First Nations Engagement & Inclusion Manager

About the business

We are the team of the Mighty West, and we are for the West, fiercely proud of our unique 140+ years Western Suburbs heritage. Our famous Bulldog fighting spirit mirrors that of the West – the west of Melbourne and the west of Victoria - where hard work and standing up for what you believe in matters. While our history guides us, our horizons have lifted, unprecedented opportunities await, and our ambitions loom large.

Our Club still exists to bring people together and create lasting memories, as much as it strives to win premierships. It’s about our people, and their shared passion for the red, white and blue. It’s about ambition, pride, determination, and having a place to call home. We’ll always be entrenched in our community, embracing the beauty and strength in its diversity. It’s the story of what it means to be a Bulldog ‘Through & Through’.

We strive to create an inclusive environment where all are celebrated and belong regardless of age, ability, gender, sexual orientation, religion or background. We are a child safe organisation committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people.

If you are looking to be a part of a committed and passionate team, the Western Bulldogs encourage you to apply for this fantastic role.

Your contribution to the team includes

The First Nations Engagement & Inclusion Manager will support the clubs commitment to reconciliation and cultural safety by assisting with the implementation of the Reconciliation Plan and First Nations Strategy. They will also be responsible for:

Your contribution to the team includes:

• Support the establishment of a First Nations Advisory Committee
• Support the implementation of the Clubs Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) through active participation in the RAP working group and RAP Advisory group
• Proactively build and strengthen relationships with community stakeholders, ensuring the Clubs activities are informed by and responsive to the needs and aspirations of First Nations communities.
•  Assist with the coordination of Cultural Awareness training programs for all staff, players and board
• Lead, plan engage and rollout activities to highlight significant rounds/themes, including Sir Doug, AFLW Indigenous Round, and NAIDOC, with support from People & Culture, Marketing & Comms, and operations
• Creation of yearly calendar of significant cultural dates, events and proactive communication and implementation of activities to staff and players
• Develop and implement an engagement plan to work with our Indigenous stakeholders throughout the west of Melbourne and Western District of Victoria, including assisting the Club with building First Nations community involvement
• Provide advice and guidance across the Club regarding matters involving Indigenous communities
• Assist the Community Foundation with building relationships with local indigenous communities in areas where the Community Foundation operates its program
• Assist the First Nations Youth Coordinator and Youth Empowerment Manager with the design and roll out of the Nallei-Jerring Program

Skills & Experience

• Tertiary qualifications and/or significant work experience in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous/ Aboriginal Communities
• Trained in Indigenous Program Development / Community Development
• Experience and knowledge of AFL Football and its programs is desired
• Western Bulldogs considers that being Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under sub-s 26(3) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010(Vic).
• Must have demonstrated experience and understanding of cultural norms in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities.
• Comprehensive understanding of the issues affecting relationships for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and the demonstrated ability to effectively communicate this to engage stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience of project development and implementation principles and processes, including the ability to initiate, plan, organise, establish and task priorities, report writing.

What’s on offer

• Flexible working arrangements – up to 2 days working remotely opportunity
• Additional Work Life Leave - provided to those who are required to work weekends
• Birthday Leave - a day of leave available in the week of your birthday
• Close to West Footscray Station part of the new Metro Tunnel line
• Free onsite parking available
• Club membership - Free access to Western Bulldogs AFL and AFLW home games for you and your family
• Continuous learning & development – Array of paid and discounted professional training and development opportunities on offer
• Deals & Discounts with Club corporate sponsors - over 40% in some cases
• Parent friendly – Paid Primary and Secondary Carer’s Leave available
• Wellbeing focus including - we support our staff to complete a proactive wellbeing plan, free access to club gym, wellbeing sessions and activities across the year

How to Apply

Successful candidates will be required to hold a valid working with children check and a satisfactory national criminal history check.

If you are interested in working in a challenging yet extremely satisfying position, please click on 'Apply for this Job' & attach your resume and a cover letter outlining your key attributes.

With strong interest expected, we’ll be reviewing applications as they come in and looking to appoint promptly.

Western Bulldogs acknowledges that we reside on traditional lands of the Kulin Nation. We offer our respect to the Elders of these traditional lands, and through them to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples past, presenting and emerging. Western Bulldogs encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.