About the Treaty Authority

The Treaty Authority is a new independent entity with a mandate to facilitate the formation of treaties between the State of Victoria and First Peoples in Victoria. The Authority has been referred to as the “independent umpire” in Treaty negotiations.

The Authority’s work is grounded in Aboriginal culture, lore and law and led collectively by a panel of five Members committed to Aboriginal self-determination and empowerment. It engages with a broad cross-section of stakeholders, including the Victorian Government, the First Peoples’ Assembly and Traditional Owners in Victoria. It plans to grow its team as it establishes and delivers its functions and Treaty negotiations develop.

About the Role

The Treaty Authority aims to appoint a highly experienced Head of Community Engagement to lead the Authority’s engagement with Traditional Owner groups, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, and other Aboriginal community groups to increase awareness of the Treaty Authority’s role, responsibilities and processes, the Treaty Negotiation Framework and related Treaty programs and initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of developing and implementing comprehensive community engagement strategies that enhance organisational visibility and connection with Victorian First Nations communities and Traditional Owners. This role requires exceptional leadership skills, creativity and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

For now, this two year fixed term role will initially report to the Members. In time, as the organisation grows, the position will report to an Executive responsible for communications and community engagement.

Key Duties

• Develop and maintain trusting relationships with Traditional Owners and community stakeholders.
• Build and maintain the Authority’s client relationship management system (CRM) and databases.
• Lead the development and implementation of the Authority’s Community Engagement Strategy and related initiatives.
• Lead and support teams to deliver community engagement initiatives.
• Liaise with and assist Members and Executive on community and relationship management.
• Encourage Traditional Owner and community awareness of and participation in the Authority’s role, responsibilities and processes, Treaty Negotiation Framework and Treaty-related opportunities.

Selection Criteria

• Understanding of and experience working with Aboriginal communities, organisations, and Traditional Owner groups in Victoria in a community engagement context is essential.
• Lived experience, knowledge and understanding of Victorian Aboriginal communities and Traditional Owners required.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Highly skilled in the development and delivery of effective community engagement strategies and supporting activities.
• Skilled at working with various internal and community stakeholders to achieve strategic outcomes.
• Experienced in navigating and fostering relationships as part of building reputation and awareness.
• Demonstrated competency in the use of CRMs to compile stakeholder data and identify the need for resources for community engagement purposes.
• Ability to travel and work across Victoria on a regular basis.
• Relevant qualifications and/or lived experience are both highly regarded.

The Treaty Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages people from all backgrounds to apply. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for the position.

If you feel you are the right fit for this role, please click the Apply Now button to submit your application.

If you would like additional information about this role, please contact Human Resources at [email protected], using the subject line: Head of Community Engagement enquiry via EthicalJobs.