Affirmative Measures, Assistant Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement

The Access and Public Engagement Branch is the public face of National Archives of Australia, delivering reference, description and research services, examination of records for release in the open period, exhibition, education and public programs, publishing (including digital publishing), marketing, partnerships and events on site at national and state offices, and online. All programs and activities support the key National Archives’ role of providing an accessible, visible and interpreted national archival collection.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement is responsible for the strategic and operational implementation of National Archives’ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander initiatives working with business areas across the organisation delivering related functions, policies and activities including collection management, agency engagement and access and public engagement onsite, offsite and online - to enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to connect to and access the national archival collection, archival services, and employment.

The Assistant Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement leads and supervises staff responsible for developing and delivering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander related projects, policy and initiatives of Strategy 2025-2030: Evolving National Archives.

Under broad direction the main duties of the role are to:

• Collaboratively develop and deliver the strategic direction of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement section.
• Work in accordance with the National Archives’ strategic directions and change agenda.
• Lead, supervise and mentor staff under broad direction, and collaborate with stakeholders to deliver programs of work and other policies.
• Provide expert and culturally appropriate advice, manage complex or sensitive projects, issues and risks, and make decisions relating to National Archives’ engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, groups, and organisations.
• Manage access Memoranda of Understanding with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and coordinate Aboriginal Advisory Groups and engagement.
• Coordinate, monitor, manage and review engagement, reporting, policies and procedures consistent with the Archives Act 1983.
• Represent the National Archives, build and maintain productive relationships; and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders at cross Agency meetings and other forums.
• Promote and apply the APS and National Archives values and contemporary people management principles and practices in diversity, workplace health and safety and participative management.
• Implement, promote and apply the National Archives’ Vision, Mission and Commitments as expressed in Strategy 2025–2030: Evolving National Archives and Our Values.

Relevant tertiary qualifications, experience in administration and management or archives or cultural heritage collection related fields and/or membership or eligibility for membership of relevant professional associations are desirable.

In the absence of formal qualifications, applied knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and history and evidence of skills, knowledge and equivalent experience relevant to the role are desirable.

Candidates are required to understand issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and have effective culturally appropriate engagement and communication skills.