The Snow Foundation acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the land, sea and waters where we live, learn and work. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

ABOUT YOUR ORGANISATION

The Snow Foundation is a family philanthropic foundation founded in Canberra in 1991 by Terry Snow AM and brother George. Our mission is to create opportunities and strengthen resilience for a more caring and inclusive community where everyone can thrive. We do this by identifying gaps, supporting innovative and community-led initiatives with potential for big impact, taking considered risks to help bold ideas become reality and being engaged partners, providing more than funding where we can add value. The Snow Foundation pursues a strategy of further growth and innovation, built on a strong sense of trusted partnerships with communities.

 This is an opportunity to join a respected family foundation that continues to innovate and grow its significant impact and support to the for-purpose sector. There are four pillars that guide the Foundation’s giving, Our Place, Our Country, Our Sector and Our Family.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for a First Nations Engagement Associate to join our team based in Sydney!

Under the direction of your Manager, the position will work collaboratively with key internal and external stakeholders to support The Snow Foundation’s partners to deliver their objectives and projects.

 The role’s main focus is, as a First Nations person, contributing to projects and partnerships, within the Our Country pillar. These are focused on key social and economic justice issues with an emphasis on empowerment and working towards systems change and improved outcomes.

 Key social justice areas include First Nations health (rheumatic heart disease), First Nations self-determination / leadership, LGBTIQ+ opportunity and rights, economic empowerment, and women’s safety.  This role will mostly focus on the First Nations areas but also provide support across the full suite of social justice areas.

 A secondary focus will be to provide advice on other First Nations projects across the Foundation.

This position will serve as a key liaison with First Nations partners and communities, ensuring that partnerships are culturally sensitive, mutually beneficial and aligned with the priorities of First Nations people, communities, and The Snow Foundation.

main duties

First Nations guidance or advice

• Being a First Nations person, provide guidance or advice where appropriate on cultural practice and protocols to The Snow Foundation team.
• Work collaboratively with our First Nations cultural advisor, Vicki Wade.

 Project Management Support and Administration

• Assist and support with planning, implementing and managing projects and initiatives to end rheumatic heart disease such as the Deadly Heart Trek.  Priorities include stakeholder engagement, cultural considerations, travel and logistics, events, meetings, merchandise, permissions, etc
• Organise and manage events, in collaboration with Marketing and Communication, focused on awareness raising and advocacy - events may include film screenings, roundtables, networking functions, etc.
• Provide any other administrative support required by your Manager and CEO in the implementation of the full suite of the social and economic justice and empowerment portfolio.

 Relationship Management & Community Engagement

• Support your Manager and the CEO with social and economic justice and empowerment partnerships including community-led initiatives. 
• Under the guidance of your Manager, establish and maintain strong and transparent relationships within the Our Country pillar – including First Nations people and communities.
• Liaise and work closely with The Snow Foundation team in Sydney and in Canberra, providing support to First Nations projects and initiatives. Also work with The Snow Foundation external advisors.
• Identify opportunities for future partnerships including community-led activities and campaigns that raise awareness and advocate for change aligning with The Snow Foundation strategic directions.

 Communication and Research

• Research key First Nations social and economic justice and empowerment issues and developments in government policy, media and advocacy circles and communicate these as directed with internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor and communicate progress and impact to internal and external stakeholders.
• Keep abreast of sector developments and opportunities that could benefit Snow Foundation partners. 
• Prepare reports and discussion papers for the Board of The Snow Foundation to enable informed decision-making.

 Financial

• Support forecasting and planning for national grants and submissions for approval / payment within a timely manner.

 Grants Management

• Understand and use the Grants Management system to ensure partnerships and grants are correctly managed and updated.

Experience

The role requires a minimum of five years’ experience in a partnership/account management or project management role. Experience with First Nations communities and culture is essential.

 As well as this, the First Nations Engagement Associate will need to have the following core attributes:

• Passion for social impact
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Be a team player
• Ability to work autonomous and within a team environment 
• Strong time management skills
• Professional presentation
• And the ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information

To submit your application, click "Apply Now".