Director, First Nations

Full Time | PESES1 | Melbourne

As an identified position, only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait islander decent are eligible to apply for this position in accordance with the special measures provision, section 12 of the equal opportunity act 2010 (Vic)

About Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation
The Melbourne Arts Precinct (MAP Co) is leading Australia's largest cultural infrastructure project, the $1.7 billion Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation. Spanning from the Birrarung to Federation Square, this globally significant site celebrates creativity, diversity, and gathering, rooted in the heritage of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people and their neighbours across the Kulin Nation. MAP Co oversees project delivery, programming, and operations for the precinct and Federation Square. The transformation will enhance Melbourne’s reputation as a cultural capital, featuring The Fox: NGV Contemporary gallery, 18,000 square metres of public space, upgraded State Theatre facilities, and new dining options. Upon completion, the precinct will showcase Australian creative talent and attract global cultural tourism.

About the role
Reporting directly to the Director & CEO and serving as a key member of the Executive team, the Director, First Nations plays a pivotal role in championing MAP Co’s commitment to the value of First Nations First. Leveraging deep knowledge and expertise, this position provides strategic leadership, guidance, and advice to ensure First Nations perspectives are meaningfully embedded across all aspects of the organisation’s operations, programs, and partnerships.
The Director will shape and influence MAP Co’s corporate plan and strategic objectives by offering cultural insights and knowledge from their experience. Building and fostering relationships with key stakeholders—including Traditional Owners, MAP Co’s First Nations Advisory Committee, and Creative Victoria’s First Peoples Directions Circle—is central to the role.

Additionally, the position provides expert guidance to enhance cultural safety across the organisation, ensuring inclusive and respectful practices for staff, visitors, and communities. The Director, First Nations will lead efforts to embed meaningful engagement, advocate for transformative change, and uphold the organisation’s commitment to First Nations culture, values, and heritage.

For a full list of responsibilities, please contact Pipeline Talent at [email protected]

About you
We are seeking an accomplished and visionary leader with proven leadership experience and a passion for embedding First Nations methodologies to drive systemic change and foster collaboration. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated expertise in engaging meaningfully with First Nations communities, shaping cultural change, and embedding First Nations values across the organisation.
Bringing a track record of success in delivering complex programs and projects within tight timeframes, budgets, and sensitive cultural and political contexts, you will possess strong strategic and corporate planning abilities. You will also possess exceptional stakeholder management skills, including the ability to build and nurture relationships across Government, private sectors, and community groups.

Additionally, you will have a robust understanding of management, financial, administrative, and human resource policies, paired with outstanding organisational skills.

This role calls for a leader committed to creating meaningful impact and advancing First Nations priorities.

Essential Key Selection Criteria

1. Demonstrated experience in engaging with First Nations communities and embedding First Nations methodologies for systemic change and collaboration.
2. Experience in leading cultural change with a focus on embedding First Nations values within and organisations people, program, partnerships and projects.
3. Experience in a senior or executive role with responsibility for successfully delivering programs and projects within a context of tight timeframes and budgets, political and cultural sensitivities, and high levels of public interest.
4. Experience in strategic and corporate planning and implementation.
5. Ability to cultivate, collaborate and manage stakeholders across Government, the private sector and community.
6. Demonstrated organisational skills and understanding of relevant management, financial, administrative, and human resource policies and procedures.

What we can offer you

• An attractive Victorian Government salary
• A flexible, diverse, and inclusive community-based professional workplace
• Exciting and fulfilling work
• Flexible working arrangements

How to apply
All applications must be made in writing and include an up-to-date CV
Applications are to be submitted via the Pipeline Talent website:

Applications must be received by 11:59PM Wednesday 05 February 2025 Unfortunately, late submissions will not be accepted.

How to get more information
For further information on the position, please contact the team at Pipeline Talent.

Nikieta Riley                                                     
Senior Recruitment Consultant                                                            
[email protected] | [email protected]
M 0417 290 711 | PH 02 8001 6603