Senior Service Partner (Aboriginal Identified)

the original; Sydney; On-site; AUD 133,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) NSW is seeking a Senior Service Partner Identified to lead the development, implementation and governance of Caring for Country programs across Western Sydney.

You will work closely with Aboriginal entities, councils, government partners and community groups to deliver culturally responsive services that create lasting environmental, cultural and social benefits.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline or demonstrated equivalent experience.
• Strong governance, program management and strategic planning capabilities.
• Experience managing complex programs, projects or grant-funded initiatives.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and ability to build trusted relationships across diverse groups.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, implementation and governance of Caring for Country programs across Western Sydney.
• Collaborate with Aboriginal entities, local councils, government partners and community partners.
• Deliver culturally responsive services and programs with environmental, cultural and social benefits.
• Contribute to grant programs, establishment of new initiatives and future design of Stage 2 of Caring for Country.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Relationship building

Governance

Program management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline

Job description

Shape your world, in the team that shapes NSW communities, spaces and economies

• Senior Service Partner (Identified)
• Temporary Full Time Opportunity up to 30 June 2028
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $133,348 - $146,945 + super

This is an Aboriginal Identified role where Aboriginal identity, cultural knowledge or connections are a genuine aspect of the role. Positions are specifically noted under the provisions of the NSW Anti-discrimination Act (1977).

As a Senior Service Partner, you'll help shape initiatives that recognise and strengthen the enduring connection of Aboriginal peoples to Country while delivering tangible outcomes for communities across Western Sydney.

If you're a strategic thinker, skilled relationship builder and experienced program leader looking to make a genuine difference, we'd love to hear from you.

The role

As a Senior Service Partner, you will lead the development, implementation and management of programs and projects that support Caring for Country initiatives across Western Sydney. Working closely with Aboriginal entities, local councils, government partners, grant administrators and community partners, you will help deliver culturally responsive services and programs that create lasting environmental, cultural and social benefits.

This role offers a mix of strategic leadership, program delivery, stakeholder engagement and governance. You will contribute to the successful delivery of grant programs, the establishment of new initiatives, and the future design of Stage 2 of the Caring for Country program.

The role requires a relationship-focused approach, including participation in community events, cultural activities, governance forums and working groups, while supporting a place-based approach to program design and delivery.

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Service Partner Identified

What you will bring to the role

You are an experienced program and partnership professional who is passionate about working collaboratively to achieve meaningful outcomes.

You will bring:

• Demonstrated experience managing complex programs, projects or grant-funded initiatives.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and experience building trusted relationships across diverse groups.
• Experience working with Aboriginal communities, organisations and government stakeholders, or a demonstrated ability to work respectfully in culturally diverse environments.
• Strong governance, program management and strategic planning capabilities.
• Experience monitoring and evaluating programs, managing risks and driving continuous improvement.
• Exceptional written communication skills, including experience preparing briefs, reports and executive correspondence.
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with practical delivery and relationship management.

Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline and/or demonstrated equivalent experience.

Criteria for Aboriginal identified positions

. Aboriginal identified positions are developed where Aboriginal identity, cultural knowledge or connections are a genuine aspect of the role. Positions are specifically noted under the provisions of the NSW Anti-discrimination Act (1977) for Aboriginal people who meet the following criteria:

• o is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, and
• o identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and
• o is accepted as such by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.

About us

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) improves the liveability and prosperity of NSW. To achieve this, we: create vibrant, productive spaces and precincts; manage lands, assets and property effectively and deliver affordable and diverse housing. We strive to be a high‐performing, world‐class public service organisation that celebrates and reflects the full diversity of the community we serve and builds the cultural capability of our department to improve outcomes with and for Aboriginal people, communities and entities.

We are an inclusive and accessible workplace, where your individual contributions are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to feel a sense of connection and belonging. DPHI supports various employee affinity groups, practices flexible working, offers job share and workplace adjustments.

Should you require further information about the role please contact James Stuart via [e-mail]

A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process (including an alternate format of the application form), ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via [e-mail] or [phone] - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

Check out ourAboriginal applicants guideto assist with applying for the role or contact ourAboriginal Career Pathwaysteam for a yarn.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment. This role is subject to standard pre‐employment checks.

Applications close 11:55pm, Tuesday 22nd September 2026.

Senior Service Partner (Aboriginal Identified) • Sydney, NSW, AU