Advancing Indigenous Priorities in Higher Education: The Strategic Appointment of a Pro-Vice Chancellor (Indigenous)
The Brief
With recent success in senior Indigenous higher education appointments, Future Leadership was selected to partner with one of Australia’s largest university, a prominent member of the Group of Eight, in the appointment of its next Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous).
This critical role is responsible for leading institutional policy, strategy, advice, and engagement on Indigenous matters. Working in collaboration with a dedicated Indigenous institute, the role leads wide-ranging engagement on Indigenous priorities, establishing and strengthening key partnerships.
Candidate net Promote Score
Future Leadership combines truly personalised relationships with innovative technology solutions to ensure an approachable and efficient process for all our Net Promoter Score across clients, successful candidates and unsuccessful candidates is well above industry standard.
Candidates supported every year
We maintain genuine relationships with past candidates and continue to support them with leadership solutions long term, after they land their role.
Senior Women Appointed since 2002
Over half of the executive search assignments undertaken by our team have resulted in the appointment of outstanding female or LGBTQI+ leaders to high profile roles.
Candidate Retention Rate for 12 months since 2002
Our thorough briefing process and ability to engage passive candidates mean that we go to great lengths to find the right person for the role – long term!
The Process
Following a detailed briefing with senior University representatives, including members of the University Council, our team engaged with our existing networks of Indigenous academics and researchers, seeking their advice, recommendations and potential indication of personal interest.
Supplementary research and mapping ensured that the widest possible field was engaged. Our consultant team encouraged applications from high potential candidates and conducted interviews to ensure a fit with the requirements and culture of the University. An online advertising campaign supplemented the search and included higher education and Indigenous websites.
Regular progress meetings were held with the Monash HR team to ensure the University was kept abreast of progress and to obtain feedback on the developing field.
Emerging Capabilities
Cultural Competency and Indigenous Engagement
Deep understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures, with the ability to engage meaningfully with Indigenous communities fostering inclusive policies, programs, and partnerships that reflect the needs and aspirations of Indigenous peoples.
Leadership in Higher Education
Proven leadership within the higher education sector, particularly in driving strategic initiatives, managing academic programs, and leading diverse teams.
Policy Development and Advocacy
The ability to develop, implement, and advocate for policies that align with organisational goals and regulatory requirements.
Research Excellence and Innovation
A strong track record in academic research, with the ability to drive research excellence and innovation
Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration
Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, government agencies, and industry partners.
The Outcome
From a longlist of eight candidates, four were invited to Melbourne for interviews before a selection committee that included the Vice-Chancellor, a University Council Board Member, and senior representatives from the University.
A distinguished Aboriginal academic was appointed to the role. An internationally-recognised researcher and educator, this individual joined the University in December 2022 from another leading Australian institution, where they held the position of Associate Professor and Director of Research Training in the Department of Indigenous Studies. During their tenure, they achieved significant growth and innovation within the department, particularly in developing programs to support students and optimise enrolment numbers, especially in higher degree research. They also served as the Director of the Indigenous support centre at their previous institution.
This academic’s contemporary research interests include identities in online social spaces, Indigenous studies and education, and digital communication technologies.
Furthermore, two additional appointments have been made from this process, which are yet to be announced at the time of writing.
