People & Culture Advisor

About University of Queensland Union (UQU)

University of Queensland Union (UQU) is Australia's oldest, largest, and most representative university union. We are led by students, not-for-profit, and have been independent since day one. We're not your typical employer, and we don't want to be.

We're a team of organisers, creatives, advocates, and community-builders. We are students backing students, choosing representation over hierarchy, and real impact over red tape.

We take our work seriously and thousands of students rely on us every day.

UQU supports 220 clubs and societies, our food and retail outlets, runs campus-defining events, and embed free food initiatives like Kampus Kitchen and Morning Marmalade to make sure no student goes without.

Since 1932, we've also published a free student newspaper, Semper Floreat, which has given generations of UQ students an opportunity to voice — that's nearly a century of independence we're proud to carry forward.

Right now, you'll see UQU has a lot on our plate, we're working hard to build and grow, and are actively investing in the ways we work, lead, and support our people. We're focussed on getting our foundations right — a culture that makes a real difference.

We're currently going through an organisational review and a period of change, and as part of this we have a number of roles to fill, meaning there's genuine opportunity to grow with us and shape how the organisation works.

When you join UQU, you won't just witness the uplift, you'll help drive it. Here, you'll have a genuine opportunity to use and build your skills, and leave your mark,  there's no other workplace quite like it.

What you'll do

We're looking for a capable People & Culture Advisor to join us at a pivotal time, helping UQU deliver on a busy period of organisational change and growth. This role is about pitching in where it counts: keeping recruitment and onboarding moving, and giving leaders and staff practical, timely advice while we work through significant change.

This role is available immediately, for a fixed term of approximately 3 months. Funding will be reviewed, with the potential for extension subject to approval.

This role exists to give our People & Culture Team extra capacity during a demanding period, with a strong focus on getting recruitment and onboarding done well and providing sound day-to-day advice.

• Recruitment & onboarding - partnering with hiring managers to deliver a standout candidate experience from first contact through to offer; working closely with the P&C Coordinator on end-to-end recruitment and onboarding, interview coordination, reference checks, and induction; continuously improving our processes and maintaining accurate reporting
• P&C advisory - partnering with leaders to provide practical, values-aligned advice; contributing to the P&C Partner Program; acting as an escalation point for the P&C Coordinator on complex or higher-risk matters
• Broader P&C projects - Support the P&C team with projects as required.

Is this you?

You're capable, calm under pressure, and ready to hit the ground running to help us get through a busy period of change and growth.

You're someone who:

• Can pick up a demanding recruitment and onboarding pipeline quickly and manage it with minimal ramp-up time
• Is confident being a first point of advice for leaders and staff on people matters, especially during change
• Brings energy, professionalism, and a solutions-focused mindset
• Is motivated by helping an organisation through a genuinely busy, high-impact period

You'll bring

• Relevant qualifications (or progress towards) and/or equivalent hands-on experience in People & Culture
• Solid experience managing recruitment and onboarding processes end-to-end
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Sound judgement, discretion, and comfort handling sensitive matters
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and a busy pipeline
• Experience working with HR/recruitment systems and maintaining accurate records
• Experience interpreting Enterprise Agreements
• Awareness of employment legislation, wellbeing, WHS, or psychosocial safety principles

Why work for UQU?

At UQU, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to initiatives that have a meaningful impact on the lives of thousands of students. We're honest that we're still on a journey of improvement, and we want people who are excited to help us build — not join a finished product. You'll have genuine opportunities to shape how we work and grow your own skills along the way.

What's in it for you?

• A real opportunity to help build a positive culture and make a genuine impact
• A vibrant, close-knit campus community based at our stunning St Lucia campus
• Opportunity for hybrid working
• A generous 15% superannuation
• Campus-wide F&B discounts at UQU owned outlets

Our Values

• Integrity - We do what we say. Every time.
• Respect - We treat everyone as they deserve to be treated.
• Inclusivity - Everyone belongs here.
• Creativity - We find better ways.
• Openness - We share, we listen, we grow.
• Accountability to Students - Students are why we're here.

Important details

• Contract: Fixed-term, approximately 3 months
• Location: UQ St Lucia Campus with hybrid working arrangements
• Work pattern: Full-time

Ready to apply?

To apply, please submit your Resume/CV and a short Cover Letter outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with shortlisted candidates invited to interview at our St Lucia campus.