Senior Manager, First Nations Strategy and Engagement

• Join Sound NSW, a division within the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport
• Clerk Grade 11/12 with a salary range of $149,739 - $173,174
• Temporary opportunity until 1 August 2027 based in Sydney, NSW

About the role  

The Senior Manager, First Nations Strategy and Engagement (Sound NSW) role will be primarily responsible for engaging with and delivering outcomes for First Nations artists, music and culture within the NSW contemporary music sector.

The role will ensure Sound NSW establishes and maintains strong and productive relationships with external stakeholders across other government agencies, the music industry, and the community sector across NSW.

The role works closely with the Head of Sound NSW to deliver strategic and operational priorities, while anticipating and responding to opportunities, challenges and deadlines.

Essential Requirements

This is an identified role under Section 14d of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 and as such Aboriginality is an essential requirement of the role. Aboriginal identified positions are developed where Aboriginal identity, cultural knowledge or connections are a genuine aspect of the role. Positions are specifically noted under the provisions of the NSW Anti-discrimination Act (1977) for Aboriginal people who meet the following criteria:

• is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, and
• identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and
• is accepted as such by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community

The options below are available to applicants in confirming Aboriginality, one of which must be uploaded to the job application to be considered for the role:

• Letter of Confirmation of Aboriginality 
• Certificate of Aboriginality
• Written confirmation from at least two (2) Aboriginal organisations within the community in which you live/work, which addresses the three criteria listed below: 
• is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, and
• identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and
• is accepted as a such by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.
• A statutory declaration (if the applicant has no other formal documentary evidence)

About You  

The ideal candidate should demonstrate the following key knowledge and experience:

• Strong practical knowledge of the workings of government and its processes.
• Stakeholder management expertise and experience navigating through government processes combined
• with strong leadership skills and the ability to drive performance in complex, politically and commercially
• sensitive environment.
• Experience working at a senior level in a complex organisation delivering expert advice to executive
• A solid and broad network of trusted relationships with Aboriginal Elders, communities and organisations.

To learn more about the role, please click here to download the role description. 

How to Apply! 

Your application must include a cover letter and an up-to-date resume that details your capabilities and experience in relation to the role.

Closing Date: Thursday, 4 September 2025 [10.00AM] 

Contact: For more information on the role please contact Emily Collins, Head of Sound NSW - emily.collins@sound.nsw.gov.au

For enquiries relating to the recruitment process please contact Natalie Caruana, Senior Talent Lead – natalie.caruana@dciths.nsw.gov.au

Working at the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport

At the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport we bring vibrancy to NSW by growing our creative industries and workforces, driving strong visitor and night-time economies, ensuring a responsible hospitality sector, and putting arts, culture and sport at the heart of our communities.

Together we:

• Create social and economic opportunities for the state
• Support the creation of jobs across the creative, visitor and night-time economies
• Prioritise First Nations artists, stories and culture
• Ensure arts, culture and sport are at the heart of  every community to be enjoyed and accessed by all 
• Drive visitation through events, campaigns and visitor experience development 
• Activate our night-time and creative economies to unlock unique precincts and community spaces
• Deliver a vibrant and responsible hospitality, liquor, racing and gaming environment
• Support NSW’s key Cultural Institutions to ensure access for all, enable community experiences and education and preserve the state’s diverse cultural assets and history.

We believe diversity across our department allows us to be a true reflection of NSW citizens. We are a respectful workplace committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. If you do require an adjustment during the recruitment process, please notify us on your application form.

A talent pool may be created from this recruitment action for ongoing and temporary roles for this role or similar roles that may become available over the next 18 months.