Cultural Heritage Unit Manager

About us

The Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation is a Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) appointed under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic.). We represent the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Traditional Owners of Melbourne and the Greater Melbourne region and take great pride in our responsibility for protecting and managing Aboriginal cultural heritage objects and places on Wurundjeri Country. The Corporation provides a range of cultural services, including environmental land management, cross-cultural education, traditional Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremonies, research, and cultural consultations.

About the role

The Cultural Heritage Unit Manager provides strategic leadership, governance oversight and operational management of the Cultural Heritage Unit to ensure the effective protection, management and advancement of Aboriginal cultural heritage across Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. As a Senior Leader of the Corporation, the position is responsible for directing the Corporation's Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) functions and ensuring compliance with all statutory obligations under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic.) and associated Regulations. The role leads a multidisciplinary team responsible for the assessment, evaluation and management of Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs), Cultural Heritage Permits (CHPs), heritage agreements, compliance activities and cultural heritage advisory services.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Cultural Heritage Unit consistent with the Corporation's Strategic Plan, Annual Business Plan, and cultural objectives
• Develop and implement long-term cultural heritage priorities, policies and initiatives that strengthen cultural heritage outcomes on Wurundjeri Country
• Support the CEO and Board through the provision of expert professional advice regarding cultural heritage legislation, policy, and emerging sector issues
• Identify emerging opportunities, risks and legislative changes affecting Wurundjeri cultural heritage interests and develop strategic responses
• Oversee the assessment and evaluation of Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs), Cultural Heritage Permits (CHPs), and other statutory heritage applications
• Ensure statutory responsibilities are delivered in accordance with legislative requirements, prescribed timeframes and organisational standards
• Provide authoritative interpretation of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006, Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2026 and associated policy frameworks
• Lead, develop and mentor Cultural Heritage Unit employees through effective supervision, coaching and performance management
• Build a high-performance culture founded on accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement and cultural integrity
• Contribute to the development and management of Cultural Heritage Unit budgets

About you

• Minimum 10 years' experience in Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management, Archaeology or a related discipline
• Demonstrated Senior Leadership experience managing specialist professional teams
• Extensive experience assessing and evaluating Cultural Heritage Management Plans and Cultural Heritage Permits within Victoria
• Significant experience working respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and Traditional Owner corporations
• Demonstrated experience providing strategic advice to senior executives, boards, or governing bodies
• Experience managing complex stakeholder relationships and negotiations
• Reasonable knowledge and appreciation of Aboriginal cultures and matters, including cultural safety and social issues
• Comfortable to work in all weather conditions, depending on the tasks required
• Working With Children Check
• National Police Check

Benefits

• Cultural alignment: Work with like-minded people to support and develop the Wurundjeri Community and Corporation and ensure the ongoing protection of Wurundjeri Heritage
• Collaborative culture: Work with a forward-thinking, diverse team that values your insights
• Growth culture: We invest in your development through career pathways, mentorship and training
• Top-tier benefits: Competitive salary and work-life balance perks that make a difference
• Make an impact: Be part of something bigger and help shape the services we deliver
• Not-for-profit salary packaging benefits, with the opportunity to earn tax-free income
• Free onsite parking

How to Apply 
Please apply by submitting your resume and cover letter via the “Quick Apply” button.

If you would like further details about the role, please email [email protected].

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are encouraged to apply.