First Nations Engagement Manager

The University of Sydney; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 137,000 - 167,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous cultural leave

Flexible working arrangements

Indigenous professional development

YURA network

Job summary

The University of Sydney is seeking a First Nations Engagement Manager within University Infrastructure to lead culturally safe engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. You will advise senior leaders, integrate Country-centred approaches, and support governance processes across major capital works and estate operations.

The role offers hybrid work with campus presence required, and a base salary of A$152,045 plus 17% superannuation.

Qualifications

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity with strong community connections.
• Experience leading culturally safe engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Elders and Traditional Owners.
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships and influence senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• Experience providing strategic advice, managing complex issues and navigating culturally sensitive environments.
• Experience supporting governance processes and advisory groups or committees.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and delivery of culturally safe engagement across major capital works and estate initiatives.
• Provide authoritative strategic advice to senior leaders and project teams on First Nations engagement.
• Support incorporation of Country-centred approaches into planning and design.
• Provide end-to-end secretariat support for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Panel.
• Coordinate internal stakeholders to embed engagement in project delivery.
• Support compliance with legislation, policy and commitments relating to First Nations engagement.
• Support uplift of First Nations engagement capability across University Infrastructure.

Skills

Cultural engagement leadership

Relationship building

Strategic advisory

Governance experience

Communication skills

Job description

Full time, continuing and identified position. Located at Services Building (G12) on Darlington Campus

Strengthen First Nations engagement and cultural outcomes across the University’s infrastructure projects and operations

Base Salary HEO9 $152,045 p.a. + 17% superannuation

This position has been designated for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people only under the provisions of section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW). Should your application be progressed, you will be required to provide your confirmation of identity documents. Your recruiter will be in touch to advise you on how to confirm Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status.

About the opportunity

The University of Sydney is seeking a First Nations Engagement Manager to join University Infrastructure (UI) and provide senior, specialist leadership for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement across strategic planning, capital works, precinct development and estate operations. You will build trusted relationships with Traditional Owners, Elders and First Nations communities and help ensure cultural perspectives are considered early in infrastructure decision-making.

The University Infrastructure portfolio is responsible for planning, delivering and maintaining one of Australia's most significant university estates. This newly established role will help ensure First Nations perspectives, cultural knowledge and community aspirations are embedded in the planning, design and delivery of our campuses, places and major infrastructure initiatives. Working across strategic planning, capital projects and estate operations, you will contribute to outcomes that reflect Country, culture and community while helping shape the future of the University.

The role provides specialist leadership in the design and delivery of culturally appropriate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement across complex and high-profile infrastructure initiatives. It provides expert advice to senior leaders and project teams, identifies and manages engagement risks and opportunities, and supports robust governance of First Nations engagement and advisory processes. Working closely with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous Strategy and Services (DVC ISS) portfolio, the role ensures engagement aligns with the University’s Indigenous strategy, cultural protocols, commitments to Country and established community relationships.

The First Nations Engagement Manager exercises a high degree of autonomy, initiative and professional judgement across multiple infrastructure projects and workstreams. The role determines appropriate engagement approaches, coordinates agreed activities and acts as a trusted strategic advisor to project teams, project sponsors and senior leaders on First Nations engagement matters. It requires sound judgement in balancing cultural, strategic, reputational and operational considerations, often within complex and high-profile environments involving diverse internal and external stakeholders. The incumbent is responsible for resolving issues, setting priorities and providing trusted, specialist guidance to support effective and culturally appropriate project outcomes.

The role supports a hybrid working arrangement, with an expectation that the successful candidate will work on campus at least three days per week, with flexibility to work remotely on other days in accordance with University arrangements.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

lead the planning and delivery of culturally safe and respectful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across major capital works, precinct planning, Campus Futures and estate initiatives

provide authoritative strategic advice to senior leaders, project managers and sponsors on First Nations engagement, cultural considerations, risks, partnerships and opportunities

support the incorporation of Country-centred approaches into planning, design and estate outcomes through the translation of engagement insights into practical recommendations and actions

provide end to end secretariat support for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Panel relevant to University Infrastructure

coordinate internal stakeholders (planning, delivery, legal, communications and operations) to ensure engagement is embedded in project delivery rather than treated as transactional

support compliance with relevant legislation, policy, ethical standards and University commitments relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement

support uplift of First Nations engagement capability across University Infrastructure through guidance, mentoring and contribution to frameworks or resources.

About you

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity with strong community connections and credibility

demonstrated experience leading culturally safe engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Elders, Traditional Owners and organisations

proven ability to build trusted relationships and influence senior leaders, project teams and external stakeholders

experience providing strategic advice, managing complex issues and navigating culturally sensitive environments

experience supporting governance processes, advisory groups or committees

strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of executive briefings, reports and advice

Why work with us

We are committed to creating a culturally safe, supportive and inclusive workplace for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.

This role offers a unique opportunity to work alongside Indigenous Strategy and Services, senior University leaders and First Nations stakeholders to influence meaningful and high-profile infrastructure initiatives that will shape the University for future generations.

Key benefits include:

generous cultural leave and flexible working arrangements

access to Indigenous professional and career development programs, including mentoring, leadership programs, and development funding

participation in an internal Indigenous staff network, providing cultural connection, peer support and professional development opportunities

YURA network

tax-efficient salary packaging options for cars, laptops, and additional contributions to your superannuation fund

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks and declarations

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more on our work on diversity and inclusion.