The Manager, Closing the Gap leads and delivers projects, policies and reforms to meet NSW Government Closing the Gap commitments, including Target 16.
You bring Strategic leadership in complex program and project delivery, with strong governance, policy expertise, and culturally competent stakeholder engagement
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Temporary, Clerk Grade 11/12 opportunity ($149,739 - $173,174 per annum) until 1 August 2028, based in Mascot but role can work remotely.
The Manager, Closing the Gap (Identified), leads state significant projects and service delivery reform aligned with the NSW Government’s commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, with responsibility for end-to-end project management including governance, resourcing, reporting, and performance monitoring and evaluation. The role represents the Department with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and government and non-government partners, providing culturally competent leadership to deliver outcomes across Priority Reforms, Target 16, Aboriginal language revitalisation, and broader socio-economic objectives while strengthening strategic alignment to maximise impact.
You will join our Aboriginal Affairs team within the Aboriginal Language Trust branch. Further details on Aboriginal Language Trust can be found here.
To learn more about the role please review the Role Description.
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Strategic Project Leadership: Lead multidisciplinary teams to design, deliver, evaluate and report on innovative projects and initiatives that support state significant priorities and service delivery reform, aligned with NSW Government commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
End-to-End Project Management: Oversee all aspects of project management including business case development, project planning, governance establishment, resource management, and compliance with reporting requirements to ensure delivery within scope, budget and timeframes.
Closing the Gap Expertise: Provide strategic leadership and advice to support the Trust’s engagement with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. This includes delivering against Target 16 and the Priority Reforms and supporting their alignment with broader socio-economic outcomes. Collaboration and lateral thinking are critical to effectively implement and leverage Closing the Gap initiatives.
Aboriginal Stakeholder Engagement and Cultural Capability: Engage effectively and respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, including Aboriginal boards, Aboriginal community-controlled organisations and funded groups, demonstrating strong cultural competence and capability as an essential requirement of the role.
Government and Intergovernmental Representation: Represent the Department at Commonwealth and State levels with government agencies, non-government organisations, industry and community forums, including providing high-level secretariat support to senior committees.
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Performance, Evaluation and Reporting Frameworks: Develop and implement robust performance, monitoring, evaluation and reporting frameworks aligned to the Trust’s functions and NSW Government commitments, incorporating risk management, benefits realisation, and impact and quality measures to demonstrate outcomes.
We value diverse experiences. Even if you're not sure you meet all requirements, we encourage you to apply.
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Flexible Working: Broad range of flexible working arrangements
Career Development: Ongoing learning through expert-led sessions, online training, and professional development opportunities
Work-Life Balance: Flex time accrual for extra hours worked (for non-executive roles) based on a 35-hour standard week
Wellbeing Support: Access to employee assistance program, fitness passport program, and wellbeing initiatives
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Inclusive Culture: Staff-led networks including Aboriginal Staff Advisory Committee, Diversity & Inclusion Network, and Young Professionals Network
Click ‘Apply Online’ and submit your application including:
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A resume detailing relevant knowledge, skills and experience (maximum 5 pages)
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A cover letter addressing how you meet the requirements of the role (maximum 2 pages)
Closing date: Monday 22 June 2026 (9:59AM)
Salary: Classification Grade 11/12. Package includes base salary ($149,739 - $173,17 plus superannuation (12%) and leave loading.
About the Premier's Department
Connecting to Deliver from the Heart of Government
The Premier's Department leads the state's 430,000 public servants, driving collaboration and the delivery of whole-of-government priorities. Learn more about the department and a career at Premier’s Department.
We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans and other diverse communities.
The Premier's Department acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work and live. We pay respect to Ancestors and Elders past and present. We recognise and learn from the strengths of First Nations peoples of New South Wales and their continuing connection to, and unique cultural and spiritual relationship with, Country.
Reasonable Adjustments: The selection process will include assessment techniques to determine your suitability. You can request reasonable adjustments at any stage by indicating in pre-screening questions, contacting the Talent Team at [email protected], or reaching out to the hiring manager.
Talent Pool: A talent pool may be created from this recruitment process. If eligible, you may be contacted for ongoing and temporary opportunities in the same role or grade that become available over an 18-month period.
This is an Identified role under the Section 14d of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 and as such Aboriginality is an essential requirement of the role.
Aboriginal identified positions are developed where Aboriginal identity, cultural knowledge or connections are a genuine aspect of the role. Positions are specifically noted under the provisions of the NSW Anti-discrimination Act (197 for Aboriginal people who meet the following criteria:
