Associate Director, Aboriginal Cultural Capability

Associate Director, Aboriginal Cultural Capability (ID: REQ633524)

Employment Type: Permanent Full-time
Remuneration: HSM 5 $173,345.00 - $193,906.00 per annum, plus 12% superannuation
Additional Benefits: Work-life balance options, e.g., hybrid work arrangements, accrued days off (ADOs).
Location: 1 Reserve Road, St Leonards, Cammeraygal Country

Applications Close: Midnight on 25 January 2026
 

"Bring your cultural leadership and educational expertise to create meaningful, lasting impact across NSW Health."

• Drive statewide Aboriginal cultural capability and integrity across NSW Health
• Lead the strategic implementation of Respecting the Difference and cultural safety education and training programs
• Influence system-wide change through expert leadership and strong community connections
• Collaborate with stakeholders to embed cultural responsiveness and improve health outcomes

About the Opportunity
The Associate Director, Aboriginal Cultural Capability leads the strategic implementation and continuous improvement of NSW Health's Respecting the Difference program and other cultural safety education programs and initiatives. This role oversees the Centre of Expertise and Delivery Hub within the Health Education and Training Institute (HETI), driving statewide Aboriginal cultural integrity and workforce capability development through high-quality education and training.

The position requires deep cultural expertise combined with strong educational leadership, including experience in program design, adult learning principles, delivery, governance, and evaluation. You will provide astute, respectful guidance to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal stakeholders while working closely with the Ministry of Health, Local Health Districts, Specialty Health Networks, and pillar agencies to embed cultural responsiveness and drive meaningful change across the system.

HETI is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment which reflects the community we serve. We encourage candidates from LGBTIQA+, neurodiverse individuals, and people with disabilities to apply.

The Health Education and Training Institute (HETI) is a leading provider of high-quality training and education to support more than 140,000 clinical and non-clinical staff, trainers, managers and leaders across the NSW health system.

HETI offers competitive remuneration (base salary plus super and leave loading), a monthly ADO (for full-time staff), a range of flexible working options including hybrid working (all staff are required to attend the office weekly), as well as comprehensive leave entitlements and discounted access to fitness facilities. Professional development is well embedded in our organisation and staff are encouraged to continue their studies and take opportunities for furthering their careers.  

Essential Requirements
This is an identified Aboriginal position. Applicants must be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, and be accepted as such in their local community. This is a genuine occupational qualification, and exemption is claimed under Section 14d of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

Selection Criteria

1. This is an identified Aboriginal Position. Applicants must be a person of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. An applicant’s race is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under section 14 of the Antidiscrimination Act 1977 NSW. Please include information about your Aboriginal Australian / Torres Strait Islander identity.
2. Relevant tertiary qualifications in education, cultural capability, or a related field, and/or equivalent demonstrated relevant experience with expertise in education, strategic planning, organisational development, and workforce capability. Experience in the healthcare sector is highly regarded.
3. Demonstrated leadership in Aboriginal cultural capability development, with experience designing and delivering programs that embed cultural safety across complex systems.
4. Proven ability to lead large-scale, evidence-informed education initiatives, including program design, delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
5. Strong experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership development, particularly with Aboriginal communities, workforce leaders, and health agencies.
6. Demonstrated ability to lead adaptively in complex environments, manage competing priorities, and deliver outcomes aligned with strategic goals.

Need more information? 

• Click here for the Position Description
• Find out more about applying for this position
• Learn more about Health Education & Training Institute

Additional Information 

• Applicants will be assessed against the essential criteria in Position Description

• NSW Health is committed to accessibility and may provide adjustments to the recruitment and interview process as needed, including physical adjustments, interview setup, or scheduling needs. 
• This position is a permanent position and requires full working rights in Australia (e.g. Australian citizenship/ permanent resident). If you currently hold a temporary visa that allows you to live and work in Australia, you may be eligible for employment opportunities in line with the conditions of your visa.

Contact People
Please contact Gail Forrest on Gail.Forrest@health.nsw.gov.au if you have any questions about this role.

For Aboriginal candidates who would like to talk to Aboriginal Workforce Consultant, please contact HSNSW-AboriginalCareers@health.nsw.gov.au. Support is also available through the Stepping Up website. Stepping Up supports Aboriginal people to navigate the recruitment process and find a career or employment in NSW Health.

Please let HSNSW-DisabilityEmployment@health.nsw.gov.au know if you require any adjustments to the recruitment process so we can support you to present your best self.