Associate Director, Aboriginal Cultural Capability

Health Education & Training Institute NSW; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Hybrid work

Leave entitlements

Remuneration

Job summary

Health Education & Training Institute NSW in Sydney is seeking an Associate Director, Aboriginal Cultural Capability to lead the strategic implementation of Respecting the Difference and related cultural safety programs across NSW Health.

You will oversee the Centre of Expertise and Delivery Hub, guiding Aboriginal workforce capability development through high‑quality education and training, reporting to the Director and collaborating with ministries, LHDs and pillar agencies.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with Aboriginal communities and apply Aboriginal perspectives to program design.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to embed cultural responsiveness and improve health outcomes.
• Provide strategic advice related to Aboriginal cultural capability and workforce implementation of key strategies.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Aboriginal cultural capability

Education program design

Governance

Education

Relevant tertiary qualifications in education, cultural capability, or related field

Job description

Associate Director, Aboriginal Cultural Capability

Health Education & Training Institute NSW – Sydney CBD NSW

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: Sunday, 13 December 2026 at 11:59PM

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.

Need more information?

• The Health Education and Training Institute assesses candidates in line with the NSW Public Sector Capability Framework, which describes the capabilities and behavioursrequiredfor roles across the NSW public sector. The specific capabilities for this role are outlined in thePosition Description.Learn more:https://www.nsw.gov.au/nsw-government/public-sector-capability-framework
• Find out more aboutapplyingfor this position
• Learn more abouttheHealth Education & TrainingInstitute

Additional Information

• Applicants will be assessed against the essential criteria in Position Description
• 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.

Contact People

Please contact Kayeleen Brown on **************@health.nsw.gov.au if you have any questions about this role.

For Aboriginal candidates who would like to talk to Aboriginal Workforce Consultant, please contact ***************@health.nsw.gov.au. 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.