• Make a difference to young people by joining an innovative and well recognised national not-for-profit
• Full time, permanent position, flexible location - National office based in Melbourne.
• Hybrid work environment where you can work from home and in the office.
• Take up a leadership role in a strategic, collaborative team committed to the health & wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and communities.

What is headspace National

headspace is the leading youth mental health organisation in Australia. Recognised nationally, headspace helps thousands of young people, and their family and friends, access vital support through our headspace services in over 149 communities across Australia. To learn more about headspace and the services we offer, visit headspace.org.au.

About the role

This is a key senior leadership role reporting into the Executive Director, First Nations Wellbeing and Engagement (FNWE). The role is pivotal in fostering an inclusive environment that supports the well-being and mental health of headspaces Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff in the network, First Nations Stakeholders and First Nations young people, ensuring that workplaces and services are accessible, respectful, safe, and effective.

This exciting and diverse role will include;

• Working closely with the Exec Director FNWE to operationalise Headspace First Nations Strategy & supporting the development of the annual FNWE business plan.
• Working alongside the National Manager, First Nations Wellbeing and Healing in the FNWE national management team.
• Leading a team of 6 (currently) committed to maximising outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce and young people.
• Managing key stakeholders (internal & external), representing the FNWE Division in key meetings and forums, and presenting and reporting to governing bodies.
• Holding operational management and oversight of projects & programs within the FNWE (First Nations Wellbeing & Engagement) Division, aimed at enhancing cultural safety through the implementation of the headspace FN strategy.
• Maximising engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, including Elders and young people.
• Providing advice and guidance to headspace National and the headspace centre network in the planning, development and implementation of policies, frameworks, strategies, programs, and services to ensure cultural safety and responsiveness, maintaining headspace' commitment to embedding cultural safety.
• With the support of the Executive Director, leading the strategic direction of the centre-focused program of work in response to the recommendations from the Embedding Cultural Practice and Safety Project Report and guidance from expert First Nations advisors.

The primary role and function of the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Cultural Practice & Engagement Team is outlined below.

"To advocate for the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and communities within the headspace context; and strengthen the cultural capacity of the headspace network by providing expert advice and through the implementation of culturally informed initiatives that aim to improve the delivery of headspace services and programs to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people."

Who we're looking for

It is an essential operational requirement that this position is occupied by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person *

headspace is seeking someone with;

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and social and emotional wellbeing frameworks.
• Experience working in senior management positions in Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander policy, programs or services.
• Leadership, planning and program/project management skills at both strategic and operational levels.
• Capacity to assess and manage risk, problem solve and negotiate successful outcomes in challenging circumstances, with the ability to multitask and manage competing priorities.
• A proven ability to build relationships and strategic partnerships with government, non-government and community partners.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication and organisational skills, with the ability to work effectively and sensitively with a broad range of people from diverse backgrounds, cultures and experiences.
• Excellent presentation and executive presence - with an ability to represent the Division & its outputs & achievements.
• Ability to work effectively both autonomously and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Willingness and capacity to undertake regular interstate travel to head office and around the country.

*Please note, headspace considers that being an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under s28 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic).

What's on offer

• Excellent salary packaging up to the maximum amount ($15,900) - For more information on salary packaging, please refer to: https://www.smartsalary.com.au/.
• Hybrid work environment where you can work from home and in the office.
• Professional development opportunities.
• First-rate CBD location with great on-site facilities.
• A focus on wellbeing.
• A commitment to diversity.

How to Apply

• Click on 'Apply Now' to view the position description, and to complete your application.
• Your application must include a resume and cover letter telling us why you are the best candidate for the role considering the Key Responsibilities found in the position description.
• For more information contact Dan Knapp, Executive Director of First Nations Wellbeing and Engagement, [email protected] using the subject line: Head of Operations - First Nations enquiry via EthicalJobs.

To be eligible for this position you must

• Have the right to live and work in Australia.
• Hold a current Working with Children Check (WWCC) in your home State/Territory.
• Satisfactorily undergo a headspace Police Check.
• *Please note, headspace considers that being an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under s28 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic).

headspace is committed to being a child safe and child friendly organisation that recognises, respects and promotes the rights of children, young and vulnerable people.