Manager Closing The Gap Program Design & Delivery

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Lead Closing the Gap initiatives that create lasting impact
• 1 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 $154,231 to $178,369 + super

Our Aboriginal Outcomes team is currently seeking to appoint a Manager Closing the Gap Program Design & Delivery.

Play a leading role in shaping and delivering initiatives that support Closing the Gap commitments and Aboriginal water outcomes across NSW. This is a unique opportunity to influence how programs and investments are designed, evaluated and funded, ensuring they are evidence-based, culturally informed and aligned with community aspirations. You will lead strategic program design, evaluation and investment planning activities that contribute to meaningful and lasting outcomes for Aboriginal communities.

As Manager Closing the Gap Program Design & Delivery, you will lead the design, implementation and continuous improvement of programs and initiatives that support Aboriginal water outcomes and contribute to Closing the Gap priorities across NSW. Working collaboratively across the Water Group, DCCEEW Grants team, policy and delivery teams, and with Aboriginal communities and stakeholders, you will ensure programs are culturally informed, evidence-based and aligned with community aspirations.

You will lead evaluation planning, outcome measurement and investment planning activities that build the evidence base for future decision making and funding opportunities. You will also play a key role in business case development and management of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property, helping to shape innovative approaches that advance Aboriginal water rights, interests and aspirations in water. Joining a collaborative and high-performing team, you will have the opportunity to contribute to some of the most significant Aboriginal water reform initiatives underway in NSW.

• Demonstrated experience designing, delivering and evaluating complex programs, projects or strategic initiatives within government or a similarly complex environment
• Strong experience in evaluation, outcome measurement and evidence generation, including the ability to translate finding into practical improvements, investment decisions and future program design.
• Experience designing and delivering funding initiatives or grant programs, including governance, risk management and performance monitoring
• Experience preparing or contributing to business cases, investment proposals and strategic funding submissions, including alignment with NSW Treasury requirements and the use of evidence to demonstrate benefits, outcomes and value for investment.
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships and work collaboratively with Aboriginal communities, organisations and stakeholders, applying culturally appropriate engagement approaches.
• Understanding of Aboriginal water rights, interests and aspirations, and the policy landscape that supports Aboriginal water outcomes in NSW
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret evidence, identify insights and translate them into practical program solutions
• Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and communicate complex information clearly.
• Demonstrated leadership capability, with experience driving outcomes through collaboration, fostering continuous improvement and supporting staff development
• A commitment to collaboration, innovation and delivering meaningful outcomes for Aboriginal communities across NSW.

For more information read the full Role Description: Manager CTG Program Design and Delivery

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. 

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 552343).

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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