Manager Aboriginal Engagement and Employment

Manager Aboriginal Engagement and Employment

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Manager of Aboriginal Engagement and Employment to join our People and Culture team. Reporting to the Head of People and Culture, you will drive opportunities for Aboriginal employment, development, retention and career pathways across Ruah. 

About Ruah

Ruah is a leading values-driven employer in Western Australia’s community services sector. Our staff go boldly, not just supporting people in need, but working to end homelessness, end domestic violence and create opportunities for people struggling with poverty and mental health challenges.

Our professional team of operational and corporate services staff is backed by one of WA’s biggest Peer support workforces. Our staff reflect our commitment to diversity and inclusion, where difference is valued, celebrated and embraced.

By choosing to work with us, you are helping transform the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our community.

About the Role

This is a pivotal role dedicated to advancing Ruah’s commitment to Reconciliation. This position strengthens relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, enhances cultural safety, and drives sustainable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment outcomes.

You will be is responsible for leading initiatives to attract, retain and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff across Ruah. It provides cultural advice and consultation across People & Culture functions and partners with internal stakeholders to embed cultural knowledge and understanding into organisational practices.  The role includes management and coordination of Cultural Advisors, ensuring they effectively strengthen cultural safety across the organisation. Through this work, the position plays a critical role in ensuring Ruah is culturally safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace that supports the success and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and contributes to our Reconciliation Action Plan objectives.

As Manager of Aboriginal Engagement and Employment you will work closely with People & Culture Partnering team on any employee relation matters that arise with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.  

This is a full-time permanent position working, 38 hours per week from our main office in Northbridge and visiting our various site locations.

What we’re looking for

Under Section 50D of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, Aboriginality is a genuine requirement for this position.

This role would suit a candidate with demonstrated experience in leadership and management roles in human resources and/or learning and development.

It is expected that the successful applicant will be able to demonstrate the following:

Essential

• Demonstrated leadership and management experience within in human resources and/or learning and development, with a strong commitment to driving positive changes and improving employment outcomes.
• Proven ability to lead, coordinate and motive a team to achieve goals through collaboration and accountability.
•  Knowledge of employment practices (recruitment, employee relations, performance development, etc.), and training and development, including the design, development and delivery and embedding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness programs aligned to operational and strategic objectives.  
• Highly developed cultural capability with an ability to foster culturally safe workplaces, apply trauma-informed approaches and support initiatives for improving client outcomes.  
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage and inspire through written communication  public speaking, with highly developed interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated applied knowledge and experience across the areas of data analysis, risk management, financial management, including an ability to prepare budgets, business plans and funding submissions. 
• Collaborative and adaptable approach, able to work independently while building strong partnerships with colleagues and stakeholders to share insights, drive innovations that are sustainable. 

The following criteria are considered desirable:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of diversity and social inclusion- including gender, sexuality, disability, cultural, age, and linguistic diversity and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

What do we offer?

• A competitive salary
• 5 weeks annual leave + 17.5% annual leave loading (for award-based staff)
• 16 weeks paid parental leave, with flexibility to take at 32 weeks half-pay (uniquely, new staff can access 4 weeks paid parental leave after just 6 months’ service). 
• Free, independent and confidential access for you and your family to our Employee Assistance Program.
• Free Ruah-paid Journey Cover (insurance for when you're getting to and from work).
• Incredibly valuable Salary Packaging (to extend your take home pay) with:
• up to $15,900 core packaging
• an additional $2,650 in meal entertainment packaging
• benefits for salary packaging travel, accommodation, parking fees, education expenses and more!
• Opportunities to be active in the Ruah Community such as participating in a wide range of working groups, joining us at Pride events, being a part of a range of cultural events to promote and support reconciliation and much, much more! 

Required compliance documents:

• Current drivers’ license
• National Police Clearance Certificate

How to apply 

If you are interested in this position, click apply at the top of the page. Please submit a cover page addressing the selection criteria of no more than 3 pages along with a copy of your CV.

Closing date for applications: extended to 17 October 2025

For further information or a confidential discussion about the position please contact:

Gaynor Rowlands Head of People & Culture - gaynor.rowlands@ruah.org.au or Ruah's Executive Cultural Advisor Gail Beck - gail.beck@ruah.org.au

We are building a workplace where difference is embraced and encouraged - and to do this, we need people on our team who are representative of the clients we work with, who are passionate about change and courageous enough to stand up for what is right.

We are building a workplace where difference is embraced and encouraged - and to do this, we need people on our team who are representative of the clients we work with, who are passionate about change and courageous enough to stand up for what is right.  Everyone is welcome. Everyone belongs. 

We are committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All applicants will undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.