• Identified position reporting to the DVC ISS
• Exceptional strategic leadership position
• Located at Camperdown/Darlington Campus
• Fixed-Term 2 year position with a competitive SPSA remuneration package, relative to experience, that includes leave loading and 17% contribution to super

About the opportunity

The cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are living and dynamic and central to the landscape, identity and character of our nation and the University of Sydney. This identity and character must be a stronger and a more vibrant part of our University and of our practice as members of this institution. The University's One Sydney, Many People strategy expresses our whole-of-University commitment to celebrate and respect the increasing voice and the influence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, culture, knowledge, and people on our campuses. It outlines how we will contribute to the social and physical environment that makes our University unique, and contribute to the key goal of achieving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and student population parity by 2030.

Under broad direction from the Deputy Vice Chancellor Indigenous Strategy and Services (DVCISS) the role manages strategic consistency, policy approaches and planning implementation for the portfolio for matters relating to Indigenous affairs. In close collaboration with other senior leaders in the portfolio, the Senior Manager, Culture and Community will agree annual strategic priorities and the steps needed to achieve them.

Your key responsibilities will be:

• provide senior University-wide leadership of strategic efforts to expand and enhance levels of interpersonal and institutional trust and engagement between the local and wider Aboriginal community and its leadership, civil society, government and industry and the University community
• work closely with management in the Gadigal Centre, the broader Indigenous Strategy and Services portfolio to provide bespoke history and family tracing programs for both students and staff. As part of this you will lead engagement with key external stakeholders, such as the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS), Native Title Services Corp (NTSC), and various Aboriginal community organisations
• oversee the review of Confirmation of Identity Policy Review and lead the implementation of any subsequent changes to the policy
• oversee the Gadigal Scholarship Program, requiring liaising with college principals and ensuring the Gadigal Advancement team are connecting with all students living in the colleges and university owned residences
• a point of contact for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students for non-academic support, cultural mentorship, and advice
• manage relationships collaboratively with Sydney Future Students including with organisations who are part of the University’s student outreach and recruitment programs and as required, you will actively support these activities to ensure success
• develop, conduct and report on the Elders program (Circle of Elders), where Indigenous Elders are invited to spend time at the University sharing their knowledge, skills, stories and cultural knowledge
• contribute to reporting on a regular basis for internal governance and external agencies and undertake routine reviews of all key activities

About you:

• Identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• has experience working in higher education or similar industry/government experience in Indigenous affairs
• has extensive knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies and cultures, including an understanding of the issues affecting people in contemporary Australian society and the diversity of circumstances of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Is familiar with the University’s 2032 strategy, One Sydney, Many People Strategy and Sustainability strategy
• has demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team, taking initiative and exercising sound judgement in resolving matters that may arise as part of normal daily work
• has strong business acumen and strategic thinking skills together with effective leadership and people management skills
• has demonstrated knowledge of the various Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisation in the local regions
• has outstanding communication and interpersonal skills including the capacity to build relationships and an inter-disciplinary way of working
• the ability to generate a strong sense of team spirit, cooperation, and collaboration within and across teams
• excellent time and workload management skills with demonstrated ability to prioritise effectively, manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and achieve required outcomes
• has a working understanding of relevant aspects of the Work Health and Safety Policy and relevant legislation, as applicable to the work environment
• has proven management experience at a senior level; together with flexibility, capacity to adapt to changing circumstances and environments and, when necessary, navigating through ambiguity.

About us

The respect and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, languages and knowledge systems in curricula is a key element of the One Sydney, Many People Strategy, which articulates the University’s commitment to a stronger and more accountable partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Developed through an extensive co-design process, the Strategy underlines the importance of embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, languages and knowledge systems in University practice, particularly through the Indigenisation of curricula. This will enhance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ engagement, participation and leadership in teaching, learning and research. This process is designed to embed a strengths-based approach that will be achieved through a combination of cross-University collaboration and local implementation plans.

The University of Sydney YURA Network, formally the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff Network promotes sharing of experiences, networking and professional support for career development and mentoring. It is supported by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Plan 2022-2024 that aims to increase employment and development opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.

This position is exclusively designated for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals under the provisions of Section 126 of the Anti Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW). It entails active engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge holders, adherence to cultural protocols, and adept navigation of cross-cultural interactions. These aspects are integral to the role and duly acknowledged by the University, recognising the role's significant contributions to Indigenous and Education strategies.

The University recognises that the cultural load undertaken by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff on behalf of the University culturally enriches the institution. It also advances the University’s commitment to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and communities. Engagement with cultural duties, engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditional knowledge holders and navigating cross-cultural interactions are recognised as crucial elements of this role and will be allocated appropriate time in workloads, including work plans, and will be considered in criteria for promotion.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. For a continuing position, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

Australian Temporary Residents currently employed at the University of Sydney may be considered for a fixed term contract for the length of their visa, depending on the requirements of the hiring area and the position.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

This position is designated as involving child-related work. To undertake or remain in this position, you are required to apply for and obtain a Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

How to Apply

To apply for this role, please follow click 'Apply Now'.

Applications should include a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Nicole Cunningham, Recruitment Operations, on 0449 973 799 or by email to [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Manager, Culture and Community enquiry via EthicalJobs.

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