First Nations Engagement Lead - Identified Position

City Of Port Adelaide Enfield; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 101,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Port Adelaide Enfield in Adelaide, SA, is seeking a First Nations Engagement Lead to provide specialist advice, leadership and coordination across engagement, policy, planning and partnership initiatives.

You will work closely with Kaurna representatives, the Aboriginal Advisory Panel and community partners to translate priorities into practical actions that strengthen connection, inclusion and wellbeing.

Responsibilities

• Building trusted relationships with Kaurna and First Nations communities and the Aboriginal Advisory Panel to support shared priorities and meaningful outcomes.
• Leading culturally responsive engagement, partnership and cultural mapping initiatives that strengthen community connection and elevate First Nations voices and perspectives.
• Developing and delivering strategies, projects, programs and events that align with Council priorities and Closing the Gap commitments.

Job description

First Nations Engagement Lead - Identified Position City of Port Adelaide Enfield•Adelaide, SA, AU

Job Description

First Nations Engagement Lead - Identified Position

We believe stronger outcomes start with genuine partnerships. As our First Nations Engagement Lead, you'll build meaningful relationships with Kaurna and other First Nations communities, champion First Nations voices, and help shape initiatives that create lasting social, cultural and economic impact.

This is a 3-Year Full-Time Contract.

About Us

At the City of Port Adelaide Enfield (PAE), we're building a welcoming, liveable city, made by people.

Our focus is on community, our economy, environmental sustainability and building high-quality places for people to enjoy. We're on an ambitious trajectory, but our organisation is up for the challenge.

At PAE, we're involved in all sorts of things - major construction through to environmental management, organising events, social infrastructure planning, and library services. We are proud of offering a wide range of accessible services and programs to our community.

You don't need experience in local government for this role - we're looking for transferrable skills and a great attitude.

Now's a great time to be part of PAE.

About theRole

You will provide specialist advice, leadership and coordination across a range of engagement, policy, planning and partnership initiatives to strengthen Council's cultural capability and decision-making.

Working closely with the Aboriginal Advisory Panel, Kaurna representatives, community members, partner organisations and Council stakeholders, you'll help translate community priorities into practical actions that strengthen connection, inclusion and wellbeing.

Key responsibilities include:

• Building trusted relationships with Kaurna and other First Nations communities, the Aboriginal Advisory Panel, and key stakeholders to support shared priorities and meaningful outcomes.
• Leading culturally responsive engagement, partnership and cultural mapping initiatives that strengthen community connection and elevate First Nations voices, knowledge and perspectives.
• Developing and delivering strategies, projects, programs and events that align with Council priorities and Closing the Gap commitments.

About You

You're someone who leads with authenticity, respect and cultural humility. You have a genuine passion for working alongside First Nations communities and an ability to bring people together to achieve shared outcomes.

What you'll bring:

• Strong experience building trusted relationships and delivering meaningful outcomes with First Nations communities.
• A deep understanding of cultural protocols and culturally responsive engagement practices.
• Exceptional communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to bring people together around shared goals.
• Sound judgement, cultural intelligence and a genuine commitment to inclusion, collaboration and continuous learning.

More information can be foundinthe Position Descriptionlocatedbelow.

This position is classified at Level 6 with a current salary of $112,395 per annum plus superannuation.

At PAE, our values guide us to work together, strive for improvement, and make a positive impact in our community. We seek people who share these values.#bettertogether #growandimprove #makeadifference.

We value diversity and inclusion, and weencourageapplicants from all backgrounds to apply.

Applications close 10:00pm on Sunday 13 September 2026

This is an identified position where Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander identity, cultural knowledge or connections are a genuine aspect of the role.

This position is intended to constitute a special/equal opportunity measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth), and s 65 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (SA).

Note: any reference to Aboriginal peoples within this position description refers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We maycommenceinterviews prior to the closing date, so early applications are encouraged.

We're committed to an accessible, inclusive workplace and welcome discussions about any adjustments you may need.

The City of PAE is located on Kaurna Country. We acknowledge the Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of the Adelaide region and extend ourrespect to custodians and Elders who have passed, those amongst us and those emerging.

The City of PAE is a welcoming, liveable City: made by people. It boasts a rich history across 52 suburbs and is home to 130,000 residents from diverse cultures, plus more than 8,000 businesses. We are committed to fostering a workforce that reflects community diversity and promoting a fair, equitable, and safe workplace culture. Continuous learning is vital for our ability to support the community effectively, and attract and retain great staff. Our contemporary systems, processes and tools enable us to deliver managing outcomes while our assets and finances are managed with good stewardship. We prioritise community input in decision-making and we show courage and foresight in our work.

The City of PAE is a welcoming, liveable City: made by people. It boasts a rich history across 52 suburbs and is home to 130,000 residents from diverse cultures, plus more than 8,000 businesses. We are committed to fostering a workforce that reflects community diversity and promoting a fair, equitable, and safe workplace culture. Continuous learning is vital for our ability to support the community effectively, and attract and retain great staff. Our contemporary systems, processes and tools enable us to deliver managing outcomes while our assets and finances are managed with good stewardship. We prioritise community input in decision-making and we show courage and foresight in our work.