OVERVIEW The Coordinator, Food Programs role at the University of Melbourne is a full-time fixed-term opportunity within Student and Scholarly Services. Based in Parkville, Melbourne VIC, this position leads the University’s Campus Canteens and Social Dinner programs, supporting student wellbeing, food security, belonging, and connection through inclusive and sustainable food initiatives. The role combines operational leadership, stakeholder engagement, communications, student staff supervision, and data-driven service improvement. The successful candidate will contribute to programs that create accessible and supportive student experiences across the University community. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES – Lead the end-to-end operations of Campus Canteens and Social Dinner programs across Parkville and Southbank. – Manage food safety, operational processes, and workflows to ensure compliant, efficient, and student-centred food relief services. – Oversee budgets, supplier relationships, and student staffing. – Support staff performance, development, and financial sustainability. – Develop and deliver multi-channel communications promoting programs and demonstrating impact to stakeholders. – Coordinate communications across social media, digital, and print channels, including Instagram and student news. – Build partnerships to strengthen program delivery and community engagement. – Lead data collection, analysis, and reporting to inform service improvement and governance. – Interpret data and generate insights for senior stakeholders. – Contribute to inclusive program design that supports student wellbeing, connection, and equity. – Work collaboratively within the Student Connection and Belonging team to enhance student success and community. REQUIREMENTS – Relevant tertiary qualifications or an equivalent combination of education and related experience. – Demonstrated experience managing programs that balance community impact with operational and financial sustainability. – Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and report clearly to senior stakeholders. – Experience coordinating communications across social media, digital, and print platforms. – Ability to lead and develop staff teams, ideally including student employees or interns. – Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Excel, Power BI, and Canva. – High attention to detail. – Current valid work rights for Australia. – Willingness to obtain or hold a Working with Children Check. – Ability to provide a resume and cover letter outlining relevant interest and experience. WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS Food security, wellbeing, and social connection are important elements of student success in higher education. This role supports inclusive access to nutritious and affordable food while creating opportunities for students to build community and belonging. The position also contributes to evidence-based student services by combining operational management with partnership development, communications, and data-informed decision-making. Professionals in roles like this help universities strengthen student engagement and support systems across diverse campus communities. BONUS: APPLICATION ADVICE – Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate experience managing community-focused programs with operational and financial responsibilities. – Highlight examples of supervising staff, interns, volunteers, or student employees in collaborative environments. – Include experience with stakeholder engagement, supplier coordination, or partnership development where relevant. – Provide evidence of communication skills across digital, social media, and print channels, especially campaign or student engagement work. – Showcase analytical and reporting experience, including familiarity with Excel, Power BI, or data-driven service improvement. – Review the position