Senior First Nations Strategy Development Lead (Identified)

Create NSW, a division of the NSW Government’s Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport, is seeking a Senior First Nations Strategy Development Lead (Identified). This temporary, on-site role is based in The Rocks, NSW, with a Clerk Grade 9/10 salary range of 133,348 to 146,945 AUD per year, plus superannuation and leave loading. The position is identified to require Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity under the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 and runs through to 30 June 2027.

The aim is to strengthen the visibility and sustainability of the First Nations arts and cultural sector across NSW. The person in this role will work with colleagues across government and the creative industries to turn priorities into practical strategies and initiatives that create meaningful opportunities, boost sector outcomes and help build a vibrant, inclusive NSW creative scene.

Working with First Nations arts and cultural stakeholders and government partners, the Senior First Nations Strategy Development Lead translates government priorities into actionable strategies and programs that advance engagement, growth and equitable access to funding and opportunities. The role supports whole-of-government reporting and contributes to the three-yearly Creative Statement to Parliament while collaborating in cross-government forums to share insights and drive implementation.

Steering NSW’s First Nations strategy in practice

You will help shape contemporary, inclusive policies and programs that strengthen engagement with First Nations arts, culture and creative industries. Expect to provide strategic, evidence-based advice, support the development of subsector plans and identify opportunities that foster sector growth, participation and fair access to funding. The role requires translating complex priorities into clear, practical actions and maintaining strong partnerships across government, industry groups and Aboriginal communities to ensure outcomes are measurable and meaningful.

What the role requires

• A tertiary qualification in a relevant field or proven equivalent professional experience
• An Identified role necessitating Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity under the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977, meeting criteria including connection to the community and acceptance by the community
• Experience in policy development and strategic planning for First Nations in the arts, culture or creative industries
• Ability to develop evidence-based government advice, including policy proposals, business cases or strategic recommendations
• Proven track record delivering strategies, plans or programs that show measurable results
• Strong skills in research, analysis and evaluation, and the ability to turn complex information into clear strategic guidance
• Effective stakeholder engagement and partnership capabilities, with a talent for building trust and navigating diverse perspectives
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the capacity to manage competing priorities in a changing environment

Pay, benefits and practical details

The role is a temporary appointment until 30 June 2027, based onsite in The Rocks, NSW. It sits at Clerk Grade 9/10 with a salary between 133,348 and 146,945 AUD per year, plus superannuation and leave loading. No travel or licensing requirements are specified beyond the onsite arrangement.

Tips to stand out for this opportunity

Lead your resume with your First Nations policy development experience and strategic planning work in arts, culture or creative industries, so it’s clear you’ve spent time shaping government-ready strategies.

Show concrete evidence of your ability to translate complex information into practical policy proposals, business cases or strategic recommendations, and highlight outcomes you achieved.

Be prepared to discuss how you’ve engaged with First Nations communities and industry groups, and how you’ve built partnerships across government to drive tangible results.

Ask a targeted question about how the role contributes to the Creative Communities policy’s implementation and the whole-of-government reporting, including the three-year Creative Statement to Parliament.

Getting your materials in

Your application should include an up-to-date resume (max 5 pages) and a cover letter (max 1 page) detailing capabilities and experience related to this role.

Closing date: Thursday 15th October 2026 [11:59pm]. Recruitment contact: Laura Steele, Talent Partner at [email protected]. For role-specific questions, reach Ali Murphy-Oates, Associate Director First Nations Policy & Engagement, at [email protected]. Click here to view the role description.