Lead with Purpose. Protect Culture. Shape Legacy.

We are proudly partnering with our client Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation to recruit the Executive position of Registered Aboriginal Party Manager.

The Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BLCAC) invites applications from exceptional leaders to join our Executive Team as Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) Manager — a critical, strategic role entrusted with upholding, protecting, and advancing the cultural heritage of the Bunurong people.

This is a non-identified role, but we strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.

About Bunurong Land Council

BLCAC is the Registered Aboriginal Party for the Bunurong people of the South-Eastern Kulin Nation. We are a dynamic, values-driven organisation deeply connected to Country and committed to protecting Bunurong lands, waters, and culture across Greater Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, and the Bass Coast.

About the Role

This is no ordinary management role — it is a senior executive position reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and trusted by the Board to lead the organisation’s most significant statutory function: cultural heritage.

As RAP Manager, you will drive the strategic and operational leadership of BLCAC’s Cultural Heritage Unit, comprising a team of heritage professionals. Your leadership will shape the organisation’s external influence, internal performance, and enduring cultural legacy.

This role suits a highly experienced cultural heritage leader with executive presence, proven operational delivery, and a strong commitment to Traditional Owner rights and responsibilities.

What You’ll Do

Strategically lead BLCAC’s Cultural Heritage Unit in accordance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic).

Serve as principal advisor to the CEO and Board on all cultural heritage matters.

Oversee the multi-disciplinary team and ensure Cultural Heritage Management plans are being evaluated, assessing permit applications and making informed decisions on cultural heritage agreements in line with the organisation. BLCAC is one of the busiest and largest Registered Aboriginal Parties in Victoria, navigating a high demand for Cultural Heritage Management evaluations and associated deliverables.

Drive stakeholder engagement and represent BLCAC in high-level discussions to ensure the statutory function is delivered and advocated for.

Ensure compliance with legislative and regulatory obligations.

Provide visionary leadership across staffing, budgeting, resourcing, and governance.

Act as BLCAC’s cultural heritage ambassador at public forums and key policy platforms.

What You Bring

Minimum 5 years’ senior leadership experience in cultural heritage management within an Aboriginal organisation or heritage agency. As this is an executive role, it is important that a high level of senior experience can be highlighted within a application.

Recognition as a Heritage Advisor or relevant qualifications under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.

Deep knowledge of CHMP processes and heritage legislation.

A track record of leading multidisciplinary teams with vision, integrity, and impact.

Exceptional stakeholder management, negotiation, and communication skills.

Strong organisational, analytical, and strategic planning capability.

A high level of cultural sensitivity and commitment to First Nations self-determination.

Executive Package

Base Salary: Up to $160,000 (commensurate with experience)

Superannuation

$10,000 annual car allowance

Full salary packaging benefits (increased take-home pay)

Relocation assistance available for the right candidate

A workplace driven by cultural integrity, community, and purpose

How to Apply

To express your interest, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience and leadership suitability to:

Call Julia Trendall on 0418 677 781 or email [email protected] to discuss the role or your application.

Applications Close: 25th August 9am 2025.

Join Us

This is your opportunity to lead a powerful and respected Traditional Owner organisation, make an indelible impact on Country and Culture, and drive forward the aspirations of the Bunurong People for generations to come.