position focuses on coordinating and delivering projects that advance First Nations health objectives within the university. Responsibilities typically include developing project plans, managing timelines and budgets, facilitating workshops with community stakeholders, and reporting on outcomes. The role supports initiatives such as curriculum indigenisation in health programs, community-led research partnerships, and professional development for staff.

Successful candidates will work closely with academic staff, professional teams, and external partners including Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services. Emphasis is placed on cultural safety, ethical research practices, and measurable impacts that benefit both the university community and broader First Nations populations in Queensland and nationally.

Coordinating cross-functional project teams
Engaging with Elders and community representatives
Monitoring progress against strategic health equity goals
Preparing documentation for funding bodies and governance committees

Skills and Experience Sought for Success in the Role

Applicants are expected to bring demonstrated experience in project management within health, education, or community sectors. Strong communication abilities, both written and verbal, are essential for liaising with diverse groups. Knowledge of Indigenous cultural protocols, governance structures, and the social determinants of health provides a significant advantage.

The position is often identified, meaning it is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants in line with affirmative measures that recognise the importance of lived experience in these areas. Tertiary qualifications in health, education, or a related field, combined with practical experience in stakeholder engagement, position candidates well for contribution from day one.

The Broader Impact on Higher Education and Communities

Positions like this strengthen the pipeline of Indigenous leadership in academia and health. They support universities in meeting targets for Indigenous student enrolment and completion, particularly in health disciplines where representation remains critical. By embedding project expertise, institutions can scale successful pilots into sustainable programs that influence policy and practice beyond campus boundaries.

Community benefits include enhanced research that respects Indigenous data sovereignty, improved cultural safety training for future health professionals, and direct contributions to local health priorities through collaborative projects. This creates a virtuous cycle where academic work informs better service delivery and community insights shape university directions.

Aligning with National Priorities and Closing the Gap

Australia's Closing the Gap agenda includes specific targets for health equity and education attainment. Higher education plays a supporting role by increasing the number of First Nations graduates in health fields and fostering research that addresses priority areas such as chronic disease, mental health, and maternal and child wellbeing. University project roles help operationalise these targets at an institutional level.

Recent government reports highlight progress in some areas alongside persistent challenges. Increased investment in Indigenous health workforce development and culturally safe models of care continues to be a focus. University-based positions contribute by preparing graduates equipped with both clinical skills and deep cultural understanding.

Opportunities for Career Growth in Indigenous Health Leadership

Roles at this level often serve as stepping stones to more senior positions in universities, government health departments, or community organisations. Experience gained in project delivery, partnership building, and strategic planning equips professionals for leadership in policy development, research coordination, or executive advisory capacities.

Many individuals in similar positions report high job satisfaction stemming from the direct connection between their work and tangible community outcomes. The combination of academic resources and real-world application makes these roles particularly rewarding for those passionate about systemic change.

How to Apply and Next Steps

Interested candidates can find full details and submit applications through the official QUT recruitment portal. The process typically involves addressing selection criteria, providing a current resume, and possibly participating in interviews that may include community representatives. Early preparation of examples demonstrating project success and cultural competency is recommended.

Exploring related opportunities on platforms dedicated to academic and university positions can also broaden options. Many institutions across Australia are expanding their Indigenous health and engagement teams in response to national strategies and community needs.

Future Outlook for First Nations Health in Higher Education

As universities continue to evolve their reconciliation action plans and Indigenous strategies, demand for skilled project professionals is expected to grow. Emerging areas include digital health solutions tailored for remote communities, climate-related health impacts on Country, and expanded postgraduate pathways for Indigenous researchers.

Success will depend on sustained partnerships, adequate resourcing, and genuine power-sharing with First Nations peoples. Roles such as the Senior Project Officer at QUT exemplify the practical steps institutions are taking to turn commitments into action, contributing to a more equitable and culturally rich higher education landscape.