Search by Keyword, e.g. Graduate (not Grad)

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Director, First Nations Unit - Aff… - First Nations

ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; TAS; VIC; WA

Classification

Executive Level 2 - $140,893.00 to $183,347.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

Employment Type

Ongoing (Permanent), Full time

Office Arrangements

Flexible - Flexible working arrangements can be negotiated in accordance with our Enterprise Agreement and the operational requirements of the role.

Applications close on 29/10/2026 at 11:59pm AEST (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

About the opportunity

This process is being used to fill 1 immediate position

The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under Section 31 of the Australian Public Service Commissioner's Directions 2022. This vacancy is only available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Applicants suitable for the role but not offered the position for the current vacancy may be placed in a merit list or pool to fill similar vacancies for up to 18 months anywhere in ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; TAS; VIC; WA.

About our team

Chief Operating Officer | People | Recruitment Diversity & Learning | First Nations Unit

The First Nations Unit (FNU) is as a dedicated section within the Recruitment, Diversity and Learning Branch in People Division. The Unit plays a key role in uplifting our collective cultural capability, improving how we engage and drive genuine reform in our policy development and program delivery.

The First Nations Unit is positioned in People Division and supports improved cultural capability across the entire Department, including the ABF.



The Unit is a vital contributor to strengthening enduring partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, organisations and groups to collectively address shared border protection challenges.

The Unit is a central coordination point for all First Nations initiatives, including Departmental contributions to Priority Reform as outlined within the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, enabling prioritisation of reform initiatives with the most meaningful and positive impact for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

- Exceptional strategic leadership skills, with the ability to influence enterprise outcomes and drive complex reform in a large and diverse organisation
- Deep understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and issues, with a strong commitment to cultural safety, inclusion and self-determination
- Proven experience building and maintaining trusted relationships with First Nations stakeholders, communities, senior executives and external partners
- Strong governance, planning and performance management capability, including oversight of complex programs, reporting, risk management and accountability frameworks
- A track record of leading and developing high-performing teams, fostering collaboration, innovation and delivery of meaningful outcomes.

Duties and responsibilities





- Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of governance frameworks, strategic initiatives and culturally safe practices that support the Department's First Nations priorities.
- Oversee the Department's Closing the Gap commitments, including planning, performance monitoring, reporting, assurance activities and the provision of high-quality advice to senior executives.
- Provide leadership and quality assurance across policies, programs and workforce initiatives to ensure alignment with First Nations priorities, perspectives and outcomes.
- Monitor and report on First Nations initiatives, risks, dependencies and outcomes across the Department to support effective decision-making and accountability.
- Build and maintain strong partnerships, engagement networks and governance forums to strengthen collaboration, accountability and First Nations-informed decision-making across the Department and with external stakeholders.

Additional information

This position is an Aff… for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Preferred Role Requirements and Qualifications:

- Experience leading and coordinating whole-of-organisation First Nations initiatives, including governance, reporting and executive briefings
- Demonstrated experience supporting delivery of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (including Priority Reforms) and/or Reconciliation Action Plan implementation and reporting
- Experience developing and embedding culturally safe engagement protocols and advising on cultural risk/sensitivity for programs, communications and events
- Proven ability to build trusted partnerships with Ab

📌 Director, First Nations Unit (South Australia)
🏢 Home Affairs
📍 South Australia