Strong Culture Manager - (Identified Role)

• Lead Strategy | Strengthen Culture | Shape Bunurong Futures

BLCAC is an Aboriginal organisation committed to strengthening our Aboriginal workforce and supporting self-determination through employment.

This is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Identified Position designated under Special Measures in accordance with Section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic). Only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply. Bunurong applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

About Bunurong Land Council

Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BLCAC) is the Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) representing the Bunurong people of the South-Eastern Kulin Nation.

We advocate for the protection of Bunurong cultural heritage, the care of Country, and the wellbeing of our community and workforce across Greater Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula and the Bass Coast. Our work is grounded in culture, respect and strong governance.

About the Role

This is a significant executive leadership opportunity to lead BLCAC's Strong Culture portfolio and play a key role in strengthening Bunurong culture, heritage, identity and self-determination.

Reporting to the CEO and forming part of the Senior Management Team, the Strong Culture Manager is responsible for the strategic leadership, cultural governance, operational performance and people leadership of BLCAC's Strong Culture portfolio, including Registered Aboriginal Party functions, cultural heritage management, cultural values, cultural landscapes, community engagement and cultural knowledge initiatives.

The role provides culturally informed leadership that brings together the diverse functions of the Strong Culture portfolio, fostering collaboration, shared accountability and an integrated, one-team approach to achieving positive outcomes for Bunurong Traditional Owners, community and the organisation as a whole.

As a senior leader within BLCAC, you will lead a multidisciplinary workforce of managers, coordinators and specialists, building capability, strengthening succession pathways, developing future leaders and creating a high-performing, culturally safe environment that supports collaboration, innovation and organisational success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction, cultural governance and operational performance of BLCAC's Strong Culture portfolio.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of Registered Aboriginal Party responsibilities, cultural heritage management, cultural values, cultural landscapes, community engagement activities and related cultural initiatives ensuring strong cultural and statutory outcomes.
• Ensure the delivery of strategic priorities, business plans and operational objectives aligned with BLCAC's Strategic Plan, cultural priorities and community aspirations.
• Lead, develop and support a high-performing, culturally safe and accountable workforce.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive and multidisciplinary team culture that promotes shared accountability, integrated ways of working and organisational success.
• Lead workforce planning, succession planning, leadership development and capability building across the portfolio.
• Provide leadership and oversight of initiatives that strengthen Bunurong cultural knowledge, cultural continuity, cultural knowledge transfer, community connection and Traditional Owner participation.
• Promote and uphold Bunurong cultural values, cultural governance and community aspirations across all areas of the portfolio.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with Traditional Owners, community, government agencies, industry partners and key stakeholders to strengthen Bunurong cultural authority, participation and outcomes.
• Lead collaboration across Strong Culture functions and foster productive partnerships across the organisation to deliver integrated outcomes, shared accountability and organisational success.
• Ensure effective financial stewardship, budgeting, legislative compliance, governance and risk management.
• Drive innovation, continuous improvement and sustainable growth across the portfolio.
• Represent BLCAC in relevant forums, negotiations and strategic discussions.
• Contribute to organisational leadership, strategy and decision-making as a member of the Senior Management Team. 

What You Bring

Qualifications and Experience

• Aboriginality is essential. Bunurong Nation is highly regarded.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Archaeology, Cultural Heritage Management, Anthropology, Indigenous Studies, Business Management, Leadership or a related discipline, or equivalent demonstrated experience.
• Demonstrated executive or senior management experience leading multidisciplinary teams, complex operational portfolios and organisational change.
• Extensive knowledge of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic), Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2018 and Registered Aboriginal Party responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience leading strategic planning, operational execution, organisational improvement, business performance and multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven experience in financial management, budgeting, resource allocation and business planning.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex stakeholder relationships, negotiations and strategic partnerships.
• Experience working with Traditional Owners, Aboriginal communities and culturally sensitive matters.
• Current Victorian Driver Licence,
• Working with Children Check and National Police Check, or willingness to obtain.

Personal Qualities

You are someone who:

• Is an authentic, visible and values-led leader who inspires trust, accountability and collaboration.
• Creates alignment across diverse teams and brings people together to achieve shared goals and positive outcomes.
• Builds a culturally safe, inclusive and high-performing environment where people are supported to grow and succeed.
• Thinks strategically and can translate long-term vision into practical action and measurable outcomes.
• Demonstrates sound judgement, resilience and emotional intelligence when navigating complex operational, cultural and stakeholder matters.
• Builds strong partnerships and influences positive outcomes across community, government, industry and organisational settings.
• Communicates with confidence, professionalism and cultural integrity.
• Coaches, mentors and develops others while building leadership capability and succession pathways.
• Champions innovation, continuous improvement and organisational excellence.
• Has a strong commitment to Bunurong cultural values, cultural governance, community aspirations and self-determination.

Why Join Us?

At BLCAC, we are committed to providing a culturally safe, inclusive and supportive workplace where culture, community and leadership are valued.

This role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the protection, promotion and strengthening of Bunurong culture, heritage, identity and self-determination while working within a values-driven Aboriginal organisation committed to community outcomes and continuous improvement.

 All our employees benefit from:

• A strong, culturally safe team environment.
• Supportive executive leadership and collaborative teams.
• Professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Flexible work arrangements where operationally appropriate.
• Salary packaging opportunities.
• Meaningful work that contributes to Bunurong culture and community.

As part of BLCAC's commitment to strengthening our Aboriginal workforce and supporting self-determination through employment, this is an Aboriginal Identified Position. Aboriginality is an inherent requirement of the role.  Bunurong Nation applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

Next steps

Join Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation as our Strong Culture Manager and lead a portfolio that protects culture, strengthens community and shapes the future of Bunurong Country.

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your leadership experience, cultural knowledge and interest in the role.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Suitable candidates may be shortlisted and interviewed prior to the closing date, so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

A position description is attached.