Manager, Sector Growth & Transformation

The Opportunity

Ready to help shape the future of the Aboriginal child and family sector? AbSec is seeking an experienced and relationship-driven leader to join our team in this full-time, fixed-term opportunity. As the Manager, Sector Growth and Transformation, you will play a key role in strengthening Aboriginal workforce capability by leading strategic partnerships, driving workforce development initiatives, and expanding the impact of our Learning and Development Centre.

If you're passionate about creating lasting change through collaboration, innovation and sector leadership, we'd love to hear from you.

This is an identified position. Aboriginality is a genuine occupational requirement for this role under applicable anti-discrimination legislation.

About AbSec 

Our vision is that all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people are looked after in safe, thriving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities, raised strong in spirit and identity, with every opportunity for lifelong wellbeing and connection to culture, and surrounded by holistic supports.

In working towards this vision, we are guided by these principles:

• Acknowledging and respecting the diversity and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

• Acting with professionalism and integrity in striving for quality, culturally responsive services and supports for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities.

• Underpinning the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to develop our own processes and systems for our communities, particularly in meeting the needs of our children, young people, families and carers.

• Being holistic, integrated and solutions-focused through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander control in delivering outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, families and communities.

• Committing to a future that empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities, representing our communities, and the agencies there to serve them, with transparency and drive.

Role Purpose

The Manager, Sector Growth and Transformation is responsible for strengthening AbSec's relationships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), government, non-government organisations (NGOs), Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector partners, industry, philanthropic partners, and other key stakeholders to identify workforce development opportunities and support the delivery of high-quality learning, capability, and accredited training initiatives.

 The role provides operational leadership across stakeholder engagement, business development, project coordination, and strategic sector partnerships, ensuring the LDC remains responsive to emerging workforce needs and aligned with AbSec's strategic priorities, including its philanthropic partnership strategy and leadership within the National Policy Partnership.

 Working closely with internal teams and external partners, the role identifies opportunities to strengthen Aboriginal workforce capability, expand the LDC's impact and sustainability, and contribute to Closing the Gap priorities, particularly through support for Aboriginal community-controlled organisations and the VET sector.

 The Manager, Sector Growth and Transformation represents the LDC across the Aboriginal child and family sector and contributes to advancing AbSec's strategic pillars and continuous improvement initiatives.

Accountabilities

• Strategic Leadership & Sector Growth - Provide strategic leadership to strengthen the Learning and Development Centre's growth and impact by identifying workforce development opportunities, driving business development initiatives, and ensuring alignment with AbSec's strategic priorities and Closing the Gap commitments.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Strategic Partnerships - Build, maintain and influence strong relationships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), government, the VET sector, industry, education and philanthropic partners to foster collaboration, strengthen sector capability and represent AbSec across key forums.

• Program & Project Delivery - Lead the planning, coordination and delivery of strategic projects, learning initiatives, events, forums and sector engagement activities, ensuring effective management of timelines, budgets, resources, risks and reporting.

• Marketing, Communications & Engagement - Work collaboratively with the Marketing and Communications team to develop and implement targeted engagement strategies, promotional campaigns and stakeholder communications that increase awareness and participation in Learning and Development Centre services.

• Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement - Drive operational excellence through effective planning, performance reporting, continuous improvement and cross-functional collaboration to enhance service delivery, support organisational objectives, and strengthen the sustainability and impact of the Learning and Development Centre.

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining productive relationships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), government agencies, NGOs, industry partners, and community stakeholders.

• Strong understanding of the Aboriginal Child and Family sector, including emerging workforce trends, service delivery challenges, and workforce capability needs.

• Proven ability to identify business development opportunities, undertake industry-needs analyses, and contribute to organisational growth.

• Demonstrated project management or project coordination experience, including the delivery of stakeholder engagement activities, events, workshops, forums, or roadshows.

• Excellent communication, presentation, facilitation, and relationship management skills, with the ability to represent AbSec professionally across diverse stakeholder groups.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across organisational teams to ensure coordinated service delivery and maximise strategic opportunities.

• Experience working with marketing and communications initiatives, including targeted stakeholder engagement and promotional activities.

• Understanding of the Australian Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector, with a willingness to develop expertise in AbSec's learning products and services.

• Understanding the importance of cultural connections for Aboriginal children, young people, families, and communities.

• Demonstrated understanding of Aboriginal self-determination and a commitment to culturally safe, community-led approaches.

• Proven organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities, respond to enquiries, follow up opportunities, and deliver high-quality outcomes within agreed timeframes.

• High-level computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience using customer relationship management (CRM), project management, or reporting systems.

 Benefits:

• Full-time 35-hour week based in Redfern

• Salary: SCHADS Level 5 commensurate with skills and experience plus superannuation and not-for-profit salary packaging

• Hybrid work arrangement in a supportive and friendly work environment

To obtain a position description detailing full accountabilities and selection criteria, please visit our website: https://absec.org.au/careers/

How to apply:

• Address all selection criteria outlined in the position description, demonstrating your skills and experience to secure an interview.

• Submit a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and a current resume (not more than 5 pages) here

• Note: Applicants that do not address the selection criteria will not be considered for an interview.

Enquiries about the position please contact the People and Culture Team by email: **@absec.org.au