Associate Director AOD Aboriginal Health Outcomes Transformation
Employment Type: Ongoing Full Time
Position Classification: Health Manager Level 5
Remuneration: $173,345 – $193,906 per annum plus Superannuation
Location: 1 Reserve Road, St Leonards NSW
Hours Per Week: 40 hours
Requisition ID: REQ658423
Closing Date: Thursday 28 May 11:59pm
Join the Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs (CAOD) at NSW Ministry of Health in a senior leadership role dedicated to improving alcohol and other drug (AOD) outcomes for Aboriginal people and communities across NSW.
About us
We are committed to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal people through culturally safe, strengths‑based approaches and genuine partnerships.
We value Aboriginal leadership, lived experience and Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing.
We offer flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work‑life balance and wellbeing.
Build your career in a role that places culture, community and systems change at the centre of statewide health reform.
To learn more about the Ministry and what benefits we offer, access our Employee Benefits Handbook.
Essential requirement
This is an Aboriginal Identified role.
Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply. Aboriginality is a genuine occupational qualification under section 14(d) of the Anti‑Discrimination Act 1977.
Confirmation of Aboriginality will be required and will be managed respectfully and confidentially in line with NSW Health policy.
About the role
With your experience, cultural authority and commitment to community, you can help shape how alcohol and other drug services support Aboriginal people across NSW.
The Associate Director, AOD Aboriginal Health Outcomes Transformation provides strategic leadership to strengthen culturally safe, accessible and effective AOD services. The role works closely with Aboriginal communities, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), Local Health Districts and government partners to ensure Aboriginal priorities are embedded in policy, funding, performance and accountability frameworks across NSW Health.
Health Manager Level 5, salary from $173,345 – $193,906 plus superannuation, with a 40‑hour working week.
What you’ll be doing
Provide culturally grounded strategic advice on AOD issues affecting Aboriginal people to senior leaders and decision‑makers.
Lead strengths‑based initiatives that improve Aboriginal AOD health outcomes across NSW.
Advocate for Aboriginal priorities to be embedded in funding, performance, governance and accountability systems.
Build strong, respectful partnerships with Aboriginal communities, ACCHOs and key stakeholders.
Lead and support a specialist team in a culturally safe, inclusive and supportive way.
About you:
We are seeking a motivated and committed Aboriginal leader who brings:
Strong cultural knowledge, lived experience and/or community connections.
Experience leading, managing or influencing policy, programs or services in complex environments.
The ability to work respectfully across community and government settings.
Confidence using evidence, community knowledge and lived experience to influence change.
A strong commitment to cultural safety, self‑determination and improving outcomes for Aboriginal people .
How to apply
At The Ministry of Health, we want you to make the most of the opportunities you’ll get to grow your skills and your career, surrounded by authentic, smart people and leaders.
Please review the role description and submit your up-to-date resume (up to 5 pages) and cover letter (1-2 pages) AND
1. Explaining your interest and motivation in applying for this role and highlighting your relevant skills OR
2. Demonstrate your ability by attaching a response to the two target questions below.
Target Questions (1-2 pages)
Target Question 1 – Leadership, influence and cultural knowledge
Describe your experience leading, managing or influencing people, programs, resources or services within a complex government or community organisation. In your response, outline how you have provided specialist advice informed by Aboriginal cultural knowledge and an understanding of Aboriginal community priorities, and the outcomes achieved.
Target Question 2 – Evidence‑informed decision‑making and system change
Provide an example of how you have analysed and applied a range of evidence sources (such as data, evaluation findings, community knowledge and/or lived experience) to inform policy, strategy or service design and influence system change, preferably in an Aboriginal health or Aboriginal affairs context. Describe your approach and the impact of your work.
Use the link below to access our Capability Application tool, designed to help you excel in the recruitment process. Practice your responses with the example questions provided to effectively highlight your achievements and the strategies you used to accomplish them.
For role related queries or questions contact Daniel Madeddu on Daniel.Madeddu@health.nsw.gov.au and quote REQ658423
As an organisation we are committed to creating an accessible and inclusive workplace. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact Karen Kennedy on karen.kennedy8@health.nsw.gov.au
Closing Date: Thursday 28 May 11:59pm
Need more information?
1) Click here for the Position Description
2) Find out more about applying for this position
Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
At the Ministry of Health, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and flexible environment which reflects the community and customers we serve. We actively promote the employment of women, people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ community and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and would like assistance with your application or to obtain more information on how to apply, please visit The Stepping Up Initiative.
To be eligible for employment in these roles you must be an Australian citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport, or hold a valid visa with permission to work in Australia.
Additional information
This recruitment may be used to create a Talent Pool for similar future roles (ongoing or temporary) that may arise over the next 18 months.
Please note the selection process will include a range of merit-based techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role.
For more information about working at the NSW Health, please visit our career portal.
Applications Close: Thursday 28 May 11:59pm
