We have two full-time, 2-year fixed term positions to join the FIRST Australia Team, in the Faculty of Science and Engineering! If you are driven to make a difference and are ready to bring your skills to a program that inspires the next generation, we’d love to hear from you!
The Program Officers will play a key role in supporting the exciting FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) OR FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) programs by providing comprehensive project management, program coordination, training facilitation, and logistical support to ensure their success.
As a Program Officer, your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting the planning and delivery of the program, ensuring successful execution throughout the season
- Align activities with educational curricula to support student learning
- Coordinating the logistics and operations for events at local and national levels.
- Supporting grant processes, including applications, tracking, and reporting
- Train and support key volunteers involved in program delivery
- Building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders to enhance program impact.
Program-specific responsibilities for each role include:
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics program
- Plan and deliver the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) program
- Drive FTC program expansion, reaching new schools and communities
- Manage the dashboard, website, and digital resources for the programs.
FIRST Robotics Challenge (FRC) robotics program
- Plan and deliver the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) program
- Grow the FRC program with a focus on program expansion
- Manage the recruitment, retention, and recognition of FIRST volunteers nationally for all programs.
About the team
FIRST is a key strategic initiative of the University with a national and growing international profile. In collaboration with Macquarie University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, the FIRST programs aim to inspire the next generation to choose science and engineering degrees and career pathways. Macquarie University is the home of FIRST programs in Australia which includes all aspects of running the programs nationally.
About You
You are an enthusiastic and detail-oriented professional with a passion for education and STEM initiatives with a strong aptitude for logistics, you are adept at coordinating local and national events, managing grant processes, and supporting applications, tracking, and reporting. You bring exceptional organisational and communication skills to every task and excel at planning and delivering programs.
Ready to join us?
To be considered for this position, please apply online by submitting your CV and a separate (2 page maximum) cover letter that demonstrates how you meet the following selection criteria:
- A degree in a related discipline or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Understanding of project management principles and practices, and strong organisation and time management skills.
- Ability to modify and deliver training and demonstrations for different cultural groups and designing activities to enhance learning outcomes.
- Developing and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders and partner organisations.
- Finance administration and tracking of budgets.
A Working With Children check will be required – please provide this number in your application.
Why work at Macquarie?
We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index, having recently earned a five-star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability.
Our prime location, we are walking distance from Macquarie University Metro Station and Macquarie Shopping Centre. Not only are we close, take a look at our benefits on offer:
- 17% Superannuation
- Subsidised onsite parking options
- Flexible working options
- Training and professional development
- Purchased leave
- Onsite childcare facilities
- Discounted health insurance (Medibank)
- Onsite vacation care
- Subsidised membership at the Sport & Aquatic Centre
- Onsite GP, imaging & physio clinics
Specific Role Enquiries: William de Lima, Manager, FIRST Australia on william.delima@mq.edu.au.
General Recruitment Enquiries: Kate Williams, Talent Acquisition Consultant – k.williams@mq.edu.au.
Diversity and Inclusion
Innovation and ingenuity thrive at Macquarie University when diversity, equity and inclusion take centre stage. At the University, we embrace a culture where diversity of background, experience and perspective are fundamental to our success.
We do not discriminate on gender identity, age, culture, disability, sexuality, Indigeneity, family and caring responsibilities or religion. See our journey towards leadership in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education.
Flexible Work
At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace.
