About the role:

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

About UMSU

With a living history that extends over 130 years, The University of Melbourne Student Union Inc (UMSU) is not just an organisation – it’s a vibrant hub where creativity, diversity, and social justice intertwine to offer students of the University of Melbourne an enriching campus experience. We’re the voice and heart of the student community, constantly buzzing with activities, events, and initiatives that make campus life unforgettable!

As a non-profit organisation run by students, for students, we keep the arts, representation, advocacy, live music, and cultural services alive on campus.

UMSU enables students to get more out of their time at the University. We provide opportunities for students to immerse themselves in a wealth of cultural facilities and events, whilst having access to quality support services. At its heart UMSU is committed to ensuring students have advocacy and representation on campus – ensuring student voices are heard while making students’ time at the University fun and enjoyable.