NSW Government

Associate Director Aboriginal Strategy, Reform and Transformation (Cultural Capability)

🔍 Waratah, Waratah Campus | Hunter

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Aboriginal Health Management
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Hunter New England Local Health District
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REQ680175 Requisition #

Step into a role where your leadership will influence the future of Aboriginal health, strengthen cultural governance and leave a legacy of lasting impact. 

Employment Type: Permanent Full-Time 
Position Classification: Health Manger Level 4 
Remuneration: $153,559.00 - $182,954 Per annum + 12% Superannuation + Salary Packaging  
Hours Per Week: 38 
Location: Location Negotiable across HNELHD.  
Requisition ID: REQ680175 
Applications Close: Sunday, 16th August 2026 
 

Hunter New England Local Health District acknowledges Aboriginal people as the traditional owners and custodians of the lands in which our facilities are located. We pay our respects to Elders, Community members and Community-controlled sector who partner with us to improve the health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our district. 

This is a position identified for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people on the basis of a genuine occupational qualification under section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants must demonstrate Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status in addition to addressing the selection criteria. 

 

About Opportunity  
Hunter New England Local Health District is seeking an exceptional leader to drive system-wide cultural reform and create lasting change for Aboriginal communities across our region. This is more than a leadership role – This is an opportunity to shape the future of healthcare by embedding equity, cultural safety and accountability into the way our organisation delivers care. As the Associate Director, Strategy, Reform and Transformation, you will lead the strategic reform agenda that strengthens equity, embeds cultural safety and transforms the way healthcare is delivered for Aboriginal people across Hunter New England Health. Working at the executive level, you will influence district-wide strategy, policy and organisational reform, ensuring cultural safety, accountability and Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing are embedded across every aspect of our health service. 

In partnership with Executive Directors, Aboriginal Health, People and Culture, and leaders across the organisation, you will champion a whole-of-system approach to cultural reform. Your leadership will bring together diverse stakeholders to drive innovation, influence organisational change and strengthen cultural capability across both the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal workforce. If you are passionate about leading transformational change, challenging traditional thinking and leaving a legacy for future generations, we encourage you to apply. 

 

About the Role 
As the Associate Director, Strategy, Reform and Transformation, you will lead strategic initiatives that strengthen cultural governance, improve organisational capability and embed culturally safe practices across the district. 

You will shape executive decision-making while remaining connected to the Aboriginal communities we serve, ensuring Aboriginal voices, priorities and cultural governance are central to the way we plan, deliver and improve healthcare. 

As a key leader you will: 

  • Transform change that delivers meaningful outcomes for Aboriginal people and communities. 

  • Translate policy into practical, sustainable initiatives that create real impact across the organisation. 

  • Strengthen cultural governance, accountability and employment pathways. 

  • Champion innovation and continuous improvement in cultural capability and organisational reform. 

  • Build strong partnerships with executive leaders, staff and communities.  

  • Shape the future direction of Aboriginal Health strategy across one of NSW's largest Local Health Districts. 

 

About You  
You are an accomplished and influential Aboriginal leader with a passion for driving meaningful reform that improves outcomes for Aboriginal people and communities. You combine strategic vision with the ability to lead complex organisational change, influence executive decision-making and build trusted relationships across government, health services and Aboriginal communities. You are recognised for your strong cultural knowledge, collaborative leadership style and commitment to embedding cultural governance, accountability and culturally safe practices into the way organisations operate. Above all, you are motivated by the opportunity to create lasting, system-wide change that delivers better outcomes for current and future generations. 

To succeed in this role, you will demonstrate: 

  • A proven ability to drive continuous improvement by challenging existing practices, strengthening governance and optimising organisational resources to deliver strategic outcomes. 

  • Extensive experience leading complex organisational reform, transformation and change initiatives within a large and diverse organisation. 

  • Strong cultural knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal governance, cultural safety and the issues impacting Aboriginal people and communities. 

  • Exceptional leadership, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted partnerships and provide strategic advice to executive leaders and key stakeholders. 

  • Demonstrated experience translating government priorities, strategy and policy into practical initiatives that deliver measurable and sustainable outcomes. 

  • Highly developed organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results in a complex environment. 

  • A collaborative and inclusive leadership approach, with experience developing organisational capability and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and accountability. 

     

Essential requirements  

  • Aboriginality is a genuine occupational qualification for this position and is authorised under Section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW). Applicants must provide confirmation of Aboriginality from a recognised Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander organisation. 

  • A current driver's licence and willingness to travel throughout Hunter New England and across NSW is also required. 

  • Relevant tertiary qualifications in a relevant field or extensive relevant experience in a large and diverse service industry organisation. 

           

The Benefits 
At Hunter New England Health enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. Join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day:  
🌿 Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero  
🛍️ Proximity to shopping and other services  
😊 Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)  
🌴 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)  
👶 Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) - giving you the opportunity for true Worklife balance  
💸 Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing  
🏋️ Fitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family  
⭐ Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members  


Need more information?  
  1) Click here for the Position Description
  2) Find out more about applying for this position 
For role related queries or questions contact Raylene Gordon on Raylene.Gordon@health.nsw.gov.au

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Additional Information: 

  • At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact HNELHD-Diversity@health.nsw.gov.au  for confidential support. 

  • To be eligible for permanent employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.  

  • We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position. 


Information for Applicants: 

  • Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit: https://bit.ly/3vL5fq2  

  • Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/HNEHealthSteppingUp 

  • Salary Packaging: is beneficial to most Hunter New England Health employees and may increase your take-home pay! Salary package a range of personal expenses including novated motor vehicle leases, relocation expenses, and HECS/HELP debt. Find out more by contacting SalaryPackagingPLUS! via nswhealth@salarypackagingplus.com.au or 1300 40 25 23.  

  •  Hunter New England Health employees may be eligible for a range of benefits such as allocated days off (ADO) for full time employees, long service leave, paid maternity leave, and salary packaging options including meal expenses.   
     

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