Senior Advocate

Champion Student Rights at Victoria's Largest Student Union

Provide expert advice and representation to University of Melbourne students while helping shape the policies and processes that affect them.

🚀 Position: Senior Advocate, UMSU Advocacy Service
🌐 Division: Advocacy & Legal
📅 Employment Status: Full-time, Fixed Term (12 Months)
💼 Salary: $107,053.84 plus 14.5% Superannuation
📍 Location: University of Melbourne, Parkville
🗓️ Start Date: ASAP

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 Division

The Advocacy & Legal Division comprises a co-located Community Legal Centre, a specialist team supporting students affected by gender-based violence, and the Student Advocacy Service. The Advocacy Service gives students independent advice and representation in formal and informal University processes. Students facing the University are at a power disadvantage, and we work to offset it. We also use what we learn from casework to push for change to the University policies and practices that cause problems for students.

About the role

We are looking for an experienced advocate to join the Advocacy Service as Senior Advocate. You will manage a substantial caseload, coordinating each matter through to the best outcome available.

You will advise students on their rights and responsibilities under university regulations, policies and procedures, help them prepare submissions, appeals and complaints, and negotiate on their behalf with academic and administrative staff. Beyond casework, you will review and monitor University policy on academic progress, complaints, appeals and misconduct matters, prepare submissions to the University and external bodies, track trends in higher education and report on their impact on students. You will contribute to induction for elected student representatives, develop self-help resources and represent student interests in University and UMSU forums.

The role works with a high degree of autonomy and reports to the Team Leader, Advocacy Service. Applicants with a background in student advocacy work, law, social work or a related field are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply?

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

For a confidential conversation about the role, contact Paul Lewis-Hornsby at p.hornsby@union.unimelb.edu.au.

All applications should include:

A cover letter responding to the Key Selection Criteria found in the Position Description (maximum 2 pages of text). Please note that 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 will remain open until the position is filled.

Applications must 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

About You (Need to Have)

A degree and at least four years’ relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of experience and education
Proven skills in advocacy and negotiation, ideally in an education or tribunal setting
Research and policy skills, including evaluating, developing and implementing policy
Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication
Knowledge of current issues in higher education, including government policy
A good understanding of the issues that affect students
The ability to work well in a team
Experience in higher education or with student organisations, and training in risk assessment or gender-based violence, would be an advantage.
Availability to work on campus at least three days a week. In-person work is an inherent requirement of the role, and flexible arrangements are subject to UMSU’s Flexible Work Policy.

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

True work life balance – check out our benefits which include a 35-hour working week, 5 weeks leave (pro-rata) plus leave loading of 17.5%.
Professional development and a workplace culture you won’t find elsewhere.
This is a Full-time, fixed term 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
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. You are also required to provide certified copies of qualifications.

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.