This is a First Nations Strategic Policy Lead role with City of Melbourne based in Melbourne, VIC, AU City of Melbourne Role Seniority - mid level More about the First Nations Strategic Policy Lead role at City of Melbourne Synopsis $118,141 - $132,292 plus 12% Superannuation Permanent Full-Time opportunity Employee Discounts Programme About The Role The First Nations Strategic Policy Lead sits within the Aboriginal Melbourne branch and offers a powerful opportunity to champion self-determination and support the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the City of Melbourne. This role is central to shaping how Council partners with Community to deliver real, lasting change. You’ll help strengthen relationships with Traditional Owners, guide truth-telling and cultural safety work, and lead the development of a landmark First Nations Strategy grounded in community voices, lived experience, and cultural authority. You’ll join a team that walks alongside Community, builds respectful partnerships, and works every day to elevate First Nations leadership, culture, and knowledge within the organisation. A Little More About The Role Lead the development and implementation of First Nations Strategy in partnership with the First Nations Committee Provide thoughtful, culturally informed policy advice and analysis Build strong partnerships with Traditional Owners, ACCOs, Elders and community organisations Prepare high-quality reports, advice and briefings that influence decision-making and support cultural and strategic transformation Why join Team Melbourne? Located on the traditional lands of the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, Melbourne is globally recognised as one of the most liveable, diverse, and dynamic cities. At the heart of it all is the City of Melbourne – a passionate, purpose-driven organisation where your work truly matters. As part of Team Melbourne, you’ll help deliver what’s most important to the people who live, work, study, visit and invest in our great city. We’re proud champions of diversity, committed to continuous improvement, and driven by a shared vision for a vibrant and sustainable future. This is more than just a role – it’s your chance to make a real impact, contribute to something bigger, and shape Melbourne’s future alongside a collaborative and forward-thinking team. About You You are a community-minded leader who brings cultural integrity, lived experience or strong connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. You work with respect, humility and honesty, and bring a passion for embedding First Nations perspectives into policy, planning and everyday decision-making. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People are strongly encouraged to apply. What Your Experience Might Look Like Demonstrated understanding of Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, protocols, and history Strong communication skills and experience in the development of policy and strategy, preferably in Aboriginal affairs. Ability to build trusted relationships with community and stakeholders Strategic thinking and experience with co-design approaches Proven capability in leading projects from concept to delivery Benefits Of Working With Us Attractive remuneration & benefits: Excellent pay package with a range of exciting benefits. Flexible working, study assistance & other great corporate discounts. Excellent leave entitlements: Enjoy up to 20 weeks of fully paid parental leave for primary carers, in addition to the government-funded parental leave, with no waiting period to access. Part-time equivalents are also available for added flexibility. Career progression: Career development support and opportunities to learn new skills within a creative and exciting environment. Work-life balance and hybrid working: We support flexible hours, alternative work arrangements (like ADOs), and hybrid work-from-home options. How To Apply We'd love to hear how you can make an impact in this role! As part of your application, you will be required to: Attach your updated resume Include a cover letter (max one page) outlining your relevant experience and why you're a great fit for this role. Submit your application no later than 11:45pm on Wednesday, 10 December 2025. A few important things to note – don’t miss out! Applications must be submitted online. Unfortunately, we can’t accept applications via email, so please be sure to apply through the official job link provided. Apply early! This role may close sooner than the listed closing date if we find the right candidate — so don’t wait to get your application in. We are a child safe organisation. The City of Melbourne has a zero tolerance for child abuse. All employees undergo thorough safety screening, including a Police Check and, for most roles, a Working with Children Check. Need more info? Refer to the position description below or contact Jason Eades – Director Aboriginal Melbourne, Jason.Eades@melbourne.vic.gov.au Inclusion matters We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTIQA individuals, and people of all ages and faith backgrounds. We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to support all applicants. If you require any adjustments, please let us know via the application prompts or inform our Careers team if you’re contacted for an interview. Before we jump into the responsibilities of the role. No matter what you come in knowing, you’ll be learning new things all the time and the City of Melbourne team will be there to support your growth. Please consider applying even if you don't meet 100% of what’s outlined Key Responsibilities Leading strategy development Providing policy advice Building partnerships Key Strengths Cultural integrity Policy development ️ Communication skills Strategic thinking Project management Community engagement A Final Note: This is a role with City of Melbourne not with Hatch.
