Clubs & Societies Manager

If you’re someone who loves meeting people, enjoys building connections, and knows how to have fun while getting the job done, we’d love to hear from you!

🚀 Position: Clubs & Societies Manager
🌐 Division: Student Representation
📅 Employment Status: Full-time, Ongoing
💼 Classification Level: PL 8.1 plus 14.5% Superannuation
📍 Location: University of Melbourne, Parkville
🗓️ Start Date: October 2026

About The University of Melbourne Student Union Inc (UMSU)

The University of Melbourne Student Union Inc (UMSU) is a dynamic, for-purpose incorporated association, serving as the representative body for all students at the University of Melbourne. Structured around student control of student affairs, UMSU is governed by an elected Students’ Council and twelve student departments, chosen by and from the student body.

Located in the heart of the University of Melbourne’s award-winning student precinct, UMSU is a vibrant, creative, and diverse social justice organization committed to representing and supporting University of Melbourne students. Our vast arts and culture programs for emerging student artists are run in a state-of-the-art theatre, a professional art gallery, the iconic Rowden White Library and the Ida Bar – the only student bar on campus.

About the role

UMSU has more than 250 affiliated student clubs, societies and theatre groups that cover a diverse array of interests and cultures. Operating under the broad direction of the Divisional Manager, Student Representation, the Clubs & Societies Manager will oversee the Clubs & Societies staff team and collaborate with its elected student representatives to ensure a vibrant, safe, inclusive and positive environment for clubs, societies and student theatre groups affiliated with UMSU. The role will also assist the Student Representation Division to ensure its activities and services support effective governance and compliance, and align with UMSU’s strategic priorities, compliance requirements and funding obligations, and profile the importance of its affiliated clubs, societies and theatre groups.

Importantly, the Manager role will lead the strategic development of the Clubs & Societies department’s services, programs, training and event collaboration to support clubs, societies and student theatre groups to create a positive student experience.

UMSU provides student-facing services and events on University of Melbourne campuses, and work is undertaken in person and on site (and after hours as required). UMSU staff employment conditions are covered by the University of Melbourne Student Union Agreement 2023-2025 and associated policies, such as the Flexible Work Policy.

Core responsibilities of your role include:

Provide strategic leadership for Clubs & Societies, aligning programs and services with UMSU’s strategic and governance frameworks.
Lead and develop the Clubs & Societies team, setting priorities, performance expectations, work plans and professional development.
Build strong relationships with student leaders to foster collaboration, engagement and partnerships across the student community.
Provide expert advice and guidance on governance, finance, risk, policy, planning and operational matters.
Oversee effective operations and financial management.
Drive continuous improvement and strategic projects.

How to Apply?

To find out more information about this position, please View the position description here.

All applications should include:

A cover letter responding to the Key Selection Criteria found in the Position Description(maximum 2 pages of text). Applications submitted without a cover letter addressing the KSC will not be considered.
A brief CV highlighting relevant experience, and
The names and contact details of 3 professional referees.

Applications for this position close at Midnight, Sunday 4 October 2026 and should be submitted via the Recruitment Form.

If at any stage of the recruitment and selection process you require an alternative format to the application material or reasonable adjustment to the interview arrangements, please contact us at recruitment@union.unimelb.edu.au

Your Expertise (Need to Have)

Postgraduate qualifications; or, progress towards postgraduate qualifications and extensive relevant professional experience; or, extensive experience and management expertise; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and education/training.
Demonstrated experience leading and developing staff and managing a functional area, including the ability to set priorities, allocate resources and achieve outcomes within competing demands.
Demonstrated experience providing strategic support and specialist advice relevant to the governance, record-keeping, legislative and regulatory compliance of incorporated and unincorporated associations, such as student-led clubs and societies.
Proven ability to work autonomously with a high degree of initiative and judgement, managing competing priorities in a complex organisational context and delivering outcomes within agreed timeframes and resources.
Exceptional relationship, negotiation and rapport-building skills, including experience building trust, confidence and cooperation in achieving organisational objectives, and creating positive and effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, and experience preparing high-quality reports.
A valid employee Working with Children Check.

Bonus Points (Nice to Have)

Experience in the higher education sector and/or in student, community and/or membership-based organisations; and
A commitment to the principles of student unionism.

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 $107,053.84, 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.

Additional information

Please note, all applicants will be require to hold or obtain a valid Employee Working with Children check, National Police Check and provide verification of unrestricted working rights in Australia.

UMSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, including First Nations people, women, people with disabilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

UMSU acknowledges the Wurundjeri people as the Traditional Owners of the land where we operate. We pay our respects to Indigenous Elders past, present, and emerging. Sovereignty was never ceded. This always was and always will be, Aboriginal land. UMSU reserves the right to withdraw this position at any stage of the recruitment process.

UMSU reserves the right to withdraw this position at any stage of the recruitment process.