First Nations Workforce & Capability Lead

Uniting; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to $18,550 NFP salary packaging available

Access to U reward program

Flexible work hours

Discounted gym memberships

Job summary

A leading not-for-profit organisation in Sydney is hiring a First Nations Workforce & Capability Lead. This role specializes in developing cultural programs and workforce strategies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples while ensuring cultural safety and empowerment. The ideal candidate should have relevant experience and identity, be capable of fostering relationships, and be a strong facilitator. This position offers flexibility to work in either Sydney CBD or Parramatta CBD offices, along with remote opportunities.

Qualifications

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity with cultural knowledge.
• Experience in complex, matrixed organisations.
• Strong track record in cultural safety initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Co-design the First Nations People Strategy.
• Shape First Nations workforce metrics.
• Deliver cultural capability initiatives.

Skills

Cultural capability

Relationship-building

Group facilitation

Organisational skills

Education

Relevant tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Business, Education & Training

Job description

Overview

First Nations Workforce & Capability Lead – Identified Role. Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid – Sydney CBD & Parramatta CBD. Planned travel to Uniting sites across NSW & ACT. This is an identified position for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples under Section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

What you’ll do

• Co-design the development and delivery of Uniting’s First Nations People Strategy – People Pillar, with a focus on cultural capability, retention, and cultural safety.
• Shape and monitor First Nations workforce metrics across recruitment, onboarding, progression, and retention to inform systemic change.
• Provide expert advice and strategic leadership to embed cultural safety into policies, systems, and everyday practices.
• Deliver impactful cultural capability initiatives for leaders, managers, and frontline staff, embedded within Uniting’s broader Capability/Skills Framework.
• Establish tools and benchmarks to assess and monitor cultural capability across all employee groups.
• Strengthen peer-led and practical cultural learning opportunities.
• Design strategies to enhance retention, progression, and visibility of First Nations employees, including leadership development, mentoring, and sponsorship programs.
• Identify and address systemic barriers through data analysis and staff engagement.
• Ensure First Nations voices are central to all major workforce transformation projects.
• Review employment policies, systems, and practices to maximise cultural safety, empowerment, and self-determination.
• Oversee recognition and celebration of First Nations employees and their contributions.
• Grow and strengthen the Ngumbadal employee network.
• Equip leaders with the resources, knowledge, and confidence to champion and support First Nations employees.

What you’ll bring

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity*, with the cultural knowledge, lived experience, and relationship-building skills to strengthen trust, respect, and belonging for First Nations peoples, communities, and colleagues – aligned with Uniting’s commitment to cultural safety and self-determination.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Business, Education & Training, or equivalent experience.
• Experience working in a complex, matrixed organisation and influencing across teams without direct authority.
• Confidence in group facilitation, training delivery, and capability building.
• A strong track record in workforce development, cultural safety initiatives, and retention strategies.
• Strong organisational skills, able to manage competing priorities in a fast paced environment while delivering results.

Why join us?

You’ll be at the heart of cultural change at Uniting – working alongside passionate leaders and specialists, shaping programs that remove barriers, building pathways, and celebrating First Nations strengths. Our hybrid model offers the flexibility to work from both Sydney CBD and Parramatta CBD offices as well as remotely, with planned travel to sites across NSW and the ACT.

About Uniting

Uniting is one of Australia’s largest and most trusted not-for-profit organisations, delivering aged care, disability, early learning, chaplaincy, and community services across NSW and the ACT. Our First Nations People & Place Strategy commits us to equity, respect, and self-determination – for our employees, our clients, and our communities.

This is an identified position for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples under Section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

How to apply

Send your CV and a brief cover letter highlighting why this role appeals to you. Only direct applications via job platforms will be accepted.

Contact: Louise Massie via email [e-mail]

What We Offer You

• A rewarding career with a leading human services organisation.
• Up to $18,550 NFP salary packaging available.
• Access to our U rewards program with exclusive discounts.
• Flexible work hours for work-life balance.
• Affordable access to Fitness Passport— discounted gym memberships to support your best life.
• A supportive and inclusive and collaborative work environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth.