- Permanent, Full time
- Band 8 salary plus superannuation
- Convenient Preston location, close to public transport
- Permanent, Full time
- New leadership position with the opportunity to shape Aboriginal partnerships and outcomes across Darebin
- Band 8 salary plus superannuation
- Convenient Preston location, close to public transport
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants only
Join our team and help us to shape and create meaningful outcomes for Aboriginal communities in Darebin.
The Coordinator Aboriginal Partnerships is a newly created leadership position responsible for overseeing the Aboriginal Partnerships team and continuing the important work already underway across Council. The role will lead the implementation of Council's Balit Marra (Strong Mob) Aboriginal Action Plan and strengthen relationships with Aboriginal communities, Elders, Traditional Owners and key sector partners.
We're building Darebin's future - and we're looking for great people to join us.
As part of our organisational redesign, we're introducing new roles that support Darebin's future focus and priorities.
About the role:
Darebin City Council is committed to advancing self-determination, cultural safety and meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This role provides strategic leadership across Council's Aboriginal partnerships work and plays a key role in delivering actions and outcomes that support Aboriginal community priorities.
Reporting to the Manager Aboriginal Partnerships, Inclusion and Arts you will work alongside a dedicated team, provide cultural advice across the organisation, and drive initiatives that strengthen Council's commitment to inclusion and Aboriginal self-determination.
You will:
- Lead and coordinate the Aboriginal Partnerships Unit, providing strategic direction, cultural leadership and people management.
- Build and strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations, Elders, Traditional Owners and government agencies.
- Lead the implementation, monitoring and reporting of Council's Balit Marra Aboriginal Action Plan and related strategic priorities.
- Lead the development of reports, briefing papers and presentations for senior leaders, executives, Councillors and other key stakeholders.
- Provide advice to Council officers, managers and executives on Aboriginal engagement, cultural safety and self-determination.
- Manage unit budgets, grants, corporate reporting requirements and partnership projects to ensure strong community and organisational outcomes.
About you:
You are an experienced Aboriginal leader with a strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history, rights and self-determination frameworks. You have a demonstrated ability to build respectful partnerships, lead teams and influence positive change within complex organisations.
- Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline and/or equivalent experience in community development, Indigenous affairs, social policy or public administration.
- Demonstrated experience in Aboriginal community engagement, partnership development and cultural leadership.
- Experience leading teams, managing work programs, budgets and reporting requirements.
- Strong knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, self-determination principles and culturally safe practice.
- Demonstrated experience preparing high-quality reports, business cases, briefings and presentation materials for senior and executive leadership and Councillors.
- Experience developing, implementing and evaluating strategic plans, action plans, frameworks or initiatives that deliver measurable community outcomes.
- Proven ability to build and maintain productive relationships with Aboriginal community organisations, Elders and Traditional Owners.
Why Darebin?
Darebin City Council (Council) recognises, pays respect to and celebrates the long-standing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage within the Darebin community. Through the 2019 Statement of Commitment to Traditional Owners and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Council has re-committed to building stronger partnerships with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, recognising their values, living culture and practices, continuing spiritual connection to the land and waters and their right to self-determination.
We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We proudly serve one of the most diverse communities in Victoria, and we know that a diverse workforce strengthens our ability to deliver meaningful outcomes.
We offer:
· Connect with a strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and local organisations · Practice, participate in and celebrate culture, knowing Darebin respects Aboriginal cultural rights
- Learn and gain knowledge on the job, as part of endorsed work practices for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff
- Opportunities for professional development and career growth
- A workplace that values collaboration, integrity, respect and creativity
- The chance to make a real difference
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your application including a Cover Letter and Resume.
If you wish to address the Key Selection Criteria in the Position Description, you may do so in your cover letter.
Applications close on Sunday 16 August 2026 at 11pm.
For a confidential discussion about the role and the opportunity, contact Acting Manager Aboriginal Partnerships, Inclusion & Arts, Ilz Aslan 8770 8213 or Senior Aboriginal Partnerships Officer Uncle Stuart McFarlane 0427 7976 68 for a confidential discussion.
Should you need reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process to support your accessibility needs, please get in contact with us and advise how we can best support you. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply for this position. This action constitutes a special measure under section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic).
Pre-employment Checks
Darebin is committed to providing a safe working environment that embraces and values child safety, and thorough ‘Safety Screening’ processes apply.
To work at Darebin City Council, you will be required to supply proof of work rights, a Victorian Employee Working with Children Check and comply with Child Safety standards. All employees are required to undertake an Australian Criminal History Check and may be required to complete a Functional Health Assessment.
