Director, First Nations Policy And Engagement

Director, First Nations Policy and Engagement

Department of the Premier and Cabinet Job reference : 683068

Location : 5000 - ADELAIDE

Job status : Long Term Contract

Eligibility : Open to Everyone

About the Department The Department of the Premier and Cabinet (DPC) drives thePremier's priorities in South Australia. Our vision is to be theheart of government through providing important leadership, trustedadvice and strategy as well as central support services for thesocial, environmental and economic issues that we face. Our staffenjoy working with colleagues who value integrity, knowledge andintellectual capability. They exemplify the public sector purpose : Making a difference so South Australia thrives.

About the Business - Strategic Engagement Strategic Engagement leads the development and implementation ofstrategies, policy and innovative programs to support Government'sstrategic objectives

Strategic Engagement will lead Key cross government andcommunity engagement activities to inform the development, deliveryand implementation and of range of highprofile projects and policyinitiatives, contribute to critical issues management and strategicplanning to deliver Government and organisational priorities in aconsistent and cohesive way.

Role Highlights Build authentic partnerships with First Nationscommunities. Lead the design and delivery of culturally responsivepolicy initiatives. Provide strategic advice to senior executives. Role Details Reporting to the Executive Director, Strategic Engagement andaccountable to the Chief Executive, this high-profile leadershiprole is critical in delivering policy, programs, and partnershipsthat align with the Closing the Gap targets and advance SouthAustralia's Voice to Parliament commitments. Leading a dedicatedteam, you will provide expert policy advice, foster cross-sectorrelationships, and ensure First Nations perspectives are embeddedacross the department's strategy and operations. This is a uniqueopportunity to shape the state's reconciliation journey throughstrategic influence and culturally grounded leadership.

Key Responsibilities :

Lead the design and delivery of culturally responsivepolicy initiatives, programs and frameworks aligned withClosing the Gap and the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Build authentic partnerships with First Nationscommunities, Elders, government stakeholders, NGOs, andindustry. Provide strategic advice to senior executives andgovernment on emerging First Nations issues, opportunities, andsystemic reform. Oversee the development of a whole-of-governmentReconciliation Action Plan and lead a review of the State'sEngagement Framework to embed co-design principles. Drive implementation of the Closing the Gap Policy ImpactStatement across departmental policy and Cabinetprocesses. Strengthen First Nations leadership and inclusion withingovernment systems, policy design, and service delivery. About You :

You are an experienced executive with deep cultural knowledge, arecord of delivering meaningful outcomes with and for First Nationscommunities, and a passion for reconciliation and systemstransformation.

Your capabilities include :

Proven leadership in policy and engagement roles thatadvance cultural inclusion and social justice for Aboriginalpeoples. Exceptional ability to build trust, influence, and drivechange in complex, high-stakes policy environments. Strategic thinking informed by lived experience andunderstanding of Aboriginal cultures, values, and governancestructures. Demonstrated ability to shape government-wide initiativesthat deliver measurable results for First Nations peoples. Special Conditions The Incumbent will be required to participate in thedepartment's Performance Management Program. The Incumbent may be assigned to another position at thisremuneration level or equivalent. Some work outside of normal hours will be required. This role requires a working with children check. This role requires a National Criminal History check. This is an Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait IslanderDesignated Position, in accordance with sections 56(2) and 65of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984. Only Aboriginal and / orTorres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply. Classification SAES1 - South Australian Executive Service

Remuneration An attractive remuneration package will be offered.

Duration Up to 36 months

Enquiries to Giuseppe Nasca

Phone : 8216 3508

Email :

Applications close : 10 / 07 / 202511 : 00 PM

Attachments :

• Role_Description__Director_First_Nations_Policy__Engagement.pdf

Flexibility Statement

The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.

J-18808-Ljbffr