Manager - First Nations Strategy- National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health

Employment Type: Part Time, 0.6- 0.8 FTE  

Duration: Up Until 30 June 2026 with a possible extension

Remuneration: Level 8 Professional $123K-$138K pro rata (based on experience) + 17% Super + Annual Leave Loading

Location: Ideally based in Sydney; Approx. 50% time expected in-office (Randwick).

This is an identified position, and applicants must be an Aboriginal and /or Torres Strait Islander person. Evidencing Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status will be required.

About The National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health:

The National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health (the Centre) is a new major initiative supported by the Australian Government, Department of Health and Aged Care, which commenced in 2023. The Centre’s purpose is to make sure people with intellectual disability get better health care. The Centre is based at UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney.

Why this role matters:

The Manager – First Nations Strategy will lead the implementation of the Centre’s commitment to embedding the strengths and priorities of First Nations people with intellectual disability across its governance, programs, and culture.

Based at UNSW, the role works in partnership with nine national consortium members—including First Peoples Disability Network (FPDN)—and a range of national and international stakeholders across the health, disability, community, academic, and government sectors.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (with a dotted line to the Centre Director), the Manager will oversee strategic planning, implementation, governance, and monitoring of the Centre’s First Nations strategy, including KPI reporting and budget management.

The role requires values-led leadership, the ability to build trust and collaborative relationships, and experience in inclusive, co-designed approaches. A background in health, disability, or community development is preferred. Occasional interstate travel and supervision of up to two direct reports may be required.

Skills Required:

• Experience working with First Nations people with lived experience of disability, including intellectual disability, and commitment to inclusion and co-design methodologies.
• Relevant tertiary qualification with subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training, and experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of cultural models of inclusion, cultural and social determinants of wellbeing for First Nations people with disability
• Demonstrated understanding of intersectionality and developing organisational and programmatic solutions and responses to address discrimination.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and intercultural communication skills, including for people with intellectual disability, to initiate and maintain effective relationships whilst exercising discretion and confidentiality.
• Demonstrated staff and team management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively within a diverse team to drive change, but also to take initiative and work independently while managing competing demands.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines by using judgement and initiative.
• Excellent stakeholder relationships, including with community-controlled sector and peak bodies, universities and/or industry partners.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

To learn more about this position, and view the comprehensive skills and criteria list, a copy of the Position Description can be found by clicking on the position description button beneath our ad on JOBS@UNSW.

Specific Pre-Employment Checks Required:

• Provide Evidencing Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander documentation, if successful.
• NSW Working with Children Check or willingness to obtain one
• Criminal Records Check

Benefits and Culture:

UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to a plethora of UNSW-perks including:​ 

• 10 days paid cultural leave per year
• Indigenous Employee Network
• 17% Superannuation and leave loading
• Flexible working
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period
• Access to lifelong learning and career development
• Progressive HR practices

More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here.  

How to apply

Please click Apply now to submit your application online. Applications submitted via email will not be accepted.

To view the full position description, please click on the Position Description link below.

Get in Touch (for job related queries only – applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed):

Aarti

Talent Acquisition Coordinator

a.aarti@unsw.edu.au

For more information on how UNSW contributes to Indigenous initiatives, please contact Nat Chenhall, Manager of Indigenous Employment on email: n.chenhall@unsw.edu.au

Applications close:  Sunday 27^th July before 11:30 pm

This position is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants only.  UNSW has obtained an exemption under section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) to designate and recruit professional and academic positions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons only, to fulfil UNSW’s goal of a representative workforce rate.

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.