Associate Director, Aboriginal Cultural Capability

Southern NSW Local Health District; St Leonards; Hybrid; AUD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Hybrid working options

Comprehensive leave entitlements

Discounted access to fitness centres

Job summary

NSW Health invites applications for the role of Associate Director, Aboriginal Cultural Capability. This senior position leads NSW Health's Respecting the Difference program and other cultural safety initiatives, overseeing education delivery and the Centre of Expertise within HETI.

You will drive Aboriginal cultural integrity, workforce capability, and strategic advice to support Closing the Gap commitments, reporting to the Director Aboriginal Cultural Capability.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership in Aboriginal cultural capability development and education program delivery.
• Experience in governance, program design and evaluation for large-scale initiatives.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with Aboriginal communities and stakeholders.
• Experience in healthcare sector is highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Drive statewide Aboriginal cultural capability and integrity across NSW Health.
• Lead strategic implementation of Respecting the Difference and cultural safety training programs.
• Influence system-wide change through leadership and community connections.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to embed cultural responsiveness and improve health outcomes.

Job description

Associate Director, Aboriginal Cultural Capability

Associate Director, Aboriginal Cultural Capability

Additional Benefits: Competitiveremuneration, a range of flexible working options including hybrid working, as well as comprehensive leave entitlements.

Location: 1 Reserve Road, St Leonards, Cammeraygal Country
Applications Close: 11:59PM, Wednesday, 30 September 2026

Bring your cultural leadership and educational expertise to create meaningful, lasting impact across NSW Health.

• Drive statewide Aboriginal cultural capability and integrity across NSW Health
• Lead the strategic implementation of Respecting the Difference and cultural safety education and training programs
• Influence system-wide change through expert leadership and strong community connections
• Collaborate with stakeholders to embed cultural responsiveness and improve health outcomes

About the Opportunity
The Associate Director, Aboriginal Cultural Capability leads the strategic implementation and continuous improvement of NSW Health's Respecting the Difference program and other cultural safety education programs and initiatives. This role oversees the Centre of Expertise and Delivery Hub within the Health Education and Training Institute (HETI), driving statewide Aboriginal cultural integrity and workforce capability development through high-quality education and training. Working to the Director Aboriginal Cultural Capability, this role will drive the leadership and strategic advice in relation to Aboriginal cultural capability, cultural safety, and supporting Aboriginal workforce implementation of the NSW Health Anti-Racism and Accountability Strategy, Closing the Gap commitments and other key transformation initiatives.

The position requires deep cultural expertise combined with strong educational leadership, including experience in program design, adult learning principles, delivery, governance, and evaluation. You will provide astute, respectful guidance to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal stakeholders while working closely with the Ministry of Health, Local Health Districts, Specialty Health Networks, and pillar agencies to embed cultural responsiveness and drive meaningful change across the system.

HETI is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment which reflects the community we serve. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTIQA+, neurodiverse individuals, and people with disabilities to apply!
The Health Education and Training Institute (HETI) is a leading provider of high-quality training and education to support more than 110,000 clinical and non-clinical staff, trainers, managers and leaders across the NSW health system.

HETI offers competitive remuneration (base salary plus super and leave loading), a monthly ADO (for full-time staff), a range of flexible working options including hybrid working (all staff are required to attend the office weekly), as well as comprehensive leave entitlements and discounted access to fitness facilities. Professional development is well embedded in our organisation and staff are encouraged to continue their studies and take opportunities for furthering their careers.

This is an identified Aboriginal position. Applicants must be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, and be accepted as such in their local community. This is a genuine occupational qualification, and exemption is claimed under Section 14d of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

Aboriginal Community References will be required as part of the recruitment process.

Selection Criteria

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in education, cultural capability, or a related field, and/or equivalent demonstrated relevant experience with expertise in education, strategic planning, organisational development, and workforce capability. Experience in the healthcare sector is highly regarded.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with Aboriginal communities, Elders and cultural knowledge holders and apply Aboriginal perspectives, cultural protocols and community priorities to program design, implementation and governance.
• Demonstrated leadership in Aboriginal cultural capability development, with experience designing and delivering programs that embed cultural safety across complex systems.
• Proven ability to lead large-scale, evidence-informed education initiatives, including program design, delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Advanced skills in mentoring, supervision, and team leadership, with a commitment to fostering culturally safe, high-performing teams.
• NSW Health is committed to accessibility and may provide adjustments to the recruitment and interview process as needed, including physical adjustments, interview setup, or scheduling needs.
• This position is a permanent position and requires full working rights in Australia (e.g. Australian citizenship/ permanent resident). If you currently hold a temporary visa that allows you to live and work in Australia, you may be eligible for employment opportunities in line with the conditions of your visa.

For Aboriginal candidates who would like to talk to Aboriginal Workforce Consultant, please contact [e-mail]. Support is also available through the Stepping Up website .Stepping Up supports Aboriginal people to navigate the recruitment process and find a career or employment in NSW Health.

NSW Health acknowledges the people of the many traditional countries and language groups of New South Wales. It acknowledges the wisdom of Elders past and present, and pays respect to all Aboriginal communities of today.