• Fulltime, Ongoing
• Sydney
• $166,071 + Super 
• This position is an identified position and is available to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.

About the organisation

For thousands of years, Tubowgule, the land on which the Sydney Opera House stands, has been a place of gathering and belonging. The Gadigal would meet on the tidal island, eat and share stories. The Opera House carries on this legacy by embracing and celebrating the culture of Australia’s First Peoples.

The Sydney Opera House occupies a unique place in the cultural landscape. It is a globally recognised symbol of Australia, synonymous with creativity and inspiration, one of the architectural wonders of the 20th century, and among the world’s busiest performing arts centres.

Drawing on the foundational idea that the Opera House was built to serve the community, our new organisational strategy for 2024-26 sets out the ambition to be Everyone’s House. To achieve this, the Opera House is: engaging with new and diverse audiences and broadening its programming and experiences; creating a workforce that is more diverse, safe, supported and engaged; ensuring who we are and the way we work is future ready and able to respond to the evolving needs of the community; and collaborating with the community to lead and bring about positive change.

Embedding and amplifying First Nations voices and culture to shape the future of the Opera House is a core strategic priority. The Opera House has identified five focus areas to achieve systemic change: self-determination; reimagining and truth telling; cultural safety; embedding First Nations values in business; and connecting with communities.

About the role

The Opera House has established this new senior leadership role to drive this meaningful change and to advocate for and centre First Nations people in everything we do. This role will be responsible for the development and implementation of an action plan to support and amplify First Nations voices, storytelling and self-determination within the organisation and across the full range of Opera House activities.

As this is a new role, the Head of First Nations Engagement will provide recommendations on roles/resources required to achieve the organisation’s goals.

The role reports to Kya Blondin, Executive Director, People & Government, who is currently the Acting CEO (until February 2025).

For a full description of the role, please contact Megan Ingram at [email protected] using the subject line: Head of First Nations Engagement (Identified Position) - Sydney Opera House enquiry via EthicalJobs.

About you

You are deeply committed to amplifying First Nations voices and fostering cultural self-determination. You have a strong background in cultural engagement, strategy and leadership. You have the ability to guide and influence organisations to build cultural competency and to create spaces that honour and uplift First Nations perspectives.

You have a strong track record in developing and implementing organisation-wide plans that embed key goals, priorities and initiatives.

Your expertise in advocating for First Nations values is matched by your ability to provide strategic advice and support to enhance cultural understanding. You are a skilled communicator with the leadership capability to motivate, inspire and build capacity in others. You thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments, confidently overseeing change management programs and embedding First Nations voices at the heart of decision-making.

Key Requirements

• Experience in embedding First Nations methodologies for systemic and cultural change.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with experience in providing high-level advice and briefings to the Executive and Board levels.
• A solid and broad network of trusted relationships with First Nations Elders, communities and organisations.
• Proven ability to manage relationships effectively, influence stakeholders and foster collaboration across internal and external networks.
• A firm understanding of best practice Reconciliation Action Plan and First Nations strategy governance frameworks and policies, as well as experience in the design and implementation of such frameworks and policies.

Even if you think you’d be a great fit but don’t necessarily tick every box of the role description, we encourage you to still get in touch with us.

What we can offer you

• Opportunity to work at Australia’s premier and iconic cultural institution.
• A new role that you will be able to shape.
• Five weeks of annual leave, as well as paid parental leave, special leave to attend NAIDOC celebrations and Family and Community Service Leave (FACS) for eligible employees.
• Flexible working arrangements – we know flexibility means different things to different people, so let us know how we can best support you.
• Access to complimentary tickets for performances and events.
• Access to a range of professional development programs and staff engagement activities.
• Staff community groups like First Nations staff network, SOH Pride, Sustainable Environmental Action Leaders (aka ‘SEALs’) and more.
• Access to reduced parking rates.
• Employee Assistance Program and wellbeing initiatives, including Fitness Passport and free circuit classes, yoga, pilates and physiotherapy sessions.
• Working for an organisation committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted via Apply Now below and include the following:

• Current CV – maximum of three pages.
• A two-page pitch connecting your capabilities with the key requirements of the position.

 Late submissions will not be accepted without prior approval from Pipeline Talent.

Accessibility, equity and inclusion

The Opera House is an inclusive employer that recognises everyone is unique. The organisation welcomes you for who you are – as you are. So if you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please contact Pipeline Talent to discuss. Even if you think you’d be a great fit, but don’t necessarily tick every box of the role description, please get in touch.

How to get more information

For further information on the position, please contact Pipeline Talent via phone or email for a confidential discussion.

Megan Ingram

Senior Recruitment Consultant

[email protected] or [email protected] using the subject line: Head of First Nations Engagement (Identified Position) - Sydney Opera House enquiry via EthicalJobs.

M 0419 599 251| PH 02 8001 6603