Manager Aboriginal Water Strategy Implementation (Targeted)

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

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.

• 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

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)

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.  

Should you require further information about the role please contact Sonja Freeman via sonja.freeman@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or on 0427 904 087.

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.

• 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 dcceew.ta@dpie.nsw.gov.au or contacting Celia Luis on 02 4904 2746 (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 AEX@dcceew.nsw.gov.au for a yarn. 

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Advertised: 14 Aug 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 30 Aug 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time

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