Aboriginal Cultural Lead

Kaya. Lead cultural governance and help embed cultural safety, respect, and accountability across HOPE.

About Us

Hope Community Services has walked alongside Western Australian communities for over 120 years, supporting people to live safer, healthier, and more connected lives.

HOPE delivers services across metropolitan and regional WA in family and domestic violence, alcohol and other drugs, mental health, youth justice, and community support. Our commitment to reconciliation, cultural safety, and genuine partnership with Aboriginal peoples is central to who we are.

About the Role

This newly established role aims to elevate Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing across our organisation. The Cultural Lead will have the opportunity to shape its focus, influence priorities, and help define how cultural governance and practices continue to evolve at HOPE.

Reporting to the Chief of People and Culture and working closely with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team, the position leads the development and implementation of HOPE’s Cultural Governance Strategy, ensuring Aboriginal cultural perspectives inform decision-making, policy, workforce practice, and culturally safe and response service delivery.

It is also incumbent on the position to maintain respectful relationships with Aboriginal communities, Elders, and stakeholders, ensuring Aboriginal voices meaningfully inform HOPE’s direction and practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and integration of HOPE’s Cultural Governance Strategy
• Establish and support a Cultural Governance Committee
• Champion cultural safety and culturally responsive practice across the organisation
• Influence organisational strategy, policy, and service design through an Aboriginal cultural lens
• Provide guidance on Aboriginal cultural protocols and respectful engagement practices
• Build and sustain strong partnerships with Aboriginal communities and key stakeholders
• Inform cultural capability-building initiatives across HOPE

What’s on Offer

• Permanent, part-time (3-4 days per week) role based in our Northbridge or Armadale office locations on Whadjuk Noongar Country
• Competitive salary, recognising your impact, skills and experience
• Generous salary packaging to increase your take-home pay
• A role where you can be involved across teams, regions and projects
• A values-driven workplace committed to reconciliation and cultural safety
• Professional development and leadership opportunities aligned with your individual journey
• The opportunity to create meaningful, lasting impact for Aboriginal families and communities

You’ll Need

Essential Criteria:

• This is an identified Aboriginal position, and requires a person accepted and acknowledged by the local Noongar community
• Demonstrated experience working respectfully with Aboriginal people, communities, and organisations
• Ability to provide cultural leadership and advice in organisational settings
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills
• Sound writing and reporting capability
• High-level communication skills and ability to engage across a broad range of audiences and contexts
• Experience in a similar role or demonstrated transferable skills

Desirable:

• Tertiary qualification in Indigenous Studies, Community Development, Social Sciences, or a related field

Mandatory Requirements:

• National Police Clearance (issued within the last 3 months)
• Current C or A Class Driver’s Licence
  

Next Steps

If you are an Aboriginal leader seeking a role where cultural governance, integrity, and respect sit at the centre of organisational decision-making, we welcome your application.

This position is identified under Section 50D of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) and Aboriginality is a defined criteria. HOPE is committed to creating a culturally safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace where Aboriginal people feel valued and supported.

Apply now with your resume and a brief cover letter outlining telling us about yourself, your experience and motivation for this role. People shortlisted will be initially contacted by email and phone. If you have questions, please contact Rachel Emer at hr@hopecs.org.au and we will respond or arrange a call back.