Student Support Coordinator

About PEF

The Public Education Foundation (PEF) funds scholarships and mentoring for students in Australian public schools. At key points in the year, when scholarships open and close and when our Acacia program begins induction, we receive high volumes of student enquiries and applications.

About the Role

This casual role exists to make sure no student enquiry goes unanswered at those busy periods. You work directly under the Scholarship and Mentoring Manager, responding to student and applicant enquiries, supporting applications, and helping keep our scholar communications running on time.

For many of the students who contact us, this scholarship matters a great deal. How they are treated in this process reflects directly on PEF. We are looking for someone who understands that and brings genuine care to every interaction.

This role is engaged at peak enquiry and application periods, typically scholarship open and close windows, Acacia induction, and major program milestones. It is not engaged during the major events season (February to end of August). Specific windows are confirmed annually.

What You Will Do

• Respond to all student and applicant enquiries by email and phone within agreed timeframes
• Give applicants clear, accurate information about scholarship eligibility, the process, timelines, and what is required
• Help students complete their applications: answer questions, clarify requirements, and follow up where submissions are incomplete
• Send scheduled outbound communications to active scholars as directed: acknowledgements, outcome notifications, check-ins, and event invitations
• Log all interactions accurately in PEF Apply and HubSpot
• Assist with panel report preparation: compiling application data, formatting, and checking details
• Escalate complex or sensitive enquiries to the Scholarship and Mentoring Manager straight away
• Support student registration and check-in at major events when this role overlaps with an event
• Support the payment process for students.

What We Are Looking For

• A warm, patient communication style. You care about getting it right for every student.
• High attention to detail: you check your work and you understand why accuracy in student records and panel reports matters
• Clear, professional written communication
• Organised and able to handle a high volume of correspondence without losing track
• Comfortable working at pace during busy periods
• Experience with CRM or database systems, or the ability to learn quickly
• Commitment to public education and equity

Desirable

• Experience in student support, customer service, or community engagement
• Familiarity with the Australian public education system or scholarship programs

To Apply

Send your CV and a short cover letter (one page maximum). Tell us why this role appeals to you and describe any experience you have supporting people through an application or enquiry process.