Leader Of First Nations Community Engagement

Celebrate Culture.
Empower Futures.
Lead Change
Start Date: Term 1, 2026 Part-time | 0.6 FTE | Melbourne-based | Multi-campus leadership role About the School Hester Hornbrook Academy is an independent, Special Assistance School that delivers flexible, inclusive education for young people aged 15–25 across multiple campuses in Greater Melbourne.
Our school provides "Wellbeing for Learning and Learning for Wellbeing," supported by our trauma-informed HOPE (Healing Oriented Program of Education) model.
We support students who face significant barriers to traditional education, offering a safe, respectful, and engaging environment that integrates academic learning with wellbeing and life skills.
Through VPC (Victorian Pathways Certificate), VM (VCE Vocational Major), and VETi S (Vocational Education and Training in Schools), we help our students thrive—and we are growing.
Position Purpose This role is a special measure under Section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 – only applicants who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander will be considered.
The Leader of First Nations Community Engagement is a vital leadership role focused on strengthening engagement, inclusion, and cultural connection for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
You will lead the design, implementation and review of inclusive, trauma-informed programs across campuses, ensuring First Nations student voice is embedded in all decision-making.
You will also provide strategic guidance, cultural expertise, and learning opportunities for staff across Hester Hornbrook, helping to create a culturally safe and inclusive learning environment for all.
Key Responsibilities (abridged; full details in Candidate Information Pack)
Develop and lead First Nations program content, events, and resources to promote inclusion and belonging Build strong partnerships with First Nations communities, Elders, organisations and services Deliver targeted professional learning, mentoring and secondary consultation to staff Promote cultural awareness, safety and inclusive practice school-wide Support data-informed program planning, continuous improvement and policy development Participate in classroom or program delivery one day per week (as per all senior roles at Hester Hornbrook) Key Selection Criteria (abridged; full details in Candidate Information Pack)We are seeking a committed, culturally knowledgeable professional with: Relevant qualifications in Youth Work, Education, Community Development or similar (or equivalent experience) Experience working with First Nations young people facing barriers to education Proven ability to build meaningful relationships with First Nations communities and stakeholders Experience delivering staff learning and supporting culturally safe, inclusive practices Capability to lead program design, data analysis and strategy within complex school contexts Strong commitment to collaboration, student voice and trauma-informed practice Essential Requirements Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Current Working with Children Check (Employee) and National Police Check Valid Victorian Driver's Licence and ability to travel across campuses Right to work in Australia Professional Registration (e.g.
VIT, AHPRA) if applicable Application process For a confidential discussion, enquiries about the application process, or to request a Candidate Information Pack, please contact: Shannon Morgan, Permanent Opportunities Consultant E: *********@anzuk.education l Direct: +61 3 9249 2463 OR Joanna Moe +61 451 392 *** E: ********@anzuk.education Terms and Appointment: The appointment will commence in Term 1, 2026, ongoing.
Applications will be received no later than and should include: Wednesday 27th August 2025
A one-page cover letter A two-page statement addressing the key selection criteria outlined in the Candidate Information Pack A Curriculum Vitae, including contact details of three professional referees to whom you have reported Applications should be emailed to Shannon Morgan, Permanent Opportunities Consultant E: *********@anzuk.education and Joanna Moe, Senior Executive Consultant E: ********@anzuk.education Hester Hornbrook Academy: Leader of First Nations Community Engagement Hester Hornbrook Academy reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date.
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY REQUIREMENTSHester Hornbrook Academy's/MCM's strategy is to create a working environment in which we have zero tolerance for compromised worker safety.
As an employer we endeavour to provide a working environment that is safe for all employees and clients and adheres to Occupational Health & Safety regulations as an employer.

---