Senior Manager, Indigenous Employment and Engagement (Identified)

University of Sydney; Australia; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% employer superannuation

Paid Cultural and Ceremonial Leave

Career Development opportunities

Job summary

The University of Sydney is seeking a senior leader to drive Indigenous employment and engagement strategies, strengthening attraction, retention and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, while fostering a culturally safe, inclusive workplace across the University.

You will lead development and delivery of programs, recruit and develop leadership pathways, monitor workforce metrics, provide expert advice on diversity and inclusion, build partnerships, and oversee a

Qualifications

• Tertiary or postgraduate qualifications in a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Extensive experience delivering diversity, inclusion and Indigenous employment outcomes within complex organisations.
• Strong understanding of strategic HR and industrial relations frameworks.
• Proven ability to build and influence relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of Indigenous employment programs, initiatives and staff networks.
• Drive Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment, retention and leadership pathways with university-wide stakeholders.
• Develop, monitor and report on workforce metrics and strategic objectives using data insights.
• Provide expert advice on Indigenous employment, cultural safety, diversity and inclusion, influencing policies and practices.
• Build partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to promote best practice and support delivery of workforce initiatives.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team, managing projects, budgets and governance reporting.

Skills

Strategic HR leadership

Stakeholder management

Data-driven decision making

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Tertiary or postgraduate qualifications in HR/related field

Job description

Full-time, continuing opportunity Drive Indigenous employment and engagement initiatives, fostering an inclusive, culturally safe workplace and supporting the attraction, retention and development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff Offering a competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation This position has been designated for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people only under the provisions of section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW). Should your application be progressed, applicants will be required to provide confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity in line with university requirements.

About the opportunity

Lead the delivery of Indigenous employment and engagement strategies that strengthen attraction, retention, career development and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, while fostering a culturally safe, inclusive and supportive workplace across the University.

Your key responsibilities will be to

• lead the development and delivery of Indigenous employment and engagement programs, initiatives and staff networks that support a culturally safe, inclusive and welcoming workplace
• drive Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment, retention, career development and leadership pathways, partnering with stakeholders across the university to achieve workforce goals
• develop, monitor and report on key workforce metrics, targets and strategic objectives, using data and insights to inform decision-making and measure progress
• provide expert advice on Indigenous employment, cultural safety, diversity and inclusion, influencing policies, practices and organisational strategies
• build strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to promote best practice, enhance capability and support the successful delivery of Indigenous workforce initiatives
• lead and develop a high-performing team while managing key projects, budgets, governance reporting and strategic initiatives aligned with the university's Indigenous workforce plan

About you

• tertiary or postgraduate qualifications in a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of training and experience
• extensive experience delivering diversity, inclusion and Indigenous employment outcomes within complex organisations, with a strong understanding of strategic HR and industrial relations frameworks
• demonstrated expertise in Indigenous employment, cultural competence, and the attraction, retention and development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other diverse workforce groups
• proven ability to build and influence relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, using strong communication, consultation and relationship management skills to deliver strategic outcomes
• strong leadership, strategic planning and project management capability, with experience managing multiple complex initiatives, budgets, contractors and competing priorities
• highly developed analytical, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to use workforce data, research and insights to inform recommendations, drive cultural change and achieve measurable results

Why work with us

We know our people are what make the University's mission possible. Alongside meaningful work, we offer a range of benefits designed to support you financially, personally and professionally.

Key benefits include:

• Paid Cultural and Ceremonial Leave: Indigenous employees are entitled to 5 days of paid leave and 10 days of unpaid leave each year to participate in cultural and ceremonial activities and fulfil community obligations
• Career Development: Access to Indigenous professional and career development programs, including mentoring, leadership programs, and development funding
• Community and Connection: Be part of a vibrant community with opportunities to connect through staff networks (our YURA Network), mentoring, cultural events and professional Development opportunities
• Flexible Work and Exceptional Benefits: Enjoy flexible work arrangements, 17% employer superannuation, Fitness Passport, generous leave provisions, staff discounts and access to a wide range of University facilities and services.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Please note: You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment 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 LGBTIQ+. We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Applications Close Sunday 18 October 2026 11:59 PM

Want to know more about working at the University of Sydney? https://www.sydney.edu.au/about-us.html