Manager - Partnerships and Transitions (Identified Role)

This is an identified position open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people only.

Are you passionate about the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families? Experienced translating big ideas into reality, and negotiating with diverse stakeholders? This is no ordinary role. This is your chance to make a real difference by guiding the way 54 reasons engages, partners, and supports the self determination of First Nations people, playing a pivotal part in reshaping our Australian service delivery portfolio.

54 reasons
is Australia's leading child rights organisation - no ordinary not-for-profit.

Proudly part of the Save the Children Australia Group and global movement, we're here to make sure that children and young people have their rights met and thrive, in all their diversity. With the child's voice at the centre, we provide quality services to children and their caregivers in every state and territory, and across regions, remote areas and capital cities. From our programs to our support services - this is the place to realise your purpose.

A place to make a difference:

In this full-time, permanent role*, you'll work as part of our national Strategy and Partnerships team, supporting our leaders to engage meaningfully with First Nations leaders, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and peaks to support self-determination in practical and culturally responsive ways. This includes future transfer of business, capacity transfer, different kinds of partnerships, or new governance models.

At 54 reasons, we acknowledge and respect the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups and experiences. And we recognise that one First Nations person cannot speak or be expected to represent the views of all First Nations people across the country.

That's why this role is structured to provide advice to operational leaders who themselves will be responsible for engaging meaningfully on the ground. And to create a practical framework to guide their practice. In this, you'll collaborate and align with internal groups, including our Reconciliation Leadership Group and First Nations Advisory Committee.

A place to feel valued:

Your deep expertise in working with First Nations leaders, communities and organisations will be invaluable. You're a skilled communicator and relationship-builder, able to navigate complex dynamics and engage with diverse audiences. You're self-organised, proactive, and committed to continuous learning and improvement.

This role requires:

• Demonstrated ability to apply a rights-based approach to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in diverse policy and program settings
• Minimum of 5 years' experience working in or with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations or First Nations people or communities, including Elders, families, children, and young people
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage with a variety of audiences, from frontline staff and stakeholders to senior management and peaks
• Strong initiative, problem-solving skills, and the ability to coordinate and communicate across hybrid teams

Note
: This position is only open to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants. The filling of this position is intended to constitute a special/equal opportunity measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth), and section 57 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1996.

A place to belong:

At 54 reasons, we invest in the development and wellbeing of our people. Our workforce is approximately 600 people strong, and proudly diverse, whether in race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexuality, cultures, and beliefs.

It takes all types of people to do the challenging work we do. We are diverse personalities, backgrounds, and talents, embracing our differences as one strong and united team. We see and celebrate the unique value you bring to our organisation and offer a range of rewards for your effort, including:

• Individual learning plans to support your career development
• Full salary packaging benefits
• Extra leave, including ceremonial leave, to ensure you're able to perform at your best
• Support for workplace wellness, including access to our free, confidential Employee Wellbeing Program
• Celebrate and feel supported in your diversity through our internal networks, including the First Nations Advisory Committee, , Parents and , Mental Wellness Alliance, and .

Does this sound like the place for you?

We'd love to hear from you. Submit your cover letter and resume below.

Noting this is strictly an identified role - if you meet some but not all of the criteria, please get in touch with Simone Gianelli, Head of Strategy and Partnerships, on or via email at

Applications Close:
Wednesday 3rd December 2025.

Position Description:
Manager - Partnerships and Transitions

*We understand the need for work-life balance. We've advertised this role as full-time, but if you're looking for something different, please let us know.

We have tested our application process with diverse groups in mind, with the intent to ensure it's straightforward and accessible for all to apply. Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our culture and improve our ability to reach our most vulnerable client groups. But we also know there is no one-size fits-all when it comes to recruitment - so if we didn't quite hit the mark for you, please let us know at We're dedicated to ensuring Save the Children Australia is a place where everyone can feel supported - no matter your race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexuality, neurodiversity, culture and beliefs.

Save the Children Australia is a child-safe organisation. All employees are required to undergo a National Police Check, a Working with Children Check, and sign our Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct. We also support the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.

Save the Children is committed to providing and maintaining a safe working environment for its employees and client groups, consistent with our obligations under OH&S legislation.

If you are having any issues with uploading your application for this role, please contact for further support.