Together we shape thriving communities, public spaces, places and economies.

• A unique executive opportunity to develop the cultural and creative programming strategy for the Cutaway, an arts and cultural space at Barangaroo
• 2-year Temporary fixed term role available
• Office location - The Rocks, Sydney - however flexible working is supported
• TRP from $204k to $228k including superannuation, commensurate with experience

Why join us?

Join a purpose-driven and values-led organisation where your work has a real impact on the communities and people of NSW. We invest in your career growth and professional development, offering true flexibility that supports your work-life balance. Our inclusive and supportive workplace ensures you feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive, all while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and autonomy.

This is an Aboriginal Identified role 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).

We have an exciting opportunity for a Director First Nations Creative Strategy to join the Placemaking NSW team. This role requires a deep understanding of First Nations arts and culture, histories, and contemporary issues and experience designing, developing, and delivering cultural programs and initiatives – so come and join a team which delivers real on the ground outcomes!

The role:
As the Director First Nations Creative Strategy, you'll lead the development and delivery of a bold, First Nations Creative Programming Strategy, ensuring Aboriginal culture, voices and leadership are embedded at the Cutaway. You'll work closely with communities, artists, and partners to identifyprograms and partnerships that will empower and celebrate First Nations creatives.

The challenge lies in balancing strategic priorities with meaningful community engagement, while navigating diverse expectations and cultural protocols. You'll need to foster collaboration, manage complex stakeholder relationships, and develop initiatives that create lasting cultural, social and economic impact for Aboriginal communities.

For more information read the full Role Description: Director First Nations Creative Strategy

Essential requirements

This is an identified role under 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.

About us

Placemaking NSW is part of the Crown Lands and Public Spaces division within the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, a Group with collective responsibility for the stewardship of public lands and special places. Placemaking NSW creates, manages and cares for many of Sydney’s unique iconic harbourside locations including The Rocks, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, White Bay Power Station, Luna Park, Ballast Point Park, and foreshore areas of Pyrmont and Circular Quay In addition to these existing precincts Placemaking NSW is also leading the planning and delivery of the Bays West Urban Renewal Precinct.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) improves the liveability and prosperity of NSW. To achieve this, we: create vibrant, productive spaces and precincts; manage lands, assets and property effectively and deliver affordable and diverse housing. We strive to be a high-performing, world-class public service organisation that celebrates and reflects the full diversity of the community we serve and builds the cultural capability of our department to improve outcomes with and for Aboriginal people, communities and entities.

We are an inclusive and accessible workplace, where your individual contributions are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to feel a sense of connection and belonging. DPHI supports various employee affinity groups, practices flexible working, offers job share and workplace adjustments.

Join us

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Applications close 11:50pm Tuesday 8 July 2025

Should you require further information about the role please contact Matthew Dwyer, Talent Acquisition Partner on [email protected]

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via [email protected] or (02) 63637676​ - HR Support, option 3, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.