First Nations Partnerships and Community Engagement Lead - Full Time closed period Contract until January 2026 - Travel through NSW and ACT

With one of our valued team members on a development secondment, we have an exciting opportunity for a capable leader to step into the role.

Full time Fixed term contract role to January 2026 Great team, great role, and an opportunity to travel through NSW and ACT

• Impact Maker: Join us in making a lasting impact on First Nations communities and the broader society.
• Collaboration at Heart: Drive First Nations outcomes by fostering collaboration and driving new and strong partnerships at all levels and in all places
• Annual Salary range between 112,000 and 135,000 plus super and NFP salary packaging benefits

About Us: At Uniting, we are committed to fostering genuine and respectful partnerships with Aboriginal communities as part of our First Nations People and Place Strategy. Our mission is to promote and grow place-based and First Nations-led responses, and we recognise the importance of purposefully investing in these partnerships. We are seeking a dedicated and passionate individual to join our First Nations Strategy and Outcomes Unit.

As the First Nations Partnerships and Community Engagement Lead, you will play a pivotal role in designing and delivering organisational resources, support, culture, and knowledge to enhance and embed genuine and respectful partnerships with Aboriginal communities and organisations. Your work will drive Uniting's contributions to stronger First Nations communities and a dynamic and sustainable Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define a First Nations Partnership Framework to guide and nurture a wide range of place-based and strategic partnerships.
• Establish and integrate new tools and processes to effectively deepen First Nations partnerships across the organisation, including partnership health checks, revised business development processes, monitoring, reporting, and celebrating partnerships.
• Provide cultural guidance, introductions, and timely support to Uniting colleagues and leaders, ensuring that place-based and program-based partnerships with Aboriginal communities and organizations thrive.
• Forge new partnerships and strengthen existing ones to support Uniting's priority systems change aspirations.
• Collaborate with the procurement team to expand opportunities for First Nations suppliers.
• Partner with the property team to consult with First Nations communities on all new developments.
• Support relationship building, advocacy, research, and innovation to strengthen the ACCO ecosystem, including transitions of Uniting services to ACCOs.
• Contribute to the publication of a First Nations Impact report, drawing on quantitative and qualitative data to convey a clear, compelling, and authentic narrative of our First Nations self-determination journey.

Qualifications:

• This is an identified position for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Postgraduate and/or bachelor's qualification in a relevant business field or equivalent experience.

Your Experience:

• Aboriginality is a genuine qualification authorised under Section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.
• 5 or more years of experience in a large complex organisation.
• Demonstrated ability to understand co-design, formulate, test, and implement Aboriginal community engagement practices, ideally in a complex and diverse organization.
• Proven ability to identify, build, and deepen partnerships between a mainstream organization and Aboriginal communities and/or organisations.
• Strong ability to work under pressure and manage emotional responses when interacting with others in a professional "two worlds" environment.
• Exceptional communication, engagement, networking, and negotiation skills, working with diverse teams and partners.
• Proficiency in navigating a complex organisation, forging relationships, and managing through influence.
• Project management, organizational, and planning skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines and delegate effectively.
• Proven ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to travel away from the base for several days as required.
• Current Driver's License.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

  PD - FN Partnerships and Community Engagement Lead

Join Us: If you are a passionate individual with a commitment to strengthening First Nations partnerships and building a better future, we invite you to apply for this exciting and impactful role. Be a part of our team and make a difference in our communities.

For all enquiries, please contact Louise Massie via email at mmassie@uniting.org

Please attach your CV and a brief cover letter detailing WHY you have chosen to apply for this great new role!

Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of First Nations communities. Apply today!

When you’re part of Uniting NSW.ACT, you’re part of a diverse, purpose-led team of people who are really making a difference to the world around them.

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.
• Access to Fitness Passport – Live your best life.
• A supportive and inclusive and collaborative work environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth.
• Purchase of additional leave

We contribute to the work and mission of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care. We provide care and support for people through all ages and stages of life, with a focus on people experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice.

Uniting leaders and employees work together to create a culture that is safe, inclusive and person-centred. We bring this to life every day through our values: compassionate, respectful, imaginative and bold.

Uniting acknowledges the continuing sovereignty and rich cultural diversity of Australia’s First Peoples. We pay our respects to all Elders – past, present, and emerging – and to all First Peoples on whose lands we live and work. 

Uniting is a Child Safe Organisation committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of children and young people.