Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Aboriginal targeted opportunity
• Temporary (Up to 30 June 2028) full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity
• Office location upon negotiation across NSW, hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $154,234 to $178,369 + super

Our Aboriginal Water Outcomes team is currently seeking to appoint a Manager Aboriginal Water Strategy Implementation (Targeted).

Join a passionate and purpose-driven team leading the implementation of the Aboriginal Water Strategy across NSW. In this pivotal leadership role, you will drive coordinated action across government to improve Aboriginal water outcomes, oversee progress against Closing the Gap commitments, and help shape future investment in initiatives that support Aboriginal ownership, access and participation in water management and decision-making

About the Role

As Manager Aboriginal Water Strategy Implementation, you will provide strategic oversight of the Aboriginal Water Strategy delivery program, working across the Water Group and partner agencies to ensure commitments are translated into meaningful outcomes for Aboriginal communities. You will lead implementation monitoring, performance reporting and accountability activities, ensuring progress is effectively tracked and reported against Aboriginal Water Strategy and Closing the Gap commitments. The role also leads performance monitoring, reporting and business case development activities to secure ongoing investment in Aboriginal water outcomes, drawing on evidence, evaluation findings and community insights. Working in a culturally safe and collaborative environment, you will play a key role in advancing long-term, community-led outcomes and supporting the NSW Government's Closing the Gap commitments.

This is a targeted role under GSE Rule 26 and Aboriginal people are encouraged to apply.

About You

• Demonstrated experience leading complex programs, portfolios or strategic initiatives across multiple functions, teams or agencies.
• Proven ability to build and maintain productive relationships with Aboriginal communities, organisations and stakeholders, applying culturally safe and respectful engagement approaches.
• Experience coordinating cross-government initiatives and influencing outcomes through collaboration, negotiation and stakeholder management.
• Strong understanding of government reporting, governance and accountability requirements, including the preparation of briefings, submissions and advice for senior decision-makers.
• Experience developing business cases, investment proposals or strategic funding submissions supported by evidence and evaluation.
• . Understanding of Aboriginal water rights, interests and aspirations, and the policy and reform landscape that supports Aboriginal water outcomes in NSW.
• Highly developed strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complexity and competing priorities.
• Strong leadership capability, with experience building high-performing, collaborative and culturally safe teams, and fostering environments that value Aboriginal perspectives, knowledge and lived experience.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence, negotiate and achieve consensus across diverse stakeholder groups.
• A commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes for Aboriginal communities and advancing Aboriginal participation in water management and decision-making

Essential Requirements

This is a targeted role under Part 5 of the Government Sector Employment (General) Rules 2014. This employment opportunity is designed to promote equal or improved access of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to water ownership, access and decision-making outcomes and is an equal opportunity measure under section 21 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

For more information read the full Role Description: Manager Aboriginal Water Strategy Implementation (Targeted)

Who we are

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state’s environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy.

DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate, including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations.

DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry.

We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.

To Apply

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.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment.

Applications close Sunday 30 August 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Sonja Freeman via [email protected] or on 04•• ••• 087.

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.

Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Looking for more information or assistance in applying?

• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• How we encourage and support people with disability
• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing [email protected] or contacting Celia Luis on 02 •••• •746 (please mention reference number 552345).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at [email protected] for a yarn.

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