Senior Director, Cultural Services

Council Jobs; Canberra; On-site; AUD 155,000 - 189,000; Full time

Job summary

ACT Corrective Services seeks a Senior Director, Cultural Services for an acting backfill from 4 January 2027 to 4 February 2027. The role requires strategic leadership to address Indigenous over-representation in the justice system and to shape culturally informed policies and programs that support detainees, families, and communities.

The successful candidate will build respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, service providers and stakeholders,

Qualifications

• Identifyed position for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.
• Senior leadership experience in the public sector.
• Experience in the criminal justice system is highly desirable.
• Criminal record check required and WWVP registration.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and cultural guidance to support offender reintegration.
• Foster strong relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and service providers.
• Promote culturally safe case management and service delivery across ACTCS.
• Work across multiple initiatives to improve outcomes for detainees and families.

Education

Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent work experience in the criminal justice system

Job description

Classification: Senior Officer Grade A Salary: $172,246 plus superannuation Position No: 54048 Directorate: Justice and Community Safety Advertised (Gazettal date): 20 October 2026 Contact Officer: Leigh Thompson on**************@act.gov.auor(02) 5124 2***

Details

A rewarding temporary leave backfill opportunity is available within ACT Corrective Services (ACTCS) for an experienced and passionate professional to step into the role of Senior Director, Cultural Services (SOGA) within Offender Reintegration. Please note this is a short-term acting opportunity available from 4 January 2027 to 4 February 2027.

This role provides strategic leadership and cultural expertise to support ACTCS in addressing the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the criminal justice system. The successful applicant will help shape culturally informed policies, programs and practices that contribute to better outcomes for detainees, their families and the broader community.

A key aspect of the role is building strong, respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, service providers and stakeholders. Through collaboration and community engagement, you will help support successful reintegration pathways and contribute to reducing reoffending.

The position also provides a cultural lens across a range of initiatives, including offender management, transitional release, throughcare and culturally safe case management practices. You will work closely with colleagues across ACTCS to promote cultural understanding and strengthen service delivery.

We are looking for someone with excellent communication and relationship-building skills, a strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and communities, and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

ACTCS is committed to creating a culturally safe, inclusive and respectful workplace where people feel valued, supported and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. We strongly encourage all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People who are interested in this opportunity to apply.

Eligibility/Other Requirements

• This is an identified position in accordance with Section 27(4) of the Public Sector Management Act 1994 and is only open to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander lived experience, and cultural capability is considered essential and confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage may be requested.
• Demonstrated experience in senior leadership and management experience within the public sector.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or equivalent work experience in the criminal justice system is highly desirable.
• The successful candidate will be required to undergo a criminal record check.
• Current registration issued under the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Check) Act 2011 is required. For further information on Working with Vulnerable People registration refer to -Apply for or renew a WWVP registration - Access Canberra
• The successful candidate will be required to work in a custodial environment.

Notes

This is a temporary position available from 4 January 2027 to 4 February 2027. This position is available to ACT Government officers and employees only. This is an identified position and is only open to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.

Selection may be based on application and referee reports only.

A Merit Pool will be established from this selection process and will be used to fill vacancies over the next 12 months.

Note: Under the ACTPS employment framework you may be placed in another role where required for the efficient administration of the service.

Where an offer of employment is for a fixed-term period, any related temporary contracts within the Territory will be issued in compliance with the requirements and applicable exceptions outlined in the Fair Work Act.

The ACT public service is committed to closing the gap, underpinned by the belief that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a genuine say in the design and delivery of policies, programs and services that affect them, better life outcomes are achieved. More information can be found here ACT Closing the Gap Implementation Plan - ACT Government Transparency Portal.

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Closes: 03 November 2026