Cultural Insights and Data Sovereignty Lead (Identified). Permanent Full Time - Location Flexible
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Job no: 505107
Employment type: Full Time
Location: Newcastle, Maitland & Hunter, Sydney, Darwin, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart, Melbourne
Categories: Strategy & Engagement
About the organisation
We have a commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by hearing their voices and taking action in partnership with community direction. We are committed to supporting and increasing opportunity and improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families, and communities. We value your cultural heritage and so do our clients. It is vital for our clients to be able to connect with our employees who actively support them and are connected to land and country.
Life Without Barriers is a leading social purpose organisation of 8,000 employees working in more than 500 communities across Australia. We support children, young people and families, people with disability, older people and people with mental illness. We work with people who are homeless and refugees and asylum seekers. Join a community of people dedicated to breaking down barriers.
We want to employ people who reflect the diversity of our clients to ensure we can support each client's individual needs and wants. We encourage people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background and people with disability to apply.
About the role
As the Cultural Insights and Data Sovereignty Lead, you will champion First Nations data sovereignty and cultural governance across our national footprint. Your leadership will shape how Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) commitments are tracked, interpreted, and communicated, ensuring they are meaningful, strategic and grounded in culture.
You will develop culturally secure data systems, design both-ways reporting tools and provide strategic insight that strengthens cultural accountability across the organisation. This role is deeply collaborative, requiring you to work with internal teams, cultural authorities and community partners to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are not only heard, but lead.
This position will influence executive, board, and national governance forums.
This is a permanent full time role offering flexibility to work from your preferred location, whether from home or one of our local LWB offices. While most of the work can be done remotely, occasional travel and office attendance will be required as needed.
Key responsibilities
- Lead all RAP tracking, analysis and reporting, internally and with Reconciliation Australia, SNAICC and sector partners.
- Embed First Nations data sovereignty principles into digital systems, practices and reporting frameworks.
- Co-design cultural governance maturity assessments and assurance mechanisms.
- Produce insights and updates that centre cultural knowledge, story and impact, including risk registers, evaluations, and progress reports.
- Influence organisational strategy to ensure First Nations cultural governance and sovereignty are embedded in all data and digital systems.
- Collaborate with communities, researchers, and peak bodies to amplify lived experience and shape systemic reform.
- Support and guide teams across Life Without Barriers with evidence based, culturally grounded coaching and leadership.
Skills & Experience
- Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or equivalent experience, with a demonstrated capability working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policy, advocacy, data, or cultural governance roles.
- Proven experience in First Nations cultural governance, data sovereignty and systems leadership.
- Strong knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, protocols and community aspirations.
- Proven experience working on RAP implementation or similar frameworks for change.
- Excellent relationship skills and experience working with senior executives, Boards and First Nations stakeholders.
- Ability to lead data analysis, evaluation and reporting that honours both cultural and technical rigour.
- Skilled in co-design, project leadership and navigating complex systems with integrity and cultural assurance.
- Commitment to continuous learning, truth-telling and strengths based practice.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and data tools such as Excel and Power BI.
Life Without Barriers considers that being Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position in accordance with Section 8 of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth), this position is a special measure designed to promote equality and improve employment outcomes for Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander peoples. Only Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.
Successful candidates will be required to clear probity checks including National Criminal History Record Check and Working with Children Check and relevant child protection checks per state.
Benefits
- Join one of Australia’s largest and leading social-purpose organisations
- Be part of an organisation that champions diversity, inclusivity, and equality
- Opportunity to make an impact in a sector that does work that matters
- Excellent salary packaging benefits through Maxxia and monthly rostered day off
How to Apply
Please include your resume and cover letter in one document. Click ‘Apply’ and follow the prompts. For any inquiries or assistance with adjustments, please contact Debbie Neil at recruitment@lwb.org.au.
Candidates with disabilities who require adjustments to the recruitment process or the application form in an alternate format can visit https://www.lwb.org.au/careers/ for information on our access and inclusion work and how to contact us directly.
Applications close midnight on Wednesday 2nd July 2025
Advertised: AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: AUS Eastern Standard Time
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