About the Story Factory:

At Story Factory, we believe that stories can change lives. We focus on enriching the lives of young people in under-resourced communities through quality creative writing programs, improving their writing skills, increasing their confidence and expanding their future prospects. Reading is access but writing is agency.

Since opening in 2012, we have taken more than 50,000 student enrolments, with more than 8,000 enrolments in 2022. 18% of our students are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and 44% are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. We have won a number of awards for our work, including Executive Director and Co-founder Dr Cath Keenan being named Australian of the Year Local Hero in 2016.

About the role:

Are you sick of working in large environments where cultural work often feels tokenistic? Join our small not-for-profit where your opinion will be valued and you can actually make an impact on the lives of children and the way we do our work.

We're looking for a Story Guide to lead our celebration of and immersion in Aboriginal storytelling and culture. The Story Guide will support our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to write their best stories, and work with our storytellers to ensure that Story Factory workshops are designed and delivered in ways that best celebrate and incorporate First Nations knowledge and ways of learning. The Story Guide will also lead our RAP Working Group, and oversee the implementation of our newly-launched Reflect RAP, establishing connections with Aboriginal community members and organisations where necessary.

You are not expected to have all the answers when it comes to culture. Curiosity and a willingness to learn and figure out the best response, with other Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal colleagues, board and community members, will ensure success in this role.

The Story Guide can be based at our Parramatta or Redfern centres. In 2024 we plan to open a Mount Druitt Hub and it will be possible to work out of that office on some days.

About you:

We are looking for a Story Guide who:

• Is passionate about improving writing skills and educational opportunities for
• Indigenous young people.
• Is curious and ready to conduct research when they don’t have an answer.
• Brings a positive and strengths-based attitude in advocating for Aboriginal
• students and culture.
• Has connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Sydney and/or Western Sydney.

Key Position Priorities and Duties:

• Attend workshops around Sydney and work as a specialist tutor to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to write and share their stories with confidence;
• Work with storytellers, including Aboriginal colleagues, to develop relevant and culturally appropriate content for our programs;

• Assist with the delivery of our Reconciliation Action Plan to better reflect our growing organisation, and ensure that the outcomes and ideals of this are embedded across all aspects of our work;

• Develop partnerships and understanding between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and Story Factory on all levels, helping to improve the outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in our programs;

• Be an active member of the Story Factory leadership team, and provide input in all areas but especially those that relate to Aboriginal students and culture;

• Identify opportunities for creative writing workshops with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and school groups;

• Engage Story Factory staff and volunteers in professional development workshops to help them better engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and school staff in the classroom;

• Attend occasional fundraising and launch events;

• Attend staff meetings and participate in organisational development,

• Travel to workshops and meetings around Sydney;

• Perform other general administrative and organisational tasks as they arise.