Job Description

Make a difference for Aboriginal communities across NSW.

• Aboriginal Identified Role
• Shape NSW communities through meaningful engagement, influencing inclusive public outcomes
• 2 x Ongoing full-time opportunities
• NSW office location with flexible working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $129,464 to $142,665 + super

This is an Aboriginal Identified role where Aboriginal identity, cultural knowledge or connections are a genuine aspect of the role. Positions are specifically noted under the provisions of the NSW Anti-discrimination Act (1977).

Are you passionate about creating positive outcomes for Aboriginal people and communities? Do you have the skills to build strong relationships, influence meaningful change, and ensure Aboriginal voices are at the centre of government decision-making?

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Community Engagement Officers to lead strategic engagement initiatives with Aboriginal stakeholders and communities, helping shape programs, policies and services that make a real difference.

The Department is recruiting for two roles: one to lead engagement in Eastern NSW and another to lead engagement in Western NSW.

The role

In this role, you’ll lead meaningful engagement with community stakeholders to inform policy and program development, ensuring voices are heard and reflected in decisions. You’ll design and deliver targeted communication initiatives, build strong partnerships, and provide advice that shapes outcomes.

You'll be responsible for leading and inspiring an active team spread across NSW.

You’ll navigate complex and sensitive issues, balancing stakeholder needs with project deadlines and budgets. Along the way, you’ll tackle emerging challenges, adapt approaches for diverse communities, and drive practical solutions that strengthen engagement and deliver real impact

Bring your experience, cultural knowledge and passion for community engagement to a role where you can create meaningful impact and help shape better outcomes for Aboriginal communities across NSW.

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Community Engagement Officer (Identified)

What you will bring to the role

• Communicate complex ideas clearly, engaging diverse audiences and stakeholders to inform decisions.
• Build collaborative partnerships across government and community to deliver meaningful engagement outcomes.
• Drive projects to successful outcomes, balancing priorities, risks and stakeholder needs.

What is an essential requirement:

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline and/or demonstrated equivalent professional experience
• This role requires extensive travel within NSW and a current NSW Driver’s Licence
• This is an Identified role under Section 14d of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 and as such Aboriginality is an essential requirement of the role. Aboriginal identified positions are developed where Aboriginal identity, cultural knowledge or connections are a genuine aspect of the role. Positions are specifically noted under the provisions of the NSW Anti-discrimination Act (1977) for Aboriginal people who meet the following criteria:
• is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, and
• identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and is accepted as such by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.

About us

At the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), you could shape your world while helping us shape the future of NSW. Together, we create vibrant communities, places and precincts, and manage land, assets and property.

We are a high-performing organisation that proudly reflects the communities we serve. Our diversity strengthens our cultural capability and enables us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people across NSW.

As an inclusive and accessible workplace, we value your contribution, lived experience and cultural knowledge, and we want you to feel supported, connected and empowered to succeed. With flexible work arrangements, job share options, workplace adjustments and various employee affinity groups, we are here to help you thrive every day.

Join us

If this role sounds like the right fit for you, we encourage you to apply with your CV and cover letter. We’d love to hear from you and explore how you can shape your world with us.

Applications close Wednesday 26th August at 11:55pm

Should you require further information about the role please contact Matthew West, Director ALS Aboriginal Land Rights via matthew.west@crownland.nsw.gov.au

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process (including an alternate format of the application form) ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via talent.acquisition@dpie.nsw.gov.au or (02) 63637676​ - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment.