Job vacancy: Project Officer, First Nations Histories 2025

Job Description

Job vacancy: Project Officer, First Nations Histories 2025 Identified position Location – NSW (work remotely) Salary – starting from $67,480 pa (pro rata) + super and leave loading The History Council of NSW (HCNSW) is seeking to employ a PROJECT OFFICER, FIRST NATIONS HISTORIES The position is for two days (15.2 hrs) a week from March/April until 31 December 2025, with a possibility of extension, subject to funding. Applications close: Wednesday, 12 March 2025 (Note: The History Council of NSW considers that being Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position.) The History Council of NSW, Inc (HCNSW) believes that history shapes the present and the future. Through its work as a membership association and peak body in this state for historical organisations, the HCNSW fosters the practice and communication of history. For 30 years, and from a base within Sydney, the HCNSW has proven itself to be well-governed and relevant to its members, a supportive partner to many of the major cultural and academic institutions in NSW, and a positive force in the wider community, providing programs and services which showcase excellence and build capacity within the history sector. Funded by an annual operational grant from Create NSW, the HCNSW has received funding to enable the fixed-term employment of a Project Officer until the end of December 2025. It is anticipated that this position will continue after that time, funding permitting. A key strategic goal in our current Business Plan is to recognize the diversity of historical perspectives, including those of First Nations peoples, and encourage excellence in historical practice. To achieve this goal we are seeking to employ a Project Officer who will develop a program of activities that consolidates our work on First Nations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) histories and complements our current initiatives. THE OPPORTUNITY An exciting opportunity exists for a Project Officer to join our small, but passionate team primarily based in Sydney, with work from home arrangements in place for all staff. The role is based broadly in NSW. The Project Officer is accountable for reviewing, researching, recommending and producing First Nations programs for HCNSW Members and general audiences. The Project Officer works to establish and coordinate key partnerships to ensure effective program management and delivery. Duties and desired outcomes of the Project Officer role will include: Review the 2025 program of events and identify opportunities for First Nations involvement or current barriers to participation; Research & recommend new/additional event/content ideas to be produced in 2025 (e.g., Workshops, Seminars, Talks given by First Nations historians in collaboration with our cultural partners); Research and recommend new First Nations programs for HCNSW members (e.g., Historical research and internships with a First Nations focus); Create and expand networks connecting the HCNSW, its partner organisations and Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities with a view to embedding First Nations voices and perspectives into the future operations of the HCNSW; Evaluate program outcomes; Evidence of First Nations (Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander) descent through parentage, or identification as being First Nations, and be accepted in the community as such; A strong understanding and working knowledge of the diverse circumstances and cultures of First Nations peoples, particularly in the state of New South Wales; Evidence of ability to communicate effectively with First Nations peoples and communities; Evidence of a strong network of First Nations contacts across several communities, and proven abilities to expand these networks; Extensive lived experience researching and coordinating event programs, including program development, implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation; Proven experience in project management (research and events); Ability to maintain positive public relations with external stakeholders, HCNSW partners and colleagues. HOW WE RECOGNISE YOUR CONTRIBUTION Through our internal programs and employee benefits we aim to create an environment where you will feel supported by a First Nations Council member and subcommittee, and empowered to undertake your role effectively. These benefits include: Doing meaningful work that will help illuminate community understanding of First Nations histories; Flexible work environment – Work from Home, with some flexibility of hours; Location – the successful candidate will be resident in New South Wales and have access to internet capacity to conduct video meetings. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this position. CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS Wednesday, 12 March 2025 APPLICATIONS If this opportunity appeals to you and suits your skills, we would love to have a confidential conversation with you. Please reach out to our Executive & Strategic Development Officer at Please note that applications and Resumes will not be considered through this email address, and are only to be submitted via our online portal, accessed via the button above. Applicants are advised that the HCNSW reserves the right to conduct screening procedures on individuals selected for this role. *Under the provisions of section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW), an exemption has been given from sections 8 and 51 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) to History Council of New South Wales Inc to advertise, designate and recruit the position of a First Nations Histories Project Officer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people only. HOW TO APPLY Please fill out the application form via the button above, which includes the selection criteria. Include the following attachments: A brief cover letter (do not address the selection criteria in this letter – please address it in the online form). Referees – contact details of referees must be submitted within the online application form. FURTHER INFORMATION If you have further enquiries about this role or the application process after reviewing the application form, please contact Catherine Shirley, Executive & Strategic Development Officer of the HCNSW, at Find out more about our First Nations Histories program by visiting the dedicated webpage. THIS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY IS SUPPORTED BY THE NSW GOVERNMENT THROUGH CREATE NSW. #J-18808-Ljbffr