We are seeking a talented and committed First Nations leader to join the First Nations Policy Branch within the Office for the Arts. The Branch is responsible for a diverse and complex portfolio of First Nations policy and programs, including First Nations Languages, Repatriation, and the development of standalone legislation in Traditional Knowledge and Cultural Expressions (TK/CE), including action to ban inauthentic art. Our work spans major program delivery, legislative reform, Closing the Gap Priority Reforms, cultural heritage, and sustained engagement with communities, peak bodies and other governments. This role sits at the centre of Priority Reform change. Working in partnership with the Language Policy Partnership and our peak partner First Languages Australia, you will steward system-level reform to strengthen First Nations language revival, maintenance and transmission. You will lead the delivery and reform of a large grants and commissioning program, ensuring compliance with PGPA and CGRs while actively improving alignment with Closing the Gap Priority Reforms. The role requires deep capability in shared decision-making, adaptive reform leadership, and culturally grounded partnership practice, as well as the ability to operate effectively in complex, high-profile and politically sensitive environments. The key duties of the position include As an EL2 leader, you will lead a significant program and policy function, shaping strategic direction, delivering high-profile reform initiatives, and providing expert advice to senior executives and Ministers. You will exercise judgement and leadership in ambiguous settings, balancing institutional accountability with genuine partnership and community-led outcomes. Your leadership will help ensure the Office's work is culturally grounded, evidence-informed across knowledge systems, and delivers tangible, long-term outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In this role, you will: Be working in partnership with the Language Policy Partnership and our peak partner First Languages Australia, including through shared decision-making arrangements, you will drive strong action and Priority Reform change across Government in relation to First Nations Languages. Steward the reform of a major grants and commissioning program, including governance, risk management and compliance, while redesigning systems to better support community-led approaches. Build, maintain and protect trusted relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, organisations and communities, grounded in respect, cultural humility and shared decision-making. Provide authoritative, balanced advice to senior executives and Ministers, drawing on evidence, stakeholder perspectives and lived experience. Lead, mentor and develop multidisciplinary teams, fostering cultural safety, learning, and collaboration. Represent the branch confidently across government, with peak bodies and in inter-jurisdictional forums. Who are we looking for? To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate the ability to: Shape strategic and systems thinking Analyse complex and emerging issues, diagnose adaptive and technical challenges, read system dynamics and power, and contribute to long-term reform pathways aligned with Government priorities. Achieve results through reform stewardship Deliver high-impact programs and policy outcomes while managing ambiguity, risk and competing demands; redesign systems and processes to enable sustained change rather than short-term fixes. Cultivate productive, power-aware relationships Engage respectfully and effectively with diverse stakeholders, building trusted partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, organisations and communities through shared decision-making and accountability. Communicate with influence Prepare clear, persuasive and culturally appropriate advice; tailor messages to different audiences; and represent the branch with authority in sensitive and high-profile contexts. Demonstrate integrated policy and program expertise Lead and integrate policy development and program delivery, grounded in cultural understanding, community knowledge and practical application. Apply strong governance and resource management Manage projects, finances, people and risks transparently and responsibly, while enabling flexibility where required to support reform outcomes. Beyond technical capability, you will bring: Cultural humility and a commitment to continuous learning and self-reflection. Institutional courage and sound judgement in complex, contested environments. Resilience and adaptability in the face of shifting priorities and political change. A commitment to fostering a culturally safe, inclusive and high-performing workplace. A strong sense of accountability to both community partners and the public service.
