Divisional Manager, Student Representation

The focus of this position is to provide strategic leadership for Student Representation at UMSU. It involves offering expert advice regarding UMSU’s operational, governance, campaign and compliance obligations; fostering positive workplace relations between elected student representatives and staff at UMSU; and supporting and coordinating student representative driven campaigns.

Additionally, the Divisional Manager, Student Representation ensures that student representatives receive timely advice, research, and data from UMSU’s student-facing services, providing a solid evidence base to support their campaigns and advocacy with the University. The role is also responsible for ensuring that student representatives on university governance bodies share information with the Advocacy & Legal division to enhance UMSU’s systemic advocacy functions. The role provides guidance, direction and supervision to the Student Representation Coordinator to enable them to provide timely and effective operational and administrative support to elected student representatives at UMSU.

As an organisation providing student-facing services and events, an inherent requirement of this role is the ability to work in person and on site. UMSU staff employment conditions are covered by the University of Melbourne Student Union Agreement 2023-2025.

Core responsibilities of your role include:

• Work with the management team and CEO to support the development and implementation of UMSU’s Impact and Outcomes Strategy 2026-2028;
• Oversee the development of new ways of working both within the division and the interaction between staff and student representatives across the organisation to amplify UMSU’s impact and enhance the leadership experience of student representatives.
• Act as the primary contact for the Student Representation, Volunteering and Clubs & Societies teams in response to external enquiries regarding day-to-day operation and campaigns.
• Provide leadership and support to the Student Representation Coordinator by maintaining motivation and productivity within the area and facilitating a positive work environment and culture.
• Provide timely advice, mentoring and support to the elected student representatives on interpretation of the UMSU Constitution, Regulations and other legislative governance obligations.
• Provide timely information to the CEO, President and General Secretary on potential/emerging risks and issues or matters of concern arising in student representation or governance, including proactively take steps to resolve matters appropriately.
• Work with Clubs and Societies and Volunteering managers to ensure timely and accurate advice on governance and compliance is provided to Clubs and Societies and key stakeholders across the university community.
• Support and encourage collaborative relationships between Student Representation, Volunteering and Clubs & Societies departments.
• In collaboration with the Advocacy Service, support the development and implementation of effective campaign activities driven by the student representative departments, including strategy development and implementation, resourcing elected student representative to take action on key issues affecting their constituents

Your Expertise (Need to Have)

• A relevant postgraduate qualification or legal qualifications and/or extensive experience in tertiary advocacy or trade union settings combined with relevant tertiary qualifications.
• Demonstrated experience in the supervision of staff and a demonstrated ability to manage staff in a complex environment.
• A demonstrated ability to plan, schedule and deliver a range of high-quality outcomes with often competing priorities, within tight timelines, relevant to working in a team environment.
• Demonstrated skills in conflict resolution and negotiation, and effective verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated research skills with particular reference to the evaluation, development and implementation of effective campaigns.
• Knowledge of current education issues including government policy, an appreciation and understanding of the issues of concern to, and needs of, students, and a commitment to the principles of student unionism.
• A valid employee Working with Children Check.

Bonus Points (Nice to Have)

• Experience in working in a higher education environment.
• Experience in working in student organisations or Trade Unions.
• Significant experience in alternative dispute resolution.
• Excellent sense of humour.

Why Join UMSU?

This is more than a job – it’s a chance to positively impact the lives of students. At UMSU, you’ll be part of a diverse team, working together to foster a thriving, inclusive student community. We value creativity, diversity, and the powerful voice of students in shaping our future.

What’s on Offer

• This is a full-time ongoing role (35 hours per week), position with a starting base salary of $122,570.70 plus 14.5% superannuation
• A cause driven workplace with an eclectic culture and flexible approach to our work
• True work life balance – check out our benefits which include a 35-hour working week, 5 weeks leave, leave loading of 17.5%
• Access to professional development opportunities tailored to you and your career path