About us

The Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation is a Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) appointed under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic.). We represent the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Traditional Owners of Melbourne and the Greater Melbourne region, and we take great pride in our responsibility for protecting and managing Aboriginal cultural heritage objects and places on Wurundjeri Country. The Corporation offers a range of cultural services including environmental land management, cross-cultural education, traditional Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremonies, research, and cultural consultations.

Position: Manager, Partnerships and Policy, full-time, ongoing

Purpose

The Partnerships and Policy Unit is responsible for ensuring the Wurundjeri Corporation has strong and enduring relationships with its partners and stakeholders and that the voice of the Wurundjeri Community is given voice in policy development and legislative reform.

The Manager provides overall leadership and management of the Partnerships and Policy Unit, develop unit strategy and workplans and provide guidance and development opportunities for the people in the unit. The Manager is also a member of the organisation’s senior leadership team, working closely with the CEO and other members of the senior leadership team to enable cross-organisational connections, develop organisational strategy and good business and ensuring the Unit’s function is fit to deliver now and into the future.

Key responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the Partnerships and Policy Unit to ensure their activities are aligned with the priorities of the Wurundjeri Corporation and the Wurundjeri community.
• Maintain a team environment that fosters and develops effective working relationships and a high-performance culture.
• Actively contribute to the leadership group, supporting a culture of staff enablement, collaboration and excellence.
• As part of the senior leadership team, contribute to the development of the organisation’s strategic direction and lead the unit’s team to develop operational plans that support achievement of organisational goals and outcomes.
• Manage a program of partnerships and relationships with organisations from a diverse range of sectors including all levels of government.
• Foster and maintain positive collaborative working relationships with other Units, the Wurundjeri Community, Elders, partners and stakeholders.
• Work with partners and stakeholders (including government) to ensure the Wurundjeri Community’s voice is heard and understood.
• Identify opportunities for the voice of the Wurundjeri Community to be heard in government policy development and legislative reform processes.
• Coordinate input from Elders, the Wurundjeri Community and relevant experts on policy and legislative reform matters.
• Prepare submissions, presentation to government and other organisations on policy and legislative reform matters.
• Source funding and negotiating agreements from partners and stakeholders.
• Administrative support for grant funding agreements such as drafting, tracking and reporting.
• Identify new business opportunities, system and operational improvements and development of career pathways and progression plans for indigenous and non-indigenous staff.
• Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with the Wurundjeri Elders, Wurundjeri staff and other stakeholders as required to perform your role.

About you

• At least three years working in a management role.
• Ability to develop and implement strategy, analyse and interpret policy and procedures.
• Experience identifying and developing strong community and government partnerships.
• Strong advocacy for the advancement and self-determination of Aboriginal communities and businesses.
• Reasonable knowledge and appreciation of Aboriginal cultures and matters including cultural safety and social issues.
• A strong ability to navigate cross-cultural issues.
• A flexible communication ability to foster strong, trusting working relationships with Wurundjeri elders and members.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, ability to work to tight deadlines and to prioritise multiple tasks and to work productively with limited supervision.
• High-level communication, written and customer service skills.
• High level of attention to detail.
• The ability to conduct duties in a confidential and culturally sensitive manner.
• Knowledge and appreciation of Aboriginal cultures and matters including cultural safety and social issues.
• Ability to support positive working relationships with Wurundjeri elders and members.
• Team-focused and supportive.
• Creative problem solver, committed to continuous improvement.
• Can build effective and long-lasting relationships.

Skills and qualifications

• Excellent relationship management skills with strong negotiation and advocacy skills.
• Ability to identify critical issues and assess their relevance to the Wurundjeri Corporation.
• Sound budget management and financial reporting skills.
• Knowledge of government and policy processes as well as a demonstrated ability to read, interpret and apply relevant legislation, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to understand and interpret contracts and working with funded organisations to meet their contractual requirements.
• Ability in understanding and providing guidance and leadership on complex, revenue-based budgets.
• Advanced proficiency in using Microsoft 365 Office Suite and in supporting an effective and productive hybrid team.

Probity requirements

• Right to work in Australia

Benefits of working at the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation

• $125,000 to $130,000 plus superannuation
• Not-for-profit salary packaging benefits (opportunity to earn tax-free income)
• Flexible work arrangements
• Free onsite parking

How to Apply

We welcome and encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

If you are passionate about protecting and promoting the cultural heritage of Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung, please apply by submitting your resume and cover letter via the "Apply Now" button below.

If you would like further details about the role please email [email protected] using the subject line: Manager, Partnerships and Policy enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.