As an identified position, only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait islander descent are eligible to apply for this position in accordance with the special measures provision, section 12 of the equal opportunity act 2010 (Vic)

About Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation

The Melbourne Arts Precinct sits on the land around Birrarung (the Yarra River), has a rich cultural history and has been an important gathering place for Wurundjeri and visiting Kulin Nations for millennia.

Today, the precinct is home to many of Melbourne’s iconic arts and cultural institutions, has one of the highest concentrations of arts, cultural and creative organisations anywhere in the world – and presents up to 3000 performances and exhibitions in a typical year.

The Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation (MAP Co) oversees the delivering of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation project which will deliver The Fox: NGV Contemporary – a new gallery dedicated to contemporary art and design, significant upgrades to Arts Centre Melbourne’s Theatres Building, and a new 18,000 square metre urban garden for people to enjoy.

MAP Co also oversees project delivery, programming, and operations for Federation Square and is charged with seeking opportunities to amplify and leverage Melbourne Arts Precinct as a whole.

About the role

Reporting directly to the Director & CEO and serving as a key member of the Executive team, the Director, First Nations plays a pivotal role in championing MAP Co’s commitment to the value of First Nations First. Leveraging deep knowledge and expertise, this position provides strategic leadership, guidance, and advice to ensure First Nations perspectives are meaningfully embedded across all aspects of the organisation’s operations, programs, and partnerships.

The Director will shape and influence MAP Co’s corporate plan and strategic objectives by offering cultural insights and knowledge from their experience. Building and fostering relationships with key stakeholders—including Traditional Owners, MAP Co’s First Nations Advisory Committee, and Creative Victoria’s First Peoples Directions Circle—is central to the role.

Additionally, the position provides expert guidance to enhance cultural safety across the organisation, ensuring inclusive and respectful practices for staff, visitors, and communities. The Director, First Nations will lead efforts to embed meaningful engagement, advocate for transformative change, and uphold the organisation’s commitment to First Nations culture, values, and heritage.

For a full list of responsibilities, please contact Pipeline Talent at [email protected] using the subject line: Director - First Nations - Melbourne Arts Precinct enquiry via EthicalJobs.

About you

We are seeking an accomplished and visionary leader with proven leadership experience and a passion for embedding First Nations methodologies to drive systemic change and foster collaboration. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated expertise in engaging meaningfully with First Nations communities, shaping cultural change, and embedding First Nations values across the organisation.

Bringing a track record of success in delivering complex programs and projects within tight timeframes, budgets, and sensitive cultural and political contexts, you will possess strong strategic and corporate planning abilities. You will also possess exceptional stakeholder management skills, including the ability to build and nurture relationships across Government, private sectors, and community groups.

Additionally, you will have a robust understanding of management, financial, administrative, and human resource policies, paired with outstanding organisational skills.

This role calls for a leader committed to creating meaningful impact and advancing First Nations priorities.

Essential Key Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated experience in engaging with First Nations communities and embedding First Nations methodologies for systemic change and collaboration.
• Experience in leading cultural change with a focus on embedding First Nations values within and organisations people, program, partnerships and projects.
• Experience in a senior or executive role with responsibility for successfully delivering programs and projects within a context of tight timeframes and budgets, political and cultural sensitivities, and high levels of public interest.
• Experience in strategic and corporate planning and implementation.
• Ability to cultivate, collaborate and manage stakeholders across Government, the private sector and community.
• Demonstrated organisational skills and understanding of relevant management, financial, administrative, and human resource policies and procedures.

What we can offer you

• An attractive Victorian Government salary
• A flexible, diverse, and inclusive community-based professional workplace
• Exciting and fulfilling work
• Flexible working arrangements

How to apply

All applications must be made in writing and include an up-to-date CV

Click 'Apply Now' to submit your application via the Pipeline Talent website by 11:59PM on the closing date. Unfortunately, late submissions will not be accepted.

How to get more information

For further information on the position, please contact the team at Pipeline Talent.

Nikieta Riley

Senior Recruitment Consultant

[email protected]  | [email protected] using the subject line: Director - First Nations - Melbourne Arts Precinct enquiry via EthicalJobs.

M 0417 290 711 | PH 02 8001 6603