How this position will make a difference to the City of Parramatta

This is an Identified First Nations position.

The First Nations Cultural Projects Officer will develop and deliver a portfolio of cultural projects, which contribute to the delivery of Council’s Cultural and First Nations Strategies, along with the overall vision of the Parramatta Community Strategic Plan. This role is responsible for coordinating key arts and cultural projects with a focus on First Nations culture. The role also coordinates community engagement and consultation for arts and cultural projects, building connections with First Nations people, artists and community.

On a daily basis you will:

• Develop and deliver key arts and cultural projects with a focus on First Nations culture, including project management of public art, heritage interpretation and other arts and cultural projects and initiatives.
• This role sits within the Cultural Projects team in City Culture. You will work closely with the Interpretation & Strategy Coordinator and the Senior Officer Public Art and Cultural Projects roles.
• You will have the opportunity to work cross-collaboratively with other First Nations colleagues and provide Subject Matter Expert input across Council projects.
• Coordinate and engage in community consultation with Dharug Traditional Owners and other stakeholders to provide guidance on public art, heritage interpretation and other arts and cultural projects and initiatives.
• Manage relationships and engage with internal and external stakeholders, including the First Nations Advisory Committee, to ensure strategic and operational outcomes are achieved.
• Implement the Designing with County framework and First Nations Artistic protocols for visual arts where required in projects and ensure First Nations consultation is embedded into all frameworks and practices in support of Council's First Nations Strategy actions.
• Promote and maintain effective relationships with all external business partners including community organisations, contractors, State and Federal authorities.
• Promote the value of diversity and inclusion in all practices, engaging with and integrating the views of others.
• Convene relevant advisory bodies and community consultation, provide cultural guidance, advice and evaluation of arts and cultural programming and projects delivered by the wider City Culture Team.

About You:

The successful candidate will have strong dedication to improving First Nations communities, as well as:

• Cultural understanding of issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Ability to communicate sensitively and effectively, applying cultural, social and ethical understandings to the decision-making protocols related to First Nations people and communities.
• Experience working in First Nations communities and/or organisations.
• Minimum 5-years’ experience working in the arts and cultural industry, including museums/galleries, public art, heritage interpretation, design or other arts/cultural sectors.
• Experience working with a variety of stakeholders across internal and external agencies.
• Proven experience in program/project management.
• Demonstrable understanding of the relevant legislative and regulatory requirements applicable to the designated area and the ability to practically apply this knowledge.
• Computer literacy through accurate data entry, recording of information and experience with a variety of software applications.
• Demonstrated project management skills within the arts and cultural sector.

Qualifications:

• Degree qualification in cultural heritage or related discipline; or relevant demonstrable experience working with First Nations cultural material.

To perform this role, it is essential that the person is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person. It is therefore a genuine occupational requirement under section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991.

Verification of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Island heritage may be required.

By joining City of Parramatta, you will become part of an extraordinary team who work in a constructive and inclusive culture to shape the future of this city. Together, we champion difference, celebrate achievement and recognise positive impact. The diverse culture at City of Parramatta is a source of strength. We foster a culturally safe and inclusive working environment with employees from a variety of backgrounds. We acknowledge that diversity in our workforce increases the effectiveness of teams and our capacity for innovation. City of Parramatta have a First Nations Employment Reference Group to support First Nations employees in a culturally safe environment.

What’s on offer

We are offering an attractive remuneration from $101,563.70 to $111,820.26 plus 11.5% superannuation.

In addition, City of Parramatta also offer excellent employee benefits which include:

• A range of flexible work arrangements including hybrid WFH arrangements
• 14 weeks paid parental leave
• Access to Long Service Leave after 5 years
• Central Parramatta location (Public transport at our door, discounted parking)
• Significant leave benefits (up to 12 days flexi-time, 3 additional leave days at Christmas, 15 days sick/personal leave, 2 days health and wellbeing leave per year)
• Learning and development opportunities
• Health and Wellbeing programs (Fitness Passport, flu shots, etc.)

Want to know more?

Further information regarding the requirements of this role can be found in the attached Position Description.

Please note: This role is being advertised during our company shutdown period. Our team will not be returning to respond to any queries until January 6th.

For any inquiries between January 6th and 10th, please contact Sarina Solar at [email protected] using the subject line: First Nations Cultural Projects Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs or call 02 9806 8153. After January 13th, the Hiring Manager, Suzanne Buljan, will be available to assist with any queries on (02) 9806 5351 or email [email protected] using the subject line: First Nations Cultural Projects Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

How to apply

Candidates MUST apply online via the Apply Now link.

Applicants must attach a Cover Letter addressing the Position Description.

Applications close on the advettised closing date and will not be accepted through any other medium.

The City of Parramatta supports a Drug and Alcohol-free working environment, and employees may be subject to random testing as a result.

Inclusion, Diversity and belonging lies at the heart of how we recruit at the City of Parramatta. We continue to commit to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experiences, and backgrounds. We invite candidates of all ages, people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, women, ADF veterans, LGBTIQA+ and other culturally diverse groups. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive workplace.

Please note you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident or have unlimited working rights in Australia to apply for this position.