Aboriginal Partnerships Manager

Landcare NSW Aboriginal Partnerships Manager

Job Package $103,000 exclusive of  Superannuation - pro rata

Employment Type:Part time (17.5 hours per week job share) - fixed term role until June 30, 2027

Location:Regional NSW or Sydney (negotiable) must reside in NSW

Responsible to: NSW Landcare Program Manager

Mandatory requirements: This is an Identified position – It is an occupational requirement that this position be filled by an applicant of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. Must have a valid NSW driver's licence and be available for frequent travel throughout NSW (travel expenses would be covered). This Exemption is claimed under Section 21 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

Context

Landcare NSW is committed to consciously developing stronger connections and partnerships between Landcare groups and Aboriginal Communities. We acknowledge Australia's First Nations people as the Traditional Custodians of the land, and we acknowledge their deep cultural, social, environmental, spiritual and economic connection to their lands and waters.

Primary purpose of the role

This is an exciting opportunity that builds upon our existing work of fostering cultural inclusion and representation of Aboriginal interests as they relate to and complement Landcare activity. The role is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships, processes, and protocols that lead to increasing engagement between Aboriginal people, Landcare groups, networks and coordinators increase cultural awareness within Landcare NSW and identifying opportunities to further engage Aboriginal peoples and organisations. The role will provide support and advice to Landcare NSW in developing mutually beneficial engagement and strengthened relations between Traditional Owners, Aboriginal organisations and Landcare at local, regional and state levels across NSW whilst recognising the extensive relationships that already exist in local and regional contexts.

As the joint Aboriginal Partnerships Manager you will work together to co-lead, with Local Land Services, the Aboriginal Partnerships component of the NSW Landcare Enabling Program and provide expert input into the development, implementation and promotion of effective high-quality community engagement strategies, initiatives and programs.

Key responsibilities include:

• Establish appropriate guiding protocols for incorporating Aboriginal practices into Landcare work and fostering understanding within Landcare groups where appropriate.

• Provide ongoing support and guidance to build proficiency and skills in appropriate cultural engagement into Landcare activities.

• Develop high-quality and effective information collateral, tools, outreach activities and other products.

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.

• Collect and collate data, analysing information and providing accurate, appropriately balanced advice, reports and recommendations that will progress the success of this initiative.

• Mentor Aboriginal staff working within the Landcare Enabling Program.

• Monitoring and reporting on the Aboriginal Partnerships program.

About Landcare NSW

Landcare NSW is the peak body of community-led conservation and natural resource management in NSW. It is a member-based charity and not-for-profit organisation focused on advocating for the environment and enabling our members to care for Country and nurture productive and resilient landscapes and communities.

Landcare NSW is the conduit between local Landcare communities, funders and decision-makers, supporting local Landcare communities by providing representation and resources.

Landcare NSW works to support the community Landcare movement by partnering with State and Federal Governments, corporates, not-for-profit organisations and other peak bodies.

About the NSW Landcare Enabling Program

The NSW Landcare Enabling Program is a collaborative initiative of Local Land Services and Landcare NSW empowering Landcarers to take action on local problems and deliver outcomes that address local and regional issues.

The NSW Government has committed $59 million to the Landcare Enabling Program for a four-year program Landcare NSW in partnership with Local Land Services delivers the Program as a continuation of their long-standing successful partnership.

About you

• tertiary qualifications or equivalent working experience
• demonstrated experience in project management support and engagement with Aboriginal communities
• experience working within the environment and/or community engagement sector would be highly regarded
• proficiency across the Microsoft Office Suite, with SharePoint skills highly regarded
• strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to clearly communicate with a variety of stakeholders
• ability to take initiative with a problem-solving mindset.

Key Competencies

• Develop and implement community-based information and assistance to projects that increase the ability of Aboriginal groups, rural landholders, land managers, community groups, partner organisations and industry groups to work together to manage and deal with environmental issues
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills – open communicator and ability to promote Landcare in a range of forums and inspire confidence through the timely resolution of enquiries or work requests; be adaptable in challenging situations, demonstrate a high level of effective verbal and written skills  communicating with diverse people at all levels, including the skills to use information technology, Microsoft applications and databases for communication, data collection, reporting and evaluation.
• Knowledge – excellent knowledge of key issues related to Aboriginal people, knowledge of cultural practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and the importance of connecting to Country.
• Teamwork – works collaboratively with project partners across the regions to accomplish organisational goals and reinforce the vision, respects and recognises the needs and contributions of others for quality service delivery, appreciates the operational pressures within the region/centre.
• Self-Motivation - self-starter with excellent organisational and time management skills, ability to self-motivate and multi-task and work independently, aptitude to think on your feet and produce practical answers, proactive, shows initiative, leads by example, maintains accountability.
• Collaborative Skills - an ability to engage Landcarers, various stakeholders and knowledge holders in the co-design of innovative and culturally appropriate events, design of innovation and culturally appropriate events, workshops and or information.

Essential Criteria

1. Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, and communities and with people engaged in natural resource management.
2. A results-driven self-starter with a high degree of self-motivation and drive, and with a passion for actively engaging and developing relationships on the ground.
3. NSW Driving License and the ability and willingness to regularly travel throughout NSW.
4. The ability to both adapt and thrive under changing conditions and operate under ambiguous situations.
5. Relevant practical expertise and experience in community engagement and community development.
6. Skills and ability to use a range of computer software including word processing, databases and spreadsheets.
7. Knowledge and understanding of community engagement in working on Country.
8. Ability to collaborate effectively and develop partnerships with key service providers within the community, government and non-government organisations.

Additional Information:

Landcare NSW is an equal opportunity employer, with employment under the organisation's standard employment agreement or as negotiated.

We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Previous work experience or knowledge of working in a community-based or not-for-profit organisation.

APPLICATIONS

Please apply via SEEK and include your resumé along with a short (no more than 2 page) cover letter outlining how you meet the criteria. Please indicate in your letter if you are interested in a part time role (with potential job share) or a full time position.

Applications close 31 October 2025