Executive Director, Aboriginal Languages Trust

Premier's Department

Executive Director, Aboriginal Languages Trust

You. At the centre of big ideas.

About the job

• Significant opportunity for a First Nations Leader to connect culture, community and government
• Lead the revitalisation of Aboriginal Languages across NSW
• Drive strategic outcomes in partnership with the Aboriginal Languages Trust Board

The organisation

The Aboriginal Languages Trust (ALT) is an Aboriginal-led NSW Government agency committed to preserving and strengthening Aboriginal Languages across NSW. Established under the Aboriginal Languages Act 2017, ALT provides a coordinated effort across local, regional and state levels to revitalise, nurture and grow Aboriginal Languages across NSW.

ALT's work is guided by a five-year strategic plan and overseen by an Aboriginal-led Board appointed by the Minister. Representing diverse Language groups across NSW, the Board reflects deep cultural knowledge and community connection. Among other things, ALT also leads Target 16 of the Closing the Gap initiative, recognising the intrinsic link between language, culture, identity and community wellbeing.

The ALT is guided by four key principles:

• Language belongs to Country and as Custodians Communities determine their Language needs and priorities.
• Language thrives when we share Knowledge and learnings.
• Language weaves Kinship, Country and stories together.
• Language is central to identity and wellbeing and it must be invested in.

The Board of the Trust report to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, who is responsible for administering the Act. The Trust sits in the Aboriginal Affairs Group within the Premier's Department. The Trust's staff are employed by the Premier's Department for the sole purpose of enabling the Trust to deliver its functions.

The Trust is structured to maximise operational independence, particularly with respect to the Trust's purpose to promote, nurture and grow Aboriginal Languages across NSW.

The opportunity

The Executive Director is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for delivering the Board's strategic vision to reawaken, nurture and grow Aboriginal Languages across NSW. Reporting directly to the ALT Board and administratively to the Deputy Secretary of Aboriginal Affairs NSW, the Executive Director oversees all operational, financial and governance functions of the agency.

The role leads a multidisciplinary team and is accountable for implementing ALT's five-year strategic plan, enhancing the agency's capability and capacity, and building the partnerships that underpin sustainable Language revitalisation. A key focus of the role is representing ALT with integrity and credibility across Aboriginal communities, government, forums, and fostering enduring relationships that support ALT's mission.

Working in a dynamic and culturally grounded environment, you'll lead a team that collaborates across programs, communities and the ALT Board to deliver community-led outcomes with integrity, respect and purpose. This is a unique opportunity to drive strategic outcomes at the intersection of community, culture and government, and to contribute to the broader Closing the Gap objectives through the revitalisation of Aboriginal Languages.

Operating within an innovative legislative framework, the Executive Director must lead a new and rapidly growing agency while embedding stability in staffing, operational procedures, budgets, and governance systems. The role requires navigating complex cultural and community contexts, including the stewardship of cultural and community-held intellectual property, and leading transformative initiatives with high community expectations and strong cultural ownership. It demands innovative, evidence-based solutions to address significant, sensitive, and complex issues, all while fostering trust and delivering community-led outcomes that honour Aboriginal knowledge systems.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a culturally significant agency at the intersection of community, culture, and government. The Executive Director will work in a dynamic and culturally grounded environment, leading a multidisciplinary team that collaborates across programs, communities, and the ALT Board to achieve sustainable language revitalisation. In doing so, the role directly contributes to the broader Closing the Gap objectives and strengthens the cultural heritage of NSW for future generations.

About you

You are an influential and culturally grounded leader with a deep understanding of Aboriginal communities, history and the significance of Language. You bring proven experience leading complex organisations or programs, ideally with exposure to both government and community contexts. You have the capability to navigate sensitive cultural issues, engage credibly with Aboriginal communities, and foster effective partnerships across government and external stakeholders.

Your background includes experience in strategy, governance, operational management and stakeholder engagement. You demonstrate the ability to influence and negotiate in complex environments, and you are committed to promoting the cultural, social and community importance of Aboriginal Languages.

Note that being an Aboriginal person is a genuine occupational qualification for this role under s14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

How to apply

For a confidential discussion or role related questions, please contact Jess Gough, Jess Lewy or Felicity Stalley of The Orchard Talent Group at To apply please submit your current CV via the link or email

Applications close 31 August 2025

The Orchard Talent Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.