About the role
As the First Nations Cultural Capability Officer, you will play a key role in strengthening the City’s cultural capability and embedding First Nations perspectives across the organisation. You will work collaboratively with First Nations communities, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, and internal teams to ensure culturally safe engagement and meaningful inclusion in Council planning and practice. This role also supports the delivery of the City’s Reconciliation commitments and contributes to building a more inclusive and culturally informed workplace and community. The City supports flexible work practices and provides cultural leave in recognition of employees’ cultural obligations.

Work type: Permanent Full Time
Classification: Band 7 Commencing at $106,158 pa plus super

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and deliver First Nations engagement strategies, resources and cultural capability initiatives.
• Build and maintain respectful partnerships with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, First Nations organisations and community members.
• Provide specialist cultural advice to leaders and teams across the organisation.
• Support the implementation of the Reconciliation Action Plan and related commitments.
• Coordinate culturally significant events such as NAIDOC Week and Reconciliation Week.
• Contribute to culturally safe project planning, decision-making and organisational capability building.

About you
To be successful in this role, you will have strong experience working with First Nations communities and a deep understanding of cultural protocols, strengths and aspirations. You bring well-developed stakeholder engagement, communication and relationship-building skills, along with the political savviness to navigate complex organisational and community environments. You have the ability to provide culturally informed advice across a diverse organisation and will be proactive, collaborative and committed to advancing cultural capability, self-determination and meaningful outcomes for First Nations peoples.

Essential Experience:

• Relevant qualification in Indigenous or Cultural studies, Community Development or similar and/or significant professional experience in First Nations and Diversity & Inclusion initiatives in a comparable organisation.
• Working with Children Check
• Current Victorian Drivers Licence
• Preferred candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Check as part of the recruitment process (funded by the City).

The City of Greater Geelong proudly acknowledges the rich heritage of First Nations cultures and is committed to fostering a diverse workforce. This role is designated for First Nations people, aimed to help eliminate inequalities for groups that may experience significant disadvantage when it comes to employment. The City of Greater Geelong recognises the value of the diversity and strength of First Nations cultures to the heritage of all Australians and strongly encourages First Nations people to apply.  The filling of this position is intended to constitute a special/equal opportunity measure under Section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth), and Section 12 of the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act (Vic)

If this sounds like the role for you, then click apply now! 

Child Safety Responsibilities   
We are committed to being a child-safe organisation and have zero-tolerance for child abuse. We have specific policies, procedures, and mandatory training in place to support employees, volunteers, and contractors to achieve and adhere to these commitments. Please read our Child Safe Standards Management Policy.  

Diversity and Inclusion  
At the City we want a workforce that reflects the community we live in. We welcome and embrace everyone, all people with their own unique experiences, and support and encourage all our employees to do their best work, have equal access to opportunities and a just working environment. For this reason, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from First Nations people, people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, from the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disability and people of all genders, ages and diverse experience.  

We are the City
From parks to offices, childcare centres to works depots, leisure facilities to the Wool Museum and waterfront, our team plays a vital role in shaping our vibrant and growing community. Our community counts on us to get the essentials right while looking for ways to go beyond. By listening, collaborating, and focusing on sustainability, we strive to do the basics brilliantly and create a lasting impact. If you’re ready to be part of something bigger, join us in shaping the future of Geelong.

We support accessibility and encourage discussions about any adjustments or support you may need during the recruitment process.

Applications and Enquiries

Click the Position Description link to view more information about this position.

Enquiries: Felicity Bolitho - Manager Community Strengthening | 5272 5635 | fbolitho@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

Click the Apply button to submit your application or find out more about this opportunity. If we can assist you with any reasonable adjustments in order to submit your application for this role, please contact the Talent Acquisition team via email at careers@geelongcity.vic.gov.au noting your preferred method of communication and contact details and a member of the team will be in touch.

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