First Nations Workforce

First Nations Workforce & Capability Lead – Identified Role

Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid – Sydney CBD & Parramatta CBD

Planned travel to Uniting sites across NSW & ACT

This is more than a role – it's an opportunity to lead change that matters.

At Uniting, we know that building cultural capability isn't just about training programs – it's about transformation. Under our First Nations People & Place Strategy, we are committed to consciously growing our First Nations workforce and ensuring our people are empowered to develop their careers, strengthen their skills, and lead with confidence.

We also recognise that to truly serve our communities, we must enhance our cultural capability, so we are a culturally safe, responsive, and empowering service provider and employer.

That's where you can make a difference.

As our First Nations Workforce & Capability Lead, you'll be positioned in the People & Culture team, reporting to the Deputy Chief People Officer and embedded within our First Nations Strategy and Outcomes team, working closely with the Director First Nations Strategy & Outcomes for cultural guidance and alignment with our First Nations People and Place strategy. You'll work closely with leaders and specialists across Uniting to co-design and deliver workforce and capability initiatives that bring our vision to life.

Your work will include:

• Co-designing the development and delivery of Uniting's First Nations People Strategy – People Pillar, with a focus on cultural capability, retention, and cultural safety.
• Shaping and monitoring First Nations workforce metrics across recruitment, onboarding, progression, and retention to inform systemic change.
• Providing expert advice and strategic leadership to embed cultural safety into policies, systems, and everyday practices.
• Delivering impactful cultural capability initiatives for leaders, managers, and frontline staff, embedded within Uniting's broader Capability/Skills Framework.
• Establishing tools and benchmarks to assess and monitor cultural capability across all employee groups.
• Strengthening peer-led and practical cultural learning opportunities.
• Designing strategies to enhance retention, progression, and visibility of First Nations employees, including leadership development, mentoring, and sponsorship programs.
• Identifying and addressing systemic barriers through data analysis and staff engagement.
• Ensuring First Nations voices are central to all major workforce transformation projects.
• Reviewing employment policies, systems, and practices to maximise cultural safety, empowerment, and self-determination.
• Overseeing recognition and celebration of First Nations employees and their contributions.
• Growing and strengthening the Ngumbadal employee network.
• Equipping leaders with the resources, knowledge, and confidence to champion and support First Nations employees.

What you'll bring:

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity*, with the cultural knowledge, lived experience, and relationship-building skills to strengthen trust, respect, and belonging for First Nations peoples, communities, and colleagues – aligned with Uniting's commitment to cultural safety and self-determination.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Business, Education & Training, or equivalent experience.
• Experience working in a complex, matrixed organisation and influencing across teams without direct authority.
• Confidence in group facilitation, training delivery, and capability building.
• A strong track record in workforce development, cultural safety initiatives, and retention strategies.
• Strong organisational skills, able to manage competing priorities in a fast paced environment while delivering results.

Why join us?

You'll be at the heart of cultural change at Uniting – working alongside passionate leaders and specialists, shaping programs that remove barriers, building pathways, and celebrating First Nations strengths. Our hybrid model offers the flexibility to work from both Sydney CBD and Parramatta CBD offices as well as remotely, with planned travel to sites across NSW and the ACT.

About Uniting

Uniting is one of Australia's largest and most trusted not-for-profit organisations, delivering aged care, disability, early learning, chaplaincy, and community services across NSW and the ACT. Our First Nations People & Place Strategy commits us to equity, respect, and self-determination – for our employees, our clients, and our communities.

This is an identified position for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples under Section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

If you're ready to lead, influence, and create opportunities for First Nations peoples across Uniting, we'd love to hear from you.

If you're ready to lead, influence, and create opportunities for First Nations peoples across Uniting, we'd love to hear from you.

For all questions, please don't hesitate to contact Louise Massie via email

What We Offer You

• A rewarding career with a leading human services organisation.
• Up to $18,550 NFP salary packaging available.
• Access to our U rewards program with exclusive discounts.
• Flexible work hours for work-life balance.
• Affordable access to Fitness Passport— discounted gym memberships to support your best life.
• A supportive and inclusive and collaborative work environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth.

How to apply: Send your CV and a brief cover letter highlighting why this role appeals to you

Only direct applications via job platforms will be accepted

Uniting contributes to the work and mission of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care.

Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice.

We provide support for people through all ages and stages of life, with a focus on those experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability.

We acknowledge the Sovereignty of First Nations people over the lands of Australia and are committed to meaningful change so that First Nations people are strong, thriving and self-determining.

Uniting is a Child Safe Organisation, committed to the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of children and young people.

We are proud of the diversity of our people and always welcome everyone, exactly as they are.