At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive community-led initiatives and strengthen partnerships with Aboriginal communities.
- Company: Join the Premier's Department, leading collaboration for meaningful outcomes.
- Benefits: Flexible working, career development, wellbeing support, and work-life balance.
- Other info: Identified role for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in Aboriginal communities and lead sustainable projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in community engagement and project management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 133348 - 146945 $ per year.
Drive community-led initiatives and strengthen partnerships with Aboriginal communities across the New England & North-West region, delivering meaningful and lasting outcomes. Build trusted partnerships and work directly with communities on key projects.
About the Role
The Senior Partnerships Officer plays a pivotal role in strengthening outcomes with and for Aboriginal communities across the New England & North-West region. The role leads initiatives informed by community priorities, cultural knowledge and lived experience, working in partnership with Aboriginal communities, organisations and government stakeholders to deliver sustainable, community‑led outcomes. Managing a diverse portfolio of projects, the position oversees community engagement activities, partnership development, grants administration and strategic project delivery that contribute to long‑term social, cultural and economic outcomes for Aboriginal people. In this role, you will lead the development, implementation and evaluation of complex projects, ensuring outcomes are achieved through effective collaboration, stakeholder engagement and evidence‑based decision‑making.
We’re Looking For
- Aboriginal Community Engagement: Demonstrated experience working respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal communities, maintaining cultural awareness and understanding community priorities, protocols, community sentiment and local ways of working. The ability to build trusted relationships and maintain strong community connections across the New England & North-West region is essential.
- Partnerships, Influence & Collaboration: Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to build productive relationships and work collaboratively with Aboriginal communities, government agencies, non-government organisations and community leaders to achieve shared outcomes.
- Leadership & Collaboration: Ability to lead and coordinate project teams, ensuring governance, quality standards and milestones are met while working effectively across a range of stakeholders, operational areas and partner organisations.
- Project Management & Delivery: Proven experience managing complex projects, including planning, resourcing, budget management, reporting and quality assurance to achieve outcomes on time and within scope. Experience navigating government processes and frameworks is highly regarded.
- Research & Advisory Capability: Strong research, analytical and written communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, evidence‑based advice, identify emerging issues and develop practical recommendations to support informed decision‑making.
- Grants & Program Administration: Experience reviewing grant applications, managing grants programmes or administering funding initiatives is desirable but not essential.
We are particularly interested in candidates who bring strong community partnership experience and demonstrated commitment to community‑led outcomes. We value diverse experiences.
Essential Requirements
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 (1977) for Aboriginal people who meet the following criteria:
- is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, and
- identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and
- is accepted as such by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.
Why Join Us?
- 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.
- Inclusive Culture: Staff‑led networks including Aboriginal Staff Advisory Committee, Diversity & Inclusion Network, and Young Professionals Network.
Closing Date: Wednesday, 4 November 2026 (23:59PM)
Salary: Clerk Grade 9/10. Package includes base salary ($133,348 - $146,945) plus superannuation (12%) and leave loading.
Hiring Manager: Gemma‑Lea Tolmie, New England/North‑West Regional Manager.
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.
Senior Partnerships Officer employer: Premier's Department
The Premier's Department is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the Greater Sydney area where you can make a meaningful impact on Aboriginal communities. With a strong commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, employees are empowered to grow and thrive while contributing to significant community initiatives. Join us to be part of a team that prioritises collaboration and positive outcomes for all.
