Directors - Aboriginal Affairs

Premier’s Department

Directors – Aboriginal Affairs 

You. At the centre of big ideas. 

• Lead transformational reform, healing and community partnerships on behalf of Aboriginal Affairs across NSW 
• Provide your leadership and deep community connections to support with delivering the Groups strategic goals 
• Multiple ongoing Director roles available located primarily in Mascot and regionally based where appropriate.  

About the Roles 

The Aboriginal Affairs Group at the Premier's Department holds the responsibility for significant initiatives across NSW. We are looking to engage highly professional and experienced executives to undertake critical roles in delivering meaningful change and the NSW Government's commitments to Aboriginal communities. 

We are looking for demonstrated leadership capabilities and cultural confidence to continue to deliver on our commitment to Aboriginal communities in NSW. 7 newly created Director opportunities are available to lead the government initiatives across three branches. 

The roles across the 3 branches include: 

Reform and Innovation works in genuine partnership with Aboriginal peoples and communities to shape policies and reforms that reflect their needs and aspirations. The branch plays a key role in delivering the NSW Government’s commitments under Closing the Gap and advancing Aboriginal land and cultural heritage reform. 

Role descriptions for the opportunities available in Reform and Innovation are: 

• Director, Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and Land Strategy (Identified) 
• Director, Transformation (Identified) 
• Director, Partnerships and Governance 

Community Partnerships work with communities to achieve local aspirations and priorities. We facilitate local governance models for Aboriginal self-governance. This can take many forms, such as local decision making and our support for regional alliances. Communities determine what is the best model to suit local needs. We collaborate across government to help drive Aboriginal community-led change. This includes supporting community infrastructure programs and community disaster and emergency management. A particular focus of our work is with the 61 discrete Aboriginal communities across NSW. 

Role descriptions for the opportunities available in Community Partnerships are: 

• Director, Partnerships Northern NSW (Identified) 
• Director, Partnerships Southern & Western NSW (Identified) 

Truth & Healing 

The Truth and Healing Directorate sits at the heart of the NSW Governments commitment to truth telling and healing. Located in the Premiers Department, the Directorate plays a critical role in progressing reform and delivering meaningful outcomes in partnership with Aboriginal communities across New South Wales. We support the foundational initiatives including the NSW Treaty Process, the Keeping Places Program, Unfinished Business, Stolen Generations, and OCHRE (Opportunity, Choice, Healing, Responsibility and Empowerment). A key focus of the Directorate is the development and delivery of evidence-based policy and culturally grounded research. We do this through collaborating with Aboriginal communities, knowledge holders, academics and government partners to shape public policies and amplify the voice of Aboriginal people. You will work closely with Aboriginal Leaders, senior government leaders, and community stakeholders to advance the commitment of the Directorate. 

Role descriptions for the opportunities available in Truth & Healing are: 

• Director, Healing (Identified) 
• Director, Program Development (Identified) 

We're Looking For

•  Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Identity & Leadership: You identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and bring lived experience that directly informs your approach to advancing Aboriginal interests. You demonstrate cultural confidence and understand how to navigate complex government contexts while maintaining strong community connections. 
•  Stakeholder Relationship Excellence: Proven ability to build and maintain trusted relationships across diverse stakeholder groups - from community leaders and Elders to government executives and ministers. You can seamlessly transition between community engagement to NSW government engagements. 
•  Strategic Program Leadership: Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing, and managing complex programs and initiatives. You possess strong project management skills and can deliver outcomes within government frameworks while maintaining program integrity and community trust. 
•  Government & Policy Acumen: Deep understanding of government operations, policy development, and reform processes. Experience working with legislative frameworks, governance structures, and the ability to provide strategic advice on sensitive and complex Aboriginal Affairs matters. 
•  People Leadership & Team Building: Exceptional leadership capabilities with experience building high-performing teams and creating psychologically safe work environments. You can lead both internally within government and externally with community stakeholders.
•  Requirements: You hold a current Driver's License and are willing to travel around NSW as required. 

We value diverse experiences. Even if you're not sure you meet all requirements, we encourage you to apply. 

Why Join Us? 

• Flexible Working: Broad range of flexible working arrangements 
• Career Development: Ongoing learning through expert-led sessions, online training, and professional development opportunities 
• Wellbeing Support: Access to employee assistance program, fitness passport program, and wellbeing initiatives 
• Inclusive Culture: Staff-led networks including Aboriginal Staff Advisory Committee, Diversity & Inclusion Network, and Young Professionals Network 

How to Apply 

Click ‘Apply Online’ and submit your application including: 

• A resume detailing relevant knowledge, skills and experience (maximum 5 pages) 
• A cover letter addressing how you meet the requirements of the role (maximum 2 pages) 

There will be a pre-screening question when submitting your application where you will have the opportunity to indicate the roles you are interested in being considered for across the 3 branches. 

Closing date: Sunday, 24 August 2025 (9:59 AM) 

Salary: Senior Executive Band 1. Total remuneration package will be negotiated upon offer. 

Hiring Managers: 

• Trish Oxford – Reform & Innovation - trish.oxford@aboriginalaffairs.nsw.gov.au 
• Jennifer Mar Young – Community Partnerships - jennifer.maryoung@aboriginalaffairs.nsw.gov.au
• Lisa Madden – Truth & Healing - lisa.madden@aboriginalaffairs.nsw.gov.au 

About the Premier's Department 

Connecting to Deliver from the Heart of Government 

The Premier's Department leads the state's 430,000 public servants, driving collaboration and the delivery of whole-of-government priorities. Learn more about the department and a career at Premier’s Department. 

Our Commitment 

We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans and other diverse communities. 

The Premier's Department acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work and live. We pay respect to Ancestors and Elders past and present. We recognise and learn from the strengths of First Nations peoples of New South Wales and their continuing connection to, and unique cultural and spiritual relationship with, Country. 

Additional Information 

Reasonable Adjustments: The selection process will include assessment techniques to determine your suitability. You can request reasonable adjustments at any stage by indicating in pre-screening questions, contacting the Talent Team at PCT@premiersdepartment.nsw.gov.au, or reaching out to the hiring manager. 

Talent Pool: A talent pool may be created from this recruitment process. If eligible, you may be contacted for ongoing and temporary opportunities in the same role or grade that become available over an 18-month period. 

Some of the roles are Identified under the Section 14d of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 and as such Aboriginality is an essential requirement of the role.  

Aboriginal identified positions are developed where Aboriginal identity, cultural knowledge or connections are a genuine aspect of the role. Positions are specifically noted under the provisions of the NSW Anti-discrimination Act (1977) for Aboriginal people who meet the following criteria: 

• is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, and  
• identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and  
• is accepted as such by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community 

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants must confirm their Aboriginality in addition to the essential requirements of the role.